Meet the WVU Basketball Team: Eduardo Andre, the ‘Center’ of Attention

One of the main concerns about Darian DeVries’ first WVU team heading into the season was if size would matter. Although the style DeVries wants to run is a run-and-gun tempo offense, he did secure one big man to offer some size.

Eduardo Andre stands at 6-foot-11 and 240 pounds, the size of a traditional big Mountaineer fans are used to. Andre, a transfer from Fresno State, is not unfamiliar with Power 4 basketball. He held offers from schools like Illinois, Texas A&M, Nebraska, and even a mid-major power like San Diego State.

WVSN photo/Kelsie LeRose

Ultimately, Andre ended up committing to Nebraska and spending his first two seasons there. Before arriving to Morgantown, Andre spent his last two years at Fresno State, becoming more comfortable with the college pace.

Andre is not one that will dictate the game by dominating in the post area.  He will help the Mountaineer’s when it comes to rim protection, running the court efficiently at his size, and be utilized in the pick-and-roll. Andre is averaging 6PPG on 77% from the floor, 4 RPG, and 2 BPG through three games– while only averaging 16 minutes per game.

During DeVries’ radio show, the first-year WVU head coach noted Andre’s impact. “He came in and did a really nice job, he gave us some rim protection. He also put some pressure on the rim in our pick-and-roll action…When he rolls, he does command a lot of attention down there (at the rim),” said DeVries.

Andre, now in his fifth year of college basketball, has taken a leadership role.

“(Trying) to guide everybody as best as I can, encourage and uplift everyone,” Andre said about adjusting to a new role.

“I knew coming into this I wouldn’t be a low block game, but I’ve enjoyed it. It took a little time at first (to adjust to).”

The versatility Andre has shown has flown under the radar, especially given he has had to revamp his style of play from what he is previously used to. However, having a 6-11 center who can run the court, rim protect, and efficiently kick it out to the perimeter from the block will continue to attract attention, while opening up shots for the guys around him.

For a related story, WVU basketball determined to learn from Backyard Brawl mistakes.