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West Virginia Basketball Resurgence Under Darian DeVries
The West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball program is undergoing a resurgence under new head coach Darian DeVries. After six successful seasons at Drake University, DeVries took a major leap in his career by joining the Mountaineers in Morgantown. He brought along his star-studded son, Tucker DeVries, and immediately got to work reshaping the program.
To rebuild the roster, Coach DeVries brought in eight transfers from across the country, with one standout emerging as a game-changer: Javon Small.
The Engine of the Mountaineers
Javon Small, a 6’3” guard from South Bend, Indiana, began his collegiate career at East Carolina University (ECU), where he played for two seasons. Last year, he transferred to Oklahoma State, and now, in his final year of college basketball, he’s thriving at West Virginia. Small is making a strong case for All-American honors this season, averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds, and nearly 5 assists per game.
Small’s ability to create offense, both for himself and his teammates, makes him one of the most dangerous guards in the country. He excels in isolation with step-back threes and uses his skill in ball-screen actions to penetrate the lane, where he either finishes strong or dishes out quality looks to his teammates.
In the 2024-25 season, Small has scored 20 or more points in seven games. His importance to the Mountaineers has only grown with Tucker DeVries potentially sidelined for the season due to injury.
Historic Performances and Big Wins
One of Small’s most notable performances came during West Virginia’s first-ever victory at Kansas’ iconic Phog Allen Fieldhouse. In the 62-61 win, Small played all 40 minutes, contributing 13 points, 6 assists, and 11 rebounds. His poise and leadership were crucial in this historic victory.
The Mountaineers’ challenging Big 12 schedule has given them opportunities to build an impressive NCAA Tournament resume. With marquee wins over Kansas, Gonzaga, and Arizona, West Virginia has proven they can compete with the nation’s best.
The Road Ahead
The Mountaineers, sporting their signature gold and blue, are poised to make noise in March. With Javon Small at the helm, West Virginia has one of the nation’s premier guards leading their charge. As the season progresses, the team’s success will likely hinge on Small’s ability to continue carrying the load offensively and steering the program toward a deep postseason run.
Look out for the Mountaineers as they aim to solidify their place among college basketball’s elite under the leadership of Coach Darian DeVries and the electrifying play of Javon Small.