West Virginia and AD Wren Baker are currently at work seeking to find the next leader as head coach of the men’s basketball program. We’re going to take a look at potential candidates over the next couple of weeks, or however long it takes. This series of “why and why not” will include any coach that has been linked to the WVU job in some form, realistic or not.

Darian DeVries, Drake

Why

Darian DeVries has built a program of consistency during his six seasons at Drake. The Bulldogs have won 20-plus games in each of DeVries’ seasons at the helm, with three NCAA Tournament appearances. Drake has one NCAA Tournament win from the play-in game vs. Wichita State in 2021.

Drake has a top-35 offense in the country, averaging over 80 points per game. The Bulldogs shot 37% from three as a team, which is 33rd in the country.

Before Drake, DeVries spent 17 years at Creighton, serving as an assistant under Dana Altman, current Oregon HC, and Greg McDermott, so the experience isn’t a question.

DeVries has been underrated in terms of the national scene as this is the first offseason where his name has picked up steam for multiple top jobs like Louisville, Michigan and West Virginia. While UofL and Michigan could shoot higher, DeVries could be available for a job like WVU.

Last June, West Virginia talked to multiple mid-major coaches during the transition between Bob Huggins and then-assistant Josh Eilert. Sources back then told WV Sports Now that a Missouri Valley coach was possibly talked to by West Virginia. DeVries very well could’ve been that MVC coach.

DeVries also has coached his son, Tucker, at Drake for three seasons. Tucker has won back-to-back Missouri Valley Player of the Year awards, averaging 21.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists this year. Tucker will most likely follow his dad to wherever he’s coaching next season for his final year of eligibility.

Why Not

There’s really nothing that strikes out as a reason why West Virginia shouldn’t want DeVries.

If there’s anything, WVU’s Baker put an emphasis on defense during his press conference on Wednesday. DeVries’ teams at Drake have been mostly okay on defense, with a couple of great defensive years in 2021 and 2023.

This season, Drake is allowing 70.5 points per game, 135th in the country.

Check out WVSN‘s series of why and why not with Dusty May (FAU) and Mark Byington (James Madison).