Amani Hansberry Signs Groundbreaking Two-Year Deal to Stay with West Virginia…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – June 21, 2025 — In a major boost to the West Virginia men’s basketball program, star forward Amani Hansberry has agreed to a rare two-year extension with the Mountaineers, securing his return through the 2026–27 season.
The agreement, while not a professional contract in the traditional sense, represents a multi-year scholarship commitment—an uncommon but increasingly strategic move in the NCAA transfer era. With players more mobile than ever, West Virginia’s decision to lock in Hansberry signals a shift toward long-term roster planning.
“This is more than just a scholarship renewal,” said interim head coach [Insert Coach Name], who took over after Darian DeVries’s departure in March. “We’re building around Amani. He’s the future of Mountaineer basketball, and this shows that commitment goes both ways.”
Hansberry, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward, transferred to WVU from Illinois in 2024 and quickly emerged as a fan favorite and on-court leader. In his first season in Morgantown, he averaged 9.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and shot 36% from three-point range. His performances in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament—where he dropped 19 points apiece on Gonzaga and Louisville—cemented his role as the team’s offensive engine.
“The love from the fans, the trust from my coaches, and the belief in our future—this is where I belong,” Hansberry said during a press conference on Friday. “I’m here to build something lasting. I want to help put West Virginia back in the national spotlight.”
Under the new two-year arrangement, Hansberry will receive guaranteed scholarship support, enhanced NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) marketing opportunities through WVU’s athlete partnerships, and mentorship for his post-basketball goals in broadcasting and media. The Mountaineers also pledged to build a player development plan tailored to his NBA aspirations.
While NCAA rules technically limit athletic scholarships to one-year commitments, the university’s administration confirmed that Hansberry’s arrangement is a “renewable multi-year agreement” approved within NIL and institutional guidelines.
“We’re committed to supporting our student-athletes not just for one season, but through their full development as athletes and individuals,” said WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker. “Amani is a special talent—and an even better person. He represents everything we want this program to be.”
Hansberry’s return is a stabilizing force for a Mountaineer team that saw major offseason turnover. Several players entered the transfer portal after DeVries’ exit, and WVU missed the NCAA Tournament last season. But with Hansberry anchoring the frontcourt, there’s renewed optimism that West Virginia can contend in the highly competitive Big 12.
“I know the expectations here,” Hansberry said. “I’m embracing them. I want to win a Big 12 title. I want to dance in March. And now, we’ve got two more years to make that happen.”
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