What Happened With RaeQuan Battle? How Has NCAA “Failed” Him?

One of the best upcoming talents in college basketball, RaeQuan Battle has been among the headlines recently. The two-time transfer recently made an appeal to the NCAA regarding an eligibility waiver. Unfortunately, the premier collegiate association has turned down his plea.

Following this, the 6’5″ guard has been very vocal about the decision expressing his disappointment. He was hoping that his argument would be good enough for the NCAA’s “special circumstances” criteria.

RaeQuan Battle opens up about the NCAA’s decision

The talented No.21 of the West Virginia Mountaineers addressed this issue and released a statement on Saturday. He said, “I will not detail the trauma that I have faced throughout my childhood and college life. Those who do know my story understand how badly I need the game of basketball as part of a comprehensive process to improve my well-being and mental health. Anyone who watches or follows college athletics has seen, heard and been told over and over by the NCAA, especially in their advertisements, that they want the best for their student athletes’ careers and well-being. So, I expected the NCAA to understand the totality of my situation and why I chose to enroll and compete at West Virginia University this season. However, the NCAA has failed me, my family, my community, my team and everything they say they stand for when it comes to a student-athlete.”

Apparently, Division I athletes are provided immediate eligibility if they are making the transfer for the first time. However, someone aiming for a second transfer without a bachelor’s degree needs to seek a waiver. Further, the NCAA has made some rigorous changes in its criteria for two-time transfers to gain immediate eligibility this year.

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Soon after, Battle received some much-needed support from West Virginia’s coaching staff.

West Virginia comes out in support of RaeQuan Battle 

Interim head coach Josh Eilert has a very intimate and compelling relationship with Battle. Following the NCAA’s decision, Eilert and West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker issued a joint statement in support of Battle. They said, “RaeQuan clearly meets the criteria, but once again the NCAA has failed to do the right thing for the well-being and mental health of the student-athlete. The right thing would improve the life of a young student-athlete and correct his path to academic and athletic success.” 

Although the decision didn’t end in RaeQuan’s favor, there is no doubt that he is still a player to watch out for. The Big Sky Conference’s Top Reserve honoree averaged 17.7 points per game at Montana State in his previous campaign. Moreover, he also has 16 double-digit scores in his 35 games coming off the bench. 

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What are your thoughts on the NCAA’s decision? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.