After a long season and everything that has happened in the last year, West Virginia men's basketball has a true future ahead of them. The University announced late Sunday night that they had hired Drake basketball coach Darian DeVries to be the next head coach of the Mountaineers.
DeVries will step in and take over for interim coach Josh Eilert stepped in for legendary coach Bob Huggins. The University released a statement that Huggins stepped down after what was a controversial month for himself and the University, but Huggins denies he ever formally resigned.
However, what matters now is that the Mountaineers have their guy and everyone seems to be pretty happy about it. DeVries comes from Drake University where he put together a successful program for six years where he won 20 or more games in each season and had appearances in the NCAA Tournament in three of the past four seasons.
So let's check in on Mountaineer fans and see how they are liking the new hire.
— Scott Mann (@SMcGilla) March 25, 2024
Get ready for the sequel. pic.twitter.com/PQqrqA1wOi
— Jeff Ruff (@jeff_ruff) March 25, 2024
With DeVries heading to West Virginia, it is reported that his son Tucker DeVries will join his father at his new program. Atin Wright has already entered the portal after the news, does this mean he will also follow his former coach? Look out for the mass exodus at Drake.
Let’s Go!! https://t.co/tJWst4zyEq pic.twitter.com/115R17UaQX
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) March 25, 2024
Is @wrenbaker the best hire in WVU Athletics history? I think I can confidently say this.
— redcupwvu (@redcupwvu) March 24, 2024
Wren Baker was hired as the Athletic Director in November 2022 at West Virginia. It seems as though he has handled the job well with solid hirings and this just seems to be another one he can add to the list.
Incredible, best WVU basketball news in awhile, home run hire
— Pat Suemnick Enjoyer (@a_person58) March 24, 2024
This program has been beaten down all year long. They were at the bottom of the Big 12 for the majority of the season and blew a big lead in the Big 12 Tournament. This is a breath of fresh air for Mountaineer fans.
Tucker DeVries is listed as a 6-foot-7 guard/forward, who averaged 21.6 points per game at Drake this season
— Wesley Shoemaker (@wesleyshoe) March 24, 2024
He is back-to-back MVC Player of the Year and appears to be following his dad, Darian to #WVU https://t.co/Bj3GDaQMFD
This combination seems like it could work out well for West Virginia. A star coach and a star player seems like a match made in heaven.
I already love this man. @Coach_DeVries
— Jonathan Martin (@JonathanKMartin) March 25, 2024
DeVries: "I'm honored to lead this historic program which has an outstanding tradition and passionate fanbase. Gamedays in the WVU Coliseum are legendary."
— gold23blue (@gold23blue) March 24, 2024
Buckle up West Virginia fans, this should be a fun ride. Unfortunately, you will have to wait until next season to see him on the court in West Virginia gear. However, you can get a glimpse of how he will do recruiting-wise with the transfer portal open now.