West Virginia was the talk of the college basketball world on Sunday evening, as the Mountaineers found themselves the first team out of the NCAA Tournament after the bracket was revealed, while some controversial selections found themselves in the field.
The Mountaineers finished their season 19-13 overall, bowing out of the second round of the Big 12 Tournament with a loss to Colorado. However, after closing the regular season on the strong note, the Mountaineers were assumed to be a lock in the tournament despite the rough loss.
Fans were shocked that WVU were left out, but they were not the only folks left scratching their head on Sunday. Both WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker and WVU Head Coach Darian DeVries founds themselves confused at the decisions that were made, and took to Twitter/X to voice their concerns on Sunday night after the bracket reveal.
"Obviously, we are extremely shocked, saddened, and disappointed with not being selected for the NCAA Tournament," DeVries said. "We strongly believe we have a resume that is worthy of an NCAA Tournament team. I am extremely proud of this team and what they accomplished. They poured their hearts into this season and put all their collective efforts into making the NCAA Tournament, and I beleiev they did that."
"I can’t comprehend this team being left out," Baker said. "Our resume was better than several teams in the field and it’s a terrible travesty that we weren’t included."
Statement from coach Darian DeVries. pic.twitter.com/AWPchdJ3du
— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) March 17, 2025
Heartbroken for @WVUhoops. I can’t comprehend this team being left out. Our resume was better than several teams in the field and it’s a terrible travesty that we weren’t included. I have so much appreciation for @Coach_DeVries, our coaching staff and players. They deserved… pic.twitter.com/SDOemgXeZ0
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) March 16, 2025
The two were not alone in their response to the snub amongst those tuned into college basketball, and it wasn't just from WVU faithful -- ESPN's Dick Vitale and Matt Schick both voiced their thoughts on the Mountaineers getting left out as well.
The Mountaineers might still have a postseason opportunity though -- while the CBI and NIT brackets were released on Sunday night and did not include WVU, the inaugural College Basketball Crown sponsored by Fox Sports has yet to be announced, and does have a partnership to bring in Big 12 teams that have missed the NCAA Tournament.