Josiah Harris of West Virginia basketball enters the transfer portal and leaves a message for Mountaineer supporters

Dear Mountaineer Family,

You are family to me because that is what you are. It was tough for me to leave my family in Ohio two years ago, but I understood it was a temporary move that was required for me to mature from a boy to a man. For me, West Virginia has accomplished just that. I entered as a young man, and I am proud and saddened to inform you that I must leave you a man, but a man who is incredibly fortunate. We are fortunate to own not only a Bachelor’s degree but also a Master’s degree in May, which will bear the West Virginia University emblem for eternity.

Now, in order to grow in other ways, I must leave my West Virginia family, which will be just as tough as leaving my Ohio family.

I will always be appreciative of all of my coaches. To the late great Coach Huggins and his team, who helped set the groundwork for my time playing college basketball. To Coach Eilert and his team, who helped me learn that you should never give up even in the face of overwhelming difficulties. To all of my fans, whose constant support and spirit have inspired me. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all.

To the future Mountaineers team, I know that like a great phoenix you are ready to rise again under the guidance of Coach DeVries! I want to thank you West Virginia for the love you have shown me, the wisdom you have instilled in me, and the memories that I will carry with me always. This is my home and I look forward to returning time and time again with love in my heart and a pizza roll in my hand as a proud West Virginia University alumnus. This is not goodbye, this is see ya later. I am and will forever be a Mountaineer. Just like a country road, life is long and winding but no matter where that road takes me, my home away from home will always be here in West Virginia.

Harris shot 38% from the field (32% 3PT) and averaged five points and four rebounds per game while playing for the Mountaineers in 32 games last season. The 6’7″ native of Canton, Ohio, joins Kerr Kriisa and Seth Wilson as the third Mountaineer to enter the gateway since West Virginia hired Darian Devries. At his next trip, Harris will have two years left on his eligibility.

Only seven players from this season’s team, including two-time MVC Player of the Year Tucker DeVries, are still on the roster as a result of JoJo’s departure: Jeremiah Bembry, Noah Farrakhan, Kobe Johnson, Ofri Neveh, Pat Suemnick, Ali Ragab, and Aden Tagaloa-Nicolson.