Current, Former WVU Players Speak Out About Darian DeVries Bolting for Indiana…

Current, Former WVU Players Speak Out About Darian DeVries Bolting for Indiana…

 

In a stunning turn of events, Darian DeVries, the highly regarded assistant coach for West Virginia University’s basketball program, has made the decision to leave the Mountaineers for a coaching position at Indiana University. The announcement, which sent shockwaves through the WVU basketball community, has drawn both surprise and disappointment from current and former players, many of whom are vocalizing their opinions on social media and through interviews.

 

DeVries, who has been with WVU for the past four seasons, was known for his tireless work ethic, recruiting prowess, and ability to develop players. Under his guidance, the Mountaineers saw significant improvements on both ends of the floor, and his departure leaves a hole in a coaching staff that was already facing the pressures of rebuilding a program. Although DeVries’ move to Indiana is seen as a significant career opportunity, it has left a bitter taste for many in the WVU basketball family.

 

Former Mountaineer standout and current NBA player, Juwan Staten, expressed his feelings about DeVries’ departure in a recent social media post. Staten, who played under DeVries for two seasons, thanked him for the time spent mentoring him but admitted feeling betrayed by the timing of the decision.

 

“Coach DeVries was a huge part of my development as a player, and I’m grateful for everything he taught me,” Staten wrote. “But leaving right when the program needed him the most feels like a tough blow to the guys who are still there working hard. It’s a business, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”

 

Current players, too, have shared mixed reactions to the news. Several players, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed frustration at the sudden nature of DeVries’ exit. The Mountaineers are in the midst of a transition after a subpar season, and with several key players entering the transfer portal, the timing of the move has left some feeling uncertain about the direction of the program.

 

“I’m just trying to focus on getting better every day, but this definitely makes things a little more complicated,” one player said. “We’re losing a great coach and a guy who knew how to push us, but we also understand that this is part of college basketball. Coaches come and go.”

 

While some have taken to social media to criticize DeVries’ decision to leave, others have defended him, acknowledging that his move to Indiana could offer him new challenges and greater opportunities in his career. Former player and WVU alumni, Kevin Jones, who enjoyed a standout college career, shared his thoughts on DeVries’ departure during an interview.

 

“I totally get it,” Jones said. “The game is evolving, and sometimes, you have to make moves that align with where you want to go in your career. DeVries did a lot for this program, and I have nothing but respect for him. The guys at WVU will be alright. It’s just another hurdle for them to overcome.”

 

Despite the frustration surrounding DeVries’ departure, WVU’s coaching staff has already begun the process of filling the vacancy. While rumors swirl about potential replacements, there’s a clear consensus among players and former Mountaineers alike: the program’s future remains uncertain, but it is in the hands of the remaining coaching staff and players to keep pushing forward.

 

As the dust settles and the Mountaineers move forward, all eyes will be on how the team adapts to this change and whether they can continue to compete at a high level in the Big 12. For now, WVU basketball fans and players alike will be hoping for a smooth transition and a promising future, even as the DeVries era comes to a close.

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