Darian DeVries : First Year Success
In his debut season as head coach of the West Virginia University men’s basketball team, Darian DeVries has not only defied expectations but has also reignited hope in a faithful fanbase that has witnessed plenty of adversity in previous years. Coach DeVries took over a program that saw its worst record in school history in the 2023-24 season, missing out on March Madness for the seventh time in 20 years. DeVries has engineered a stunning turnaround this season, leading the Mountaineers to a competitive standing in the Big 12 and positioning the team for a likely NCAA tournament berth. With only one returning player from the previous year, a new coaching staff, and unfortunate injury setbacks, his first-year success is extraordinary.
DeVries came to Morgantown in March 2024. He left behind a legacy at Drake University where in a 6-year tenure he carried a 150-55 record, with three Missouri Valley Conference titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances. The people of West Virginia are known nationally to have a hard-working, gritty culture. In previous seasons, success has been defined by teams showing these same traits on and off the playing surface. Fans often are skeptical when a new hire has no West Virginia background, for not instilling this same culture. Needless to say, Wren Baker hit a home run on this hire, as DeVries’ basketball team has shown a hard-working, gritty mentality. DeVries was tasked to build a new roster in his first few months as Head Coach. Tucker DeVries, Darian’s son, followed him from Drake to join him in West Virginia. This added an instant offensive scoring threat. Another addition included Javon Small, who wasn’t a stranger to West Virginia and other Big 12 conference teams coming from conference foe Oklahoma State. Toby Okani (UIC), Eduardo Andre (Fresno State), and Joseph Yesufu (who had previously played for DeVries at Drake 2019-2021) all came to WVU via the transfer portal. Other notable transfers are Sencire Harris and Amani Hansberry, who followed Assistant Coach Chester Frazier from Illinois. Jonathan Powell and KJ Tenner are true freshmen who committed to WVU shortly after DeVries arrival.
DeVries’ first season has had its challenges facing injuries within the team. Tucker, who was expected to be the cornerstone piece, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that sidelined him after just eight games. Senior guard Jayden Stone, another offensive threat, missed the entire season due to a preseason injury. Despite these setbacks, Coach DeVries adapted, leaning on players like Javon Small, who emerged as a vocal leader and offensive catalyst. Small has led the Mountaineers in scoring since Tucker’s injury, gaining national attention. DeVries has coached the Mountaineers to a well-balanced attack that sees contributions from across the roster.
The Mountaineers end their basketball regular season with a 19-12 record, 10-10 in conference play. This fanbase has seen an absolute masterclass from Darian DeVries, who has gained 4 ranked wins this season, with 3 being ranked in the top 10. (Gonzaga #3, Arizona #24, Iowa State #2, Kansas #7) The Mountaineers got their first win in program history at Allen Fieldhouse, defeating blue blood Kansas Jayhawks. WVU Basketball comes into early March with a beyond-amazing resume for March Madness. The Mountaineers will continue to prove the doubters wrong in the Big 12 tournament as the eighth seed, where they will play the winner of the TCU/Colorado game. So, Mountaineer fans, mark your calendars and free up your schedule because Darian DeVries and the Mountaineers are fixing to make a deep run in March.
