Friday’s preseason game took a frightening turn for the West Virginia men’s basketball team after forward Akok Akok suffered a medical emergency against George Mason.
Akok, a 6’ 10” transfer from Georgetown, exited the contest after suddenly collapsing in the early minutes of the second half during the charity exhibition in Morgantown, according to Schuyler Callihan of Mountaineers Now.
After being unable to stand to his feet, Akok was tended to by the WVU medical and training staffs for nearly 15 minutes, per Callihan. The fifth-year senior was eventually stretchered into an ambulance and taken to nearby Ruby Memorial Hospital, where he will undergo further evaluation, the program announced.
Although WVU has yet to issue an official update on Akok, Mountaineers forward Quinn Slazinski later shared an encouraging, post-game update saying his teammate was doing well and has already been texting his fellow players.
“Akok, all is well,” Slazinski told reporters. “He’s admitted overnight and we’re super proud with him sticking with us. Everything should be good. Really freak accident.”
A native of Manchester, N.H., Akok, who was born in Egypt, transferred to WVU during the offseason after spending last season with Georgetown following three years at UConn. The big man saw ample playing time for the Hoyas, starting 31 games and averaging 6.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in 30 minutes per game.
