West Virginia University (WVU) men’s basketball coach, Bob Huggins, has long been known for his gritty, no-nonsense approach to the game, building a program characterized by toughness, intensity, and defense. This mindset is now being passed on to new assistant coach, DeVries, who has taken up a mantra of treating every game as if it were the national championship. This approach, while intense, reflects a core philosophy that can not only elevate individual performances but also forge a collective mentality that could propel the Mountaineers to new heights.
The notion of approaching every game with the mindset of playing for a championship isn’t just about creating hype or building up a season. It is about cultivating a culture of focus, preparation, and urgency. In modern college basketball, where the talent gap between teams can sometimes be razor-thin, the difference between success and failure is often determined by the little things—how a team approaches every practice, how they prepare for each opponent, and how much they value each moment on the court.
By treating each game like it’s the most important contest of the season, DeVries aims to instill a sense of responsibility and commitment in his players. Every opponent becomes an opportunity to sharpen the team’s skills and prove their potential. There is no such thing as a “throwaway” game or a contest that can be taken lightly. This philosophy encourages the players to bring their A-game regardless of whether they are playing a top-ranked opponent or a lesser-known school.
The mindset also works to enhance the players’ mental toughness. In basketball, as in life, the path to greatness is paved with setbacks, distractions, and challenges. If a team views each game as crucial, they are less likely to succumb to complacency or overlook an opponent. A team that treats every contest as a championship battle will be motivated to give maximum effort in every play, every minute, and every second. Whether it’s a late-season matchup against a conference rival or an early-season game that doesn’t carry the same weight in the standings, the preparation and focus remain the same. This creates consistency—a trait that is critical for sustained success.
In addition, this approach has the potential to build team chemistry and unity. When every player on the roster understands the significance of each game, it fosters a shared goal: the pursuit of excellence. Players will be less likely to take shortcuts or focus on personal statistics, as the team will be focused on winning as a collective unit. Team leaders will step up, holding their peers accountable, while the younger players learn what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.
For DeVries, a coach who knows the high demands of top-tier basketball, this mindset might be seen as a way to prepare the Mountaineers for the pressure-packed environments of the postseason. March Madness is unpredictable, and having the mental fortitude to rise to the occasion in high-stakes situations could make the difference between an early exit and a deep run in the tournament. By treating each regular-season game with the same importance, DeVries ensures his players are battle-tested when the real pressure arrives.
Ultimately, DeVries’ philosophy of treating every game like a national championship is a call for discipline, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It is not just about winning games—it’s about developing a mindset that will last beyond any one season and prepare the team for whatever challenges lie ahead. In the world of college basketball, where the difference between a national championship and a first-round exit can often be razor-thin, this mentality could be the key to pushing the Mountaineers to the very top.
