In a significant development for college basketball, five West Virginia University (WVU) men’s basketball players, including standout guard Tucker DeVries, have entered the NCAA transfer portal following the departure of head coach Darian DeVries to Indiana University. This move comes in the wake of DeVries’ abrupt exit from WVU after just one season, during which he led the Mountaineers to a 19-13 record.
Tucker DeVries, a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, had previously followed his father from Drake University to WVU. At West Virginia, Tucker averaged 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game before a shoulder injury curtailed his season after eight games. He is widely expected to join his father at Indiana, bolstering the Hoosiers’ roster with his scoring prowess and versatility.
The other four WVU players entering the transfer portal have not publicly disclosed their intended destinations. However, their decisions underscore the broader impact of coaching changes on player commitments and team dynamics. The departure of these players represents a significant shift for WVU’s basketball program, which now faces the challenge of rebuilding its roster under new leadership.
Darian DeVries’ move to Indiana has not been without controversy. His swift transition, occurring just days after WVU’s season concluded, has led to speculation about the timing and nature of his discussions with Indiana. Some WVU players expressed skepticism through cryptic social media posts, reflecting the unease surrounding the coaching change.
As the transfer portal continues to reshape college basketball landscapes, both WVU and Indiana will be closely watched in the coming months. WVU aims to stabilize and rebuild its team, while Indiana looks to integrate new talent under DeVries’ guidance, with hopes of returning to national prominence.