College Basketball Teams Begin First Day of Practice

Monday marks the first day of official practice for college basketball teams, moving to 20-hour weeks for programs. West Virginia is heading into year one under head coach Darian DeVries, which includes a new roster and staff.

During the spring, West Virginia’s staff dove right into the transfer portal, landing Tucker DeVries (G – Drake), Sencire Harris (G – Illinois), Amani Hansberry (F – Illinois), Toby Okani (F – UIC), Eduardo Andre (C – Fresno State), Javon Small (G – Oklahoma State), Joseph Yesufu (G – Washington State), Jayden Stone (G – Detroit Mercy) and Haris Elezovic (F – Laval). Scholarship freshmen Jonathan Powell (G), KJ Tenner (G) and Abraham Oyeadier (C) committed to DeVries’ staff out of high school. WVU’s staff also brought in Jake Auer (G) and Dylan Jay (G) this offseason.

The only player West Virginia returns from last season is sophomore wing Ofri Naveh.

DeVries’ new staff consists of Chester Frazier (AHC), Tom Ostrom (assistant), Kory Barnett (assistant), Nick Norton (assistant), Cavel Witter (assistant), Nelson Hernandez (director of player personnel/recruiting), Garrett Sturtz (director of operations), Jalen Cannady (video coordinator) and Ryan Horn (strength coach).

West Virginia will open its season against Robert Morris on Monday, Nov. 4. WVU will also host James Long and the University of Charleston for an exhibition game on Oct. 18.

College basketball is almost back.