The men’s basketball team at West Virginia has named Darian DeVries as its head coach.
W.Va.’s MORGANTOWN (KDKA) – Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker announced Darian DeVries’ appointment as the new men’s basketball coach at West Virginia University via a press release on Sunday.
DeVries and the university have reached an agreement on a five-year deal.
“Coach DeVries is a phenomenal basketball coach and an even better person and possesses all the qualities we desired in the next leader of our men’s basketball program,” Baker stated. “His teams are effective on both ends of the court and play with hustle and intelligence. He has shown himself to be an effective player developer and recruiter, but more significantly, he is a morally-driven leader who helps the young men he mentors grow into good men.”
DeVries played for six seasons at Drake, where he guided the Bulldogs to three Missouri Valley Conference championships and three berths in the NCAA Tournament. His 150-55 record included a 55-15 mark in the final two seasons.
Before the 2018–19 season, DeVries was hired at Drake, where coach guided the Bulldogs to six seasons with 20 wins.
“I’m honored to lead this historic program, which has an outstanding tradition and passionate fanbase,” DeVries stated. “The legendary gamedays held at the WVU Coliseum and the outstanding nationwide support for Mountaineer basketball are well-known.” I’m excited to expand on the program’s success.
“I’m grateful that Wren Baker and President Gee gave me this fantastic chance. I am happy and honored to be a member of Mountaineer Nation with my family. We are eager to visit West Virginia because we have heard nothing but wonderful things about the state and its people.”
Drake finished the 2024 season with a 28-7 record under DeVries’ direction, including the Bulldogs’ third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament and a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title.
Josh Eilert, who was hired coach following Bob Huggins’ resignation last year, will serve as an interim leader of the program until DeVries takes over.