In a move that rekindles both nostalgia and ambition, Best Virginia has appointed Jarrod West as head coach for the 2025 edition of The Basketball Tournament (TBT). This marks West’s return to the helm after leading the team during its inaugural TBT appearance in 2019. A former West Virginia University (WVU) standout from 1994 to 1998, West is celebrated for his pivotal game-winning shot against Cincinnati in the NCAA Tournament, propelling the Mountaineers to the Sweet 16.
West’s coaching journey has been marked by dedication and success, notably as the head coach at Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg. His return to Best Virginia is bolstered by a seasoned coaching staff, including former WVU assistant Ron Everhart, who brings over a decade of experience from his tenure under Bob Huggins.
The 2025 TBT sees Best Virginia seeded third in the Charleston Regional, set to face DuBois Dream on July 18 at the Charleston Coliseum. This matchup is a rematch of their 2023 first-round encounter, where Erik Stevenson secured a narrow 70–68 victory with a clutch three-pointer.
The team’s roster is a testament to WVU’s rich basketball heritage, featuring alumni such as Erik Stevenson, Kedrian Johnson, Jermaine Haley, and Wes Harris. Adding a familial dimension to the squad, Jarrod West’s son, also named Jarrod, joins the team, bringing his experience from Marshall and Louisville.
Best Virginia’s management remains under the stewardship of John Flowers, a key figure from WVU’s 2010 Final Four team, who continues to serve as the team’s general manager. The Charleston Regional, running from July 18 to 22, promises intense competition, with other notable teams like Herd That (Marshall alumni) and Elite Nation vying for the $1 million winner-take-all prize.
As Best Virginia embarks on its sixth TBT campaign, the reunion of seasoned players and coaches under West’s leadership aims to blend experience with renewed vigor. The team’s journey in the 2025 tournament is poised to be a compelling chapter in its evolving legacy.
