West Virginia University’s star player, junior forward Emmitt Matthews Jr., has announced his decision to leave the program effective immediately. The news comes after a heated dispute with head coach Bob Huggins, which sources close to the team confirm was the catalyst for Matthews’ departure.
Matthews, a fan favorite and one of the team’s leading scorers, had been a key contributor to the Mountaineers’ success over the past two seasons. His decision to leave the program has sent shockwaves throughout the West Virginia basketball community, with many fans and alumni expressing their disappointment and surprise on social media.
According to sources, the dispute between Matthews and Coach Huggins occurred during a practice session earlier this week. The exact details of the altercation are unclear, but it is understood that the two had a heated exchange, which ultimately led to Matthews’ decision to leave the program.
In a statement released by West Virginia University, athletic director Shane Lyons confirmed Matthews’ departure and wished him well in his future endeavors.
“We are saddened to see Emmitt go, but we understand his decision and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Lyons said. “We appreciate his contributions to the program and thank him for his time as a Mountaineer.”
Coach Huggins, known for his tough-love approach to coaching, expressed his disappointment at Matthews’ departure but acknowledged that the decision was ultimately Matthews’ to make.
“Emmitt is a talented player, and we’ll miss him,” Huggins said. “However, we can’t let one player’s departure define us. We’ll move forward and continue to work towards our goals.”
Matthews’ departure is undoubtedly a blow to the West Virginia program, which had high hopes for the upcoming season. The team will now have to regroup and find ways to replace Matthews’ production on the court.
As for Matthews, his decision to leave West Virginia marks the beginning of a new chapter in his basketball career. Where he will end up next remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – he will be missed in Morgantown.
