West Virginia men's basketball got it's first signature win of Head Coach Darian DeVries era on Tuesday as the Mountaineers stunned No. 3 Gonzaga in The Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament.
After a 2024 football season that has failed to meet expectations for many, which came after a historically bad men's basketball season last winter, WVU fans have been looking for something to celebrate. Luckily for those fans, the Mountaineers delivered a holiday gift for those waiting for such an occurence.
Immediately fans on social media began to react to the massive upset, with a number of them -- including WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker himself -- taking the time to troll CBS Sports college basketball reporter Jon Rothstein. Rothstein is famous for his taglines to describe different programs on Twitter, gaining traction amongst Mountaineer Nation with his tagline "West Virginia basketball -- tougher than a long weekend at your in-laws."
Rothstein announced earlier this month he was retiring that tagline now that the Bob Huggins era has fully come to a close in Morgantown and a new one would be birthed for the DeVries era in time. Fans wanted to let him know after the Gonzaga win that the tagline may still fit.
Dear Morgantown,
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 9, 2024
The "West Virginia Basketball --- Tougher than a long weekend at your in-laws tagline" was made to reflect Bob Huggins and Press Virginia.
That era is now over.
Tag lines CAN NOT and WILL NEVER be forced.
It is TBD if a new one will arise.
Sincerely,
JR
https://t.co/bkkYLCDXZs pic.twitter.com/O7sU1R4Com
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) November 27, 2024
So @JonRothstein is Darian DeVries still not tough enough for you?
— Huddy Tuddy (@HuddyTuddy3) November 27, 2024
AND STILLLLLLL TOUGHER THAN A LONG WEEKEND AT YOUR IN-LAWS
— Taste of Shine (@TasteOfShine) November 27, 2024
Some fans also pointed out the contrast between DeVries and WVU football Head Coach Neal Brown, as DeVries has now arguably gained a bigger signature win less than a month into his first season at the helm than Brown has in six seasons. Brown has been the subject of increbile scrutiny -- with many calling for his job -- and the vibes regarding the basketball rebuild are likely higher now than they've been at any point since Brown's hiring.
DARIAN DEVRIES YOU HAVE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED MORE THAN NEAL BROWN
— The Smoking Musket (@smokingmusket) November 27, 2024
We have officially climbed more in 5 games under D-Rock than 5 years under NB
— Not Tony Caridi (Never Trust Climbs) (@fauxcaridi) November 27, 2024
Darian Devries has won a bigger game within his first 5 games than the football program has in 6 years
— Garrett Greene Enjoyer (@GGEnjoyer6) November 27, 2024
Question: How’s the weather, and are you having fun?
— James (@mountaineerjdub) November 27, 2024
Other alumni, fans, and media members took the time to congratulate the Mountaineers, offer their analysis on the win, share their emotions, or just cook up their best memes. Take a look at the best of the rest social media reactions below.
Take me home, country roads. What a win for Darian DeVries and West Virginia over Gonzaga. Javon Small was unbelievable with 31 points. Amani Hansberry imposed his will with 19 and 8. Tucker DeVries came up clutch.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) November 27, 2024
And the Mountaineers earn a MASSIVE resume win.
Seeing a WVU team run an actual half court offense that generates quality looks is so refreshing.
— Randy Gyorko (@GooseGyorko) November 27, 2024
Great win for @WVUhoops and @Coach_DeVries! Keep it rolling! #HailWV
— Marc Bulger (@MarcBulger10) November 27, 2024
Bob Huggins accomplished a lot in his 16 years at West Virginia. There was only a handful of things he could not do.
— Myrtle Mountaineer (@MyrtleEers) November 27, 2024
Darian DeVries just achieved one of the few things Huggins could not do.
West Virginia has finally downed those demons and takes down Gonzaga!!! #WVU
a WVU win over #3 Gonzaga? For the first time? pic.twitter.com/SjAI7QLym4
— Madison (@madisonkelleyp) November 27, 2024
Tougher than a weekend at your in-laws, brother. pic.twitter.com/af37bv6gKg
— Clark Johnson (@_jamesclark3_) November 27, 2024
I’m a DeLiever. pic.twitter.com/GoSXBXXXew
— RedCupWVU (@redcupwvu) November 27, 2024
Darian DeVries has made me feel more joy and happiness today than I’ve felt for sports in a long time. Almost made a grown man cry
— Huddy Tuddy (@HuddyTuddy3) November 27, 2024
I wonder where all the Darian DeVries doubters are now? Don’t come out of hiding and support this team now. Just sit back and let the real fans enjoy this team. And this season. Keep your negative energy away.
— James (@mountaineerjdub) November 27, 2024
just crazy that darian devries did that in year negative two
— The Smoking Musket (@smokingmusket) November 27, 2024