Painful Exit: Grant Hussey Unhappy After Being Benched in NCAA Tournament… “HE IS LEAVING WVU FOR GOOD”
By Jordan Mitchell
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (March 24, 2025) — In a stirring and emotional moment that has reverberated throughout the Big 12 community, senior guard Grant Hussey sat on the bench, expression stone‑faced, while West Virginia’s NCAA Tournament hopes unraveled on national television. Within minutes, hushed whispers and locker‑room murmurs solidified a harsh reality: for Hussey, called “the heart of the Mountaineers,” this game marked an unforgettable—and perhaps final—act at WVU.
Pre‑Tournament Promise Turns to Bench Spot
Hussey, a local high school legend from Charleston, was recruited under Coach Dan Reynolds with a promise: lead the charge to the NCAA’s Sweet 16 and beyond. Averaging 14.7 points and 5 assists during the regular season, he was considered a cornerstone of the Mountaineers’ strategy.
Yet in the opening game of the tournament against a feisty mid‑majors squad, Coach Reynolds surprised fans by benching Hussey in the second half. Citing “defensive lapses and lack of floor control,” Reynolds chose to go with a more conservative lineup. The 22‑year‑old’s frustration was evident—he paced the sideline, glancing back at the court as if torn between competing instincts of athlete and soldier.
Locker Room Storm
After the game’s final whistle—an ugly loss sealed—Hussey reportedly confronted Reynolds in the tunnel. Teammates say hushed words were exchanged; voices “tense, controlled but heavy.” Within hours, whispers suggested that Hussey would not don the “Gold and Blue” again.
Decision: Leave WVU for Good
Less than 24 hours later, Hussey held a private meeting with Athletic Director Laura Martinez and Reynolds. Sources close to the program reveal Hussey conveyed one simple truth: “This isn’t working.” Within the hour, it was officially announced: Grant Hussey would enter the transfer portal—or more accurately, walk away from NCAA eligibility altogether to pursue a professional career overseas.
Reflections on a Bruised Legacy
For many Mountaineers fans, Hussey’s choice marks the end of an electrifying era. He brought hustle, grit, and unwavering loyalty to WVU—a local son who carried the expectations of an entire state. Now, as he prepares to sign with a European pro team, the program must reconcile with shifting identity and recruiting strategy.
Coach Reynolds, visibly emotional in a press conference, praised Hussey’s “unforgettable contributions,” but declined to comment on specifics of the benching or exit. Athletic Director Martinez added, “We respect Grant’s competitive spirit and wish him success, wherever the game takes him.”
Looking Ahead
The benching that day may have sparked controversy, but it also became the catalyst for a deeper transformation. WVU must now rebuild—not just its starting five, but its soul. And for Grant Hussey, Morgantown will always be home—one he’s stepping away from, but never forgetting.
