MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia forward Elijah Macon plans to turn pro and won’t return as a fifth-year senior next season, coach Bob Huggins announced Tuesday.
The 6-foot-9 Macon produced 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds while playing 16 minutes per game last year, career-best averages not quite befitting his status as a top-60 recruit when he arrived at West Virginia in 2013. Yet Macon’s performance peaked during the final 11 games last season when the Mountaineers reached the Big 12 tournament championship game and advanced to the Sweet 16.
“Elijah is in the process of completing classes during this summer school period that ends June 2 and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in August,” Huggins said. “I respect his decision to become a professional basketball player and to go make money to support his family. He had a great four years with us, and we wish him nothing but the best.”
While not considered an NBA prospect, Macon projects to have opportunities overseas — perhaps in the Chinese Basketball Association given his affinity for all things Zen.
Macon’s departure had been speculated for weeks, considering he was five years removed from high school. He initially signed with the Mountaineers in 2012 but rerouted to prep school upon failing to qualify. He redshirted during 2013-14 and subsequently appeared in 103 games over the ensuing three seasons.
With four-star signee Derek Culver attempting to qualify academically, West Virginia could have faced a roster overage had Macon stayed. As it stands, sophomores Sagaba Konate and Maciej Bender will be the returnees in the middle, with Culver potentially joining the program next month.