Darian DeVries Talks Candidly About West Virginia Job, His Son Joining Him, Roster Building

The 49-year-old DeVries immediately jumped to one main factor when asked how he knew WVU was the right place for him at this point in his career.

“There were a lot of reasons, and it started with the administration,” said DeVries. “I felt like they were really on board with what it takes to be successful and very much try to facilitate that in any way that they can. I think that was a big piece. I think the fans and the fan support is critical. When you are at these jobs, and they’re hard leagues, you’ve got to have a home-court advantage and (West Virginia) certainly has that.”

DeVries was also attracted to what it means to represent West Virginia and the history of the program as well.

“It’s a passionate fan base, and I love that part about it,” he added. “They really care about their hoops so that’s exciting, and their support in all aspects is critical in the recruiting world as well. There were a lot of things that made sense for us, and that’s ultimately why we decided to do it.”

On his son Tucker also becoming a Mountaineer, DeVries wanted to make sure the situation was also right for him and his a career.

“We talked about different jobs because he does have one year left, and I wanted to make sure he was good with whatever we decided and ultimately it was a no-brainer for him to come. He was coming wherever we felt like it was best, and he’s excited and looking forward to his last opportunity and having some fun with it,” detailed DeVries, hinting Tucker was coming with him wherever he ended up.

And for what most WVU fans are always wondering about – DeVries’ strategy and mindset for what his ideal rosters in the Big 12. DeVries and his now formed staff have been working tirelessly to add players in the transfer portal.

Ethan Bock / WVSN

“If you are going to win at this level, you need multiple guys and you have got to have a team full of guys that can all play well together and connected,” said DeVries. “I think that’s the biggest key when you are assembling a roster is making sure you are putting together a team and not just a bunch of individuals. I love the makeup of our roster right now. They are all very committed to winning, hungry and ready to go out and compete. I can’t wait for us to all get started here in a few weeks as we start our summer workouts.”

To this point, DeVries and his staff have added Tucker DeVries (G – Drake), Sencire Harris (G – Illinois), Amani Hansberry (F – Illinois), Toby Okani (F – UIC), Eduardo Andre (C – Fresno State) and Javon Small (G – Oklahoma State).

West Virginia lost Josiah Harris (F), Seth Wilson (G), Patrick Suemnick (F), Kerr Kriisa (G), Jeremiah Bembry (G), Kobe Johnson (G), Ali Ragab (C) and Noah Farrakhan (G) to the transfer portal so far.

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