A charity game between West Virginia and George Mason’s men’s basketball teams on Friday was briefly put on pause after a scary medical incident involving one of the players.
Akok Akok, a star transfer for the Mountaineers from Georgetown, collapsed to the floor during the second half of the game.
Ethan Bock of West Virginia Sports Now tweeted that several people surrounded Akok shortly after his collapse. He later reported that Akok was being stretchered out of the WVU Coliseum, roughly 13 minutes after collapsing.
WVU F Akok Akok down on the floor. Multiple medical people attending him
— Ethan Bock (@ethanbock_) October 28, 2023
Akok Akok is being stretchered off the floor after about 13 minutes
— Ethan Bock (@ethanbock_) October 28, 2023
The Voice of Morgantown cited Akok’s friend, Jose Perez, who said that Akok “has a heart condition.”
According to Akok Akok’s close friend Jose Perez, “he has a heart condition.” Very scary situation. #WVU
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) October 28, 2023
Shortly after Akok was stretchered out of the arena, the West Virginia team page tweeted an update.
“Akok Akok suffered a medical emergency during the second half of tonight’s charity exhibition game,” the update said. “He was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for further observation. More information will be provided when available.”
UPDATE: Akok Akok suffered a medical emergency during the second half of tonight's charity exhibition game.
He was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for further observation. More information will be provided when available.
— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) October 28, 2023
The game did continue after Akok was taken away. At its conclusion, Quinn Slazinski, one of Akok’s teammates on the West Virginia team, provided a more positive update.
“Akok, all is well,” he said, per Wesley Shoemaker of Blue Gold Sports. “He’s admitted overnight and we’re super proud with him sticking with us. Everything should be good. Really freak accident.” Slazinski added that Akok was texting the team.
Quinn Slazinski on Akok Akok: "Akok, all is well. He’s admitted overnight and we’re super proud with him sticking with us. Everything should be good. Really freak accident"
Slazinski added that Akok has been texting the players and continued to emphasize, "all is well"
— Wesley Shoemaker (@wesleyshoe) October 28, 2023
Akok, the 6-foot-10 forward, is a graduate transfer from Georgetown. Prior to playing the 2022-23 season with the Hoyas, he played at UConn from 2019-2022.
[Ethan Bock, West Virginia Men’s Basketball, Wesley Shoemaker]
