The West Virginia Mountaineers came heartbreakingly close to securing an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament but ultimately missed the cut. In their first season under head coach Darian DeVries, WVU posted a 19-13 overall record and finished 10-10 in Big 12 play. Despite their solid performance, they were left out of the 68-team field a decision that has sparked debate.
Seven Big 12 teams did make the tournament, including Baylor, which had a similar 19-14 record and the same 10-10 conference mark. The Bears, however, were awarded a No. 9 seed and will face Mississippi State in the first round. Meanwhile, West Virginia was one of the most controversial omissions from the bracket.
Selection Controversy and Tucker DeVries’ Injury
Selection committee chair Bubba Cunningham cited “player availability” as a key factor in the decision, referring to the season-ending injury of WVU’s star player, Tucker DeVries, who is also the son of head coach Darian DeVries. The younger DeVries played only eight games before suffering an upper-body injury in early December, leaving him sidelined for the entire Big 12 schedule.
However, many critics argue that West Virginia proved they could compete without him, securing multiple quality wins down the stretch. Adding to the controversy, North Carolina where Cunningham serves as athletic director was awarded the final at-large bid, a spot many in Morgantown believe should have gone to WVU.
West Virginia’s Athletic Director Speaks Out
West Virginia AD Wren Baker didn’t hide his frustration over the snub, expressing his disappointment on social media.
“Heartbroken for [West Virginia basketball],” Baker wrote on X. “I can’t comprehend this team being left out. Our resume was better than several teams in the field, and it’s a terrible travesty that we weren’t included. I have so much appreciation for Coach DeVries, our coaching staff, and players. They deserved better than what the committee delivered today. Let’s rally around these young men and let them know how proud we are of them.”
Heartbroken for @WVUhoops. I can’t comprehend this team being left out. Our resume was better than several teams in the field and it’s a terrible travesty that we weren’t included. I have so much appreciation for @Coach_DeVries, our coaching staff and players. They deserved… pic.twitter.com/SDOemgXeZ0
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) March 16, 2025
Did WVU’s Early Exit in the Big 12 Tournament Cost Them?
West Virginia’s hopes for an at-large bid took a hit after an early exit in the Big 12 Tournament, where they fell to 16-seed Colorado in the first round. A deeper run could have strengthened their case in the committee’s eyes.
Despite the loss, many believe WVU had a strong enough resume to be included, making them one of the biggest snubs of this year’s March Madness. Their exclusion has left fans and analysts questioning the selection process and their athletic director isn’t the only one who feels they deserved a spot.
Be the first to comment