CBB Media and Insiders Give Thoughts on WVU Hiring Darian DeVries

WVU Basketball hired Drake’s Darian DeVries as the next head coach of the men’s basketball program. Following West Virginia moving on from Josh Eilert and conducting a national search, WV Sports Now reached out to college basketball media and insiders to get their thoughts on the best fit.

Now, we’ve reached back out to the same media folks to get their thoughts on DeVries to WVU.

Greg Peterson, VSiN

“I think the hire is made all the better by the fact that his son Tucker [DeVries] also follows him, giving the team both a good coaching hire and a player that would be one of the best in the transfer portal if he would have entered.”

Michael DeCourcy, Sporting News

“I think it’s a tremendous hire. DeVries has consistently been competitive or successful in the biggest games. He built a team that played attractive basketball based in toughness and precision. There are no guarantees with any coaching change, but West Virginia put itself in the best possible position under the circumstances.”

Kevin Sweeney, Sports Illustrated

“DeVries is a good hire. Winning as consistently as he did in the MVC at a job that hasn’t been consistently one of the best in the conference is a heck of an achievement. Did a great job getting guys better, retaining players and reloading last offseason. Plus, he has some pieces that could follow him that could help him win this year.”

Nick Lorensen, Mid-Major Madness

“Winners win and DeVries’ shown that over the last couple of seasons in the Valley. We’ve seen these midwest mid-major head coaches head into the Big 12 such as [Iowa State’s] TJ Otzelberger and have some success. Only thing that’s a bit different is there’s no true identity with his coaching and how will he do without his son? That’s where he’s had the most success at Drake. Lots of people love it though, so I’m leaning more towards hit than miss.”

Sam Federman, Mid-Major Madness

“I think he did a tremendous job at Drake, and his teams almost always play smart basketball. Remember, this is a Drake program that had won 20 games ONCE since the early 70’s, and he did it six straight years. Considering the fact that he could also bring Tucker and others with him, this is a very good move for West Virginia.

“One thing I was impressed by with Drake over the last few seasons was the ability to win games in different ways. They were able to win with both offense and defense in different times.”

Curry Hicks Sage, Search Szn Insider

“Very solid. Has shown himself to be a very good program leader who’s taken a fairly tough job and made it a very good one. Learned from one of the absolute best in [Greg] McDermott and spent over 15 years with him.

“And unlike Tommy Lloyd or Jerome Tang who spent extended periods with legendary head coaches before taking their first Power-5 job, he’s already gotten crucial HC experience.

“Navigating recruiting and NIL will probably come with a bit of a learning curve, but Creighton plays with the big boys so he’s been around some of that before.

“Strikes me as very professional and drama free, which seems to jive with Wren Baker’s disposition so I suspect their working relationship will be strong out of the gate.”

Tristan Freeman, Busting Brackets

“He’s proven he can win without his star son and WVU needs stability and consistency more than anything. But can he get the talent needed to compete in the Big 12? Whether Tucker follows him for a year or not may be the big question.”