West Virginia Mountaineers Basketball News: Portal Woes Continue, New Coach Earns Praise, and More
The West Virginia Mountaineers basketball program has been a whirlwind of activity this offseason, with roster turnover, coaching changes, and recruiting developments keeping fans on edge. Here’s the latest on what’s happening in Morgantown.
1. Transfer Portal Woes Continue
The Mountaineers have been hit hard by the transfer portal once again, with several key players deciding to move on. Most notably:
– Kerr Kriisa (G) has entered the portal after one season in Morgantown. The Arizona transfer was a key playmaker, averaging 11.0 PPG and 4.7 APG, and his departure leaves a major hole in the backcourt.
– Jesse Edwards (C), another impactful transfer from last season, is also exploring his options after an injury-shortened year. His potential exit would further thin WVU’s frontcourt depth.
– Josiah Harris (F) and Seth Wilson (G) have also entered the portal, signaling more roster instability.
With multiple departures, interim GM Jay Kuntz and the coaching staff are scrambling to fill gaps via the portal.
2. New Coach Darian DeVries Earns Early Praise
Despite the roster challenges, new head coach Darian DeVries has received strong reviews for his early moves. The former Drake coach, known for developing talent and winning consistently in the Missouri Valley Conference, has already made an impact:
– Landing Tucker DeVries (his son), the two-time MVC Player of the Year, was a massive coup. The 6’7″ wing averaged 21.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 3.7 APG last season and should be an immediate star in the Big 12.
– Retaining key pieces: DeVries has worked to keep Ofri Naveh (promising freshman) and Patrick Suemnick (emerging big man) in the fold.
– **Portal activity:** WVU is in the mix for several high-profile transfers, including **Javon Small (Oklahoma State PG)** and **Danny Wolf (Yale C)**.
Fans are optimistic that DeVries can stabilize the program after a chaotic season under interim leadership.
3. Recruiting Buzz: 2024 Class Taking Shape
While the portal is the immediate focus, DeVries is also making moves in high school recruiting:
– 4-star PG Labaron Philon (formerly committed to Kansas) is a major target.
– 3-star SF Amani Hansberry (Illinois transfer) has WVU in his top group.
If DeVries can land one or both, it would provide much-needed long-term stability.
4. Looking Ahead
The Mountaineers face an uphill battle in the loaded Big 12, but DeVries’ track record suggests he can turn things around quickly. The next few weeks will be critical as the staff looks to finalize the roster for the 2024-25 season.
Key Dates:
– NBA Draft Early Entry Deadline: May 29 (Will RaeQuan Battle stay in the draft or return?)
– Transfer Portal Closes: May 1 (but grad transfers can still move)
Stay tuned for more updates as WVU looks to rebuild under its new coach.
What’s your take on the Mountaineers’ offseason so far? Let us know in the comments!
