West Virginia Basketball: Elijah Macon leaving to play professionally

Although West Virginia received good news regarding the return of Jevon Carter, Elijah Macon has decided to forgo his senior season and begin playing professionally.

In his three years of play for the Mountaineers, Macon was a solid player who consistently showed up to add his share of points and rebounds in 10-20 minutes per game. This last season was his best statistically, as he played in 16.0 minutes per game on his way to 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

He will surely be missed by West Virginia this upcoming season, but this is also a special time for Macon. As the Charleston Gazette-Mail reports, Bob Huggins had this to say about the decision:

"“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.”"

With Nathan Adrien and Brandon Watkins graduating in addition to Macon departing, the West Virginia frontcourt that made it to the Sweet 16 a season ago will be severely depleted. Sophomores Lamont West and Sagaba Konate will need to step up their game along with junior Esa Ahmad.

Bob Huggins always produces a good squad and with Jevon Carter coming back there should be no issues, although Macon will surely be missed during what would have been his last season with the team. In fact, Macon’s departure does help West Virginia in that they are now at the maximum number of scholarships allowed. Had Macon stayed on the roster, the Mountaineers would have had one too many scholarships and would have needed to lose one commit.

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In regards to Macon himself, it will be interesting to see where Macon ends up playing ball professionally as he is unlikely to get drafted to the NBA. Yet, Macon was a fun player in college basketball and will find a career somewhere.