A charity game between West Virginia and George Mason’s men’s basketball teams on Friday had to come to a sudden stop.
Akok Akok, a star transfer for the Mountaineers from Georgetown, suddenly collapsed to the floor during the second half of the game.
Akok was walking off the floor for the first media timeout of the second half when he went down, and then medical personnel immediately rushed to his side. Medical officials appeared to rip Akok’s jersey open and provide an IV during a delay.
He was taken off the court in a stretcher and transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for further observation, according to the team’s Twitter account.
The Voice of Morgantown cited Akok’s friend, Jose Perez, who said that Akok “has a heart condition.”
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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.”
Interim head coach Josh Eilert said after the game that Akok was in stable condition and in good spirits.
Once Akok was taken away, the game would continue. He would start texting his teammate’s congratulatory words after the team’s 85-78 comeback win.
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.
