Injured WVU Forward Naveh Eyes Fresh Start, Enters Transfer Portal MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – After a season marred by injury and frustration, West Virginia University forward Eli Naveh has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling a fresh start for the once-promising sophomore whose collegiate journey has been anything but smooth.Naveh, a 6’8” forward from Rockville, Maryland, was a highly touted recruit out of high school, known for his versatility, high motor, and smooth mid-range game. He arrived in Morgantown with expectations of contributing early, and glimpses of that potential were evident in limited action during his freshman campaign. However, his sophomore season was derailed before it even began.A torn meniscus during preseason workouts sidelined Naveh indefinitely, and complications during rehab kept him out the entire season. For a player eager to make an impact, sitting on the bench in sweats while his teammates battled through a tumultuous Big 12 schedule was a bitter pill to swallow.Sources close to the program say Naveh was a positive presence in the locker room despite his injury, often seen mentoring younger players and keeping spirits high during practices. But as the season wore on and WVU struggled to find consistency on the court, the writing on the wall became clearer: a reset was necessary.”After talking with my family, my coaches, and most importantly, taking some time for myself, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining,” Naveh posted on his Instagram Tuesday afternoon. “I’ll always be grateful to WVU for believing in me, but I’m ready for a new opportunity, a new challenge, and a fresh start.”While his time in Morgantown was limited, coaches across the country are reportedly intrigued by Naveh’s upside. Despite the injury, his pre-college scouting reports still hold weight. Known for his high basketball IQ and ability to stretch the floor, he could be a valuable addition to a mid-major or even a Power 5 program willing to invest in his recovery and development.“I think he just needs a situation where he can grow without so much pressure right away,” said one unnamed assistant coach familiar with Naveh’s recruitment. “When healthy, he’s a matchup nightmare – he can post smaller players, hit the 15-footer, and he’s deceptively quick off the bounce. But more than that, he’s a high-character kid. Some program’s going to get lucky.”The move also reflects a broader trend in college basketball: the portal giveth and the portal taketh away. With over 1,500 players expected to enter the transfer portal this offseason, finding the right fit has become as important as raw talent. For Naveh, the next stop isn’t just about minutes or stats – it’s about reclaiming a career that was briefly put on hold.He hasn’t hinted at specific destinations, though speculation has tied him to several East Coast programs, including George Mason and Towson, where familiarity with coaching staff could provide a smoother transition.For now, the only certainty is that Eli Naveh’s chapter at WVU has closed. Where the next begins, only time will tell—but if resilience and character count for anything, the best may still be yet to come.
