WV Governor Jim Justice to Write Letter to NCAA in Support of RaeQuan Battle

More support on the way for the Mountaineer basketball guard.

Thursday afternoon, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice held an administration update briefing. In his 20-minute or so speech, he voiced support for WVU men's basketball guard RaeQuan Battle, who was denied immediate eligibility from the NCAA earlier this week.

"From what I understand from the coaches at WVU, this kid needs to play basketball. He needs it really bad. And they're worried about him. So from this standpoint, I'm going to write a letter to the NCAA requesting that they reconsider this decision because we want him to play here and he loves being here. And absolutely, I'm going to do everything I possibly can to at least try to convince them to reconsider their decision."

Gov. Justice holds administration update briefing - October 26, 2023 https://t.co/X3FWDnhCqz

— Governor Jim Justice (@WVGovernor) October 26, 2023

During yesterday's press conference, interim WVU head coach Josh Eilert spoke on the matter stating how important it is that Battle is able to compete this season.

"That's probably the biggest challenge for me. RaeQuan is such a great individual and a great teammate and a very positive person despite all the challenges he's had in his life. RaeQuan, and I've said this over and over, needs basketball in his life. He really does. If he loses some of that optimism, I worry for him. I have conversations with him daily and certainly it is a challenge for his mental health to not be able to compete but I'm never going to leave his side."

WVU is appealing the NCAA's ruling but a final decision could take quite some time.

Attorney General Says NCAA's Decision 'Raises Serious Legal Issues That Demand Answers'

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