WVU Basketball Staff Trying to Re-Engage with 2025 4-Star G

Is the WVU basketball program back in the mix for a recently available top recruit? According to a report from On3 Sports, Darian DeVries and his staff have tried to re-engage with Chance Mallory after he de-committed from Virginia earlier in the week.

Mallory, a 5-foot-9 guard, withdrew his commitment following Tony Bennett’s surprising decision to retire on Oct. 17. Even though this would be the first time the current West Virginia staff will be pursuing Mallory, he’s certainly familiar with Morgantown.

4⭐️ PG Chance Mallory has heard from the following schools since de-committing from Virginia earlier this week @On3Recruits is told

Virginia Tech
Tennessee
Maryland
Miami
Creighton
Seton Hall
Iowa
West Virginia
Virginia
Villanova https://t.co/JHGC3KqyYP pic.twitter.com/jMVLWzYHA4

— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) November 1, 2024

Mallory detailed his experience visiting WVU for the 2023 football Backyard Brawl to WV Sports Now at the time.

“We went tailgating for the game, which was crazy. The environment was wild. I saw people tailgating as soon as I drove to town at 10 a.m. for a [night] game,” Mallory said.

“The fans were wild all day. They were loud and had a ton of spirit and hype for their team,” he added.

But since a big football game atmosphere may not be enough to persuade a basketball recruit, Mallory was also asked about the facilities.

‘The Environment Was Wild’: 4-Star G Chance Mallory on WVU Visit During Backyard Brawl

“The facilities were nice, they were all high end and the coliseum had a lot more history in it. It seemed like a great place for the game day atmosphere,” Mallory said. “The players were all just being themselves even around the coaches. They didn’t have to change their personalities when they were around the coaches. They all got along very well.”

The obstacle for the current staff in terms of Mallory will be re-establishing a personal relationship with him since he was initially bonding with former assistants Jay Kuntz and DerMarr Johnson.

As for who Mallory is as a player, he’s considered a top 50 prospect for 2025 and attends St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Virginia.

At STAB, Mallory averaged 17.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.2 steals during his sophomore year. Mallory is a multi-sport athlete, playing football for the Saints. Just days before his West Virginia visit, Mallory recorded 134 yards on five receptions with two touchdowns. On the court, Mallory is a true floor general at the point guard position.

“I try to get my teammates involved the best I can with the ability to score at a high level and shoot from anywhere,” Mallory said. “I’m working on my off-the-dribble game a lot more and my play at the mid-range and the rim as well.”

Mallory received offers from schools like Butler, Liberty, Maryland, NJIT, Radford, Seton Hall, UCF, Virginia, VCU, Virginia Tech and West Virginia before committing to Virginia. 

On3 Sports also reports that Creighton, Iowa, Maryland, Miami (Fl), Seton Hall, Villanova and even Virginia trying to convince him to commit again are the other programs who have reached out to Mallory since he opened his recruitment back up.

Find more coverage of WVU basketball recruiting at WV Sports Now.