Mountaineers Embark on a New Era: Darian DeVries Leads West Virginia's Roster Overhaul

The West Virginia Mountaineers are embarking on a new era under the leadership of first-year head coach Darian DeVries. With the release of the 2024-25 Big 12 Conference schedule, the team's entire slate has been unveiled, and it's time to take an early look at the Mountaineers' prospects for the upcoming season.

Navigating a Challenging Transition with Optimism and Resilience

A Roster Transformation: Embracing the Transfer Portal

Darian DeVries has wasted no time in reshaping the West Virginia roster, bringing in a staggering 14 transfers to Morgantown. This influx of new talent, led by the highly touted 2025 NBA Draft prospect Tucker DeVries, the coach's son, promises to inject a new energy and dynamic into the Mountaineers' lineup. However, with so many new faces, the challenge of building team chemistry will be a crucial factor in their success.

Frontcourt Concerns: Addressing the Lack of Size

One of the primary concerns heading into the season is the Mountaineers' lack of size in the frontcourt. Eduardo Andre is expected to anchor the paint, but the team will rely heavily on freshman Abraham Oyeadier to provide valuable minutes in the middle. This lack of depth in the frontcourt could prove to be a significant obstacle, forcing the Mountaineers to adapt their game plan and rely more on their perimeter play.

Backcourt Leadership: Javon Small's Stabilizing Presence

While the frontcourt may be a source of concern, the Mountaineers' backcourt appears to be a strength. Javon Small is poised to provide the necessary stability and leadership in the backcourt, a crucial element for a team undergoing such a significant roster overhaul. The length and versatility of the Mountaineers' guards and wings, led by Tucker DeVries, could be a significant advantage, leading to some unexpected victories.

Navigating a Challenging Schedule: Opportunities and Adversity

The Mountaineers' non-conference schedule does them no favors, with a daunting matchup against Gonzaga in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. The first month of Big 12 play will also be a significant test, but DeVries and his team will have the chance to learn and grow through the adversity. However, the back half of the schedule appears to be more manageable, providing the Mountaineers with an opportunity to build momentum heading into the conference tournament.

Embracing the Underdog Mentality: Exceeding Expectations

Despite the challenges and roster turnover, Darian DeVries and the Mountaineers are poised to play above expectations. The team's lack of size and experience may be seen as a weakness, but the Mountaineers' length, perimeter play, and the proven scoring ability of Tucker DeVries could lead to some surprising victories. With DeVries' proven track record as a winner and the team's determination to prove doubters wrong, the Mountaineers may just find themselves in the postseason conversation by the end of the season.