The West Virginia Mountaineers faced off against the George Mason Patriots in an exhibition college basketball game on Friday night. And a scary incident involving West Virginia forward Akok Akok marred what otherwise was a competitive and fun game.
Akok transferred to the program this offseason after playing last season with the Georgetown Hoyas. He played a big role on that team last year, averaging 30 minutes per game for the Hoyas.
The senior forward unfortunately collapsed on the court in the second half of Friday’s exhibition game. He was stretched off the court after attempting to get up, according to West Virginia beat writer Bob Hertzel.
Serious situation at the Coliseum with 15:56 left in the half, time out called. WVU's Akok Akok collapses in the corner and is down on the floor. Bringing out a stretcher. Tried at one point to get up and couldn't.
— Bob Hertzel (@bhertzel) October 28, 2023
Fans took notice of the incident and are obviously hoping for the best for Akok Akok.
Prayers Up For Akok Akok🙏🏾
— Brandon Phoenix (@IAlsoHatepitt) October 28, 2023
Scary situation in Morgantown. Akok Akok just collapsed. Prayers for the kid. #HailWV
— Brandon Lowe (@BLRPod) October 28, 2023
In the other exhibition match that started a little later between GMU and WVU had some unfortunate news
Akok Akok the Forward from WVU collapsed. Hope he is okay 🤞🏻 https://t.co/8sScAyYFDf
— Max Hofmeyer (@hoffy8121) October 28, 2023
West Virginia F, and former Georgetown player, Akok Akok collapsed during their scrimmage against Mason and is still down. I hope he'll be okay! 🙏
— Matt Modderno (@MattModderno) October 28, 2023
Akok Akok is one of the main reasons I got back into college basketball.
Hoping/praying that he’s ok. https://t.co/jC13bQaBq8
— Big East Bar Room 🎙 (@BigEastBarroom) October 28, 2023
West Virginia provided an update on Akok on social media shortly after the unfortunate incident, stating that he was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.
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
George Mason also posted a heartfelt message on social media about Akok’s situation.
“Our Mason Family is keeping Akok Akok in our thoughts,” tweeted George Mason’s social media team.
Tonight's game will resume shortly.
Our Mason Family is keeping Akok Akok in our thoughts 🙏
— George Mason Men's Basketball (@MasonMBB) October 28, 2023
West Virginia was able to win the exhibition against George Mason 85-78. But it’s obvious that there are far more pressing matters at hand regarding Akok Akok.
Luckily, there was a more positive update after the game. Fellow West Virginia player Quinn Slazinski told reporters after the game that “all is well” with Akok.
“Akok, all is well,” Slazinski told Wesley Shoemaker of West Virginia Athletics. “He’s admitted overnight and we’re super proud with him sticking with us. Everything should be good. Really freak accident.”
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
Slazinski also added that he has texted several other WVU players to let them know he is alright, which is obviously fantastic news.
[West Virginia Basketball on Twitter]
