The arrival of Darian DeVries as head coach at West Virginia University (WVU) marked the beginning of a new era for the Mountaineers basketball program, one that would bring excitement, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. His first wins as head coach were pivotal not only in establishing his coaching philosophy but also in proving that the team had the potential to rise back to national prominence after a period of rebuilding. These initial victories became the foundation on which DeVries would build his WVU legacy, creating a momentum that would resonate through the program for years to come.
Darian DeVries, known for his disciplined yet aggressive approach to coaching, came to WVU with a track record of success, having previously turned around the Drake University basketball program. His style of play focused on efficient offense, tough defense, and building a strong team-oriented culture. He inherited a WVU team that had shown flashes of potential but lacked consistency. The Mountaineers had experienced several years of underachievement and were in need of a fresh vision, which DeVries was eager to provide.
The first victory for DeVries came in the opening game of the season, a crucial moment that set the tone for what was to come. WVU faced a challenging non-conference opponent, and DeVries’ squad displayed signs of cohesion and defensive tenacity, winning by a double-digit margin. It was not just the scoreline that was important, but the manner in which the team executed DeVries’ system. Players adapted quickly to his emphasis on ball movement, creating open shots, and pressing opponents on defense. The win was a statement to both the fanbase and the broader college basketball community that WVU was ready to compete at a high level once again.
However, it was not just the first win that mattered; it was the team’s ability to build on that success. In the games that followed, DeVries’ Mountaineers showcased resilience, with the coach making key in-game adjustments and demonstrating a keen sense of strategy. The second win, in particular, was a dramatic one, as the team overcame a late-game deficit to claim a victory on the road. This victory highlighted the mental toughness DeVries instilled in his players—an ability to stay calm under pressure and execute when it mattered most. It also underscored his ability to get the best out of his players, particularly in high-stakes moments.
For WVU fans, these early victories under DeVries were a breath of fresh air. After years of fluctuating success, the Mountaineers’ early wins in the Darian DeVries era offered a glimpse of what was possible under his leadership. There was renewed excitement surrounding the team, as DeVries’ emphasis on building a solid foundation began to pay off in tangible ways. With each subsequent win, the belief in the team’s potential grew stronger, and the expectations for the season continued to rise.
In the larger context of DeVries’ tenure, those first wins were not just about a successful start to the season; they symbolized the dawn of a new era. They represented a shift in mindset—where the team moved from merely hoping to win to genuinely expecting success. DeVries had set the tone for what WVU basketball could become under his guidance: a program that played hard, played smart, and played with an intensity that matched the passion of its fans.
Those first wins from the Darian DeVries era were, in many ways, the beginning of something special for WVU basketball—a fresh chapter brimming with promise and the potential to once again make the Mountaineers a national powerhouse.
