MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Darian DeVries sixth season at Drake will be his final one following Sunday night’s announcement that DeVries is set to become the 23rd head coach in WVU men’s basketball history.
WKMZ’s parent network MetroNews confirmed over the weekend that WVU and DeVries were working to finalize a five-year contract. Terms have not been disclosed.
“Coach DeVries is a phenomenal basketball coach and an even better person and possesses all the qualities we desired in the next leader of our men’s basketball program,” WVU Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. “His teams play hard and smart and are efficient on both ends of the floor. He has proven to be a strong recruiter and developer of players but even more importantly, a leader with integrity who develops character in the young men he coaches.
WVU will formally introduce DeVries later this week at a Thursday press conference.
DeVries, 48, was head coach of the Bulldogs the last six seasons and compiled a 150-55 record. He led Drake to the NCAA Tournament on three occasions and in each of the last two seasons, though his team never advanced beyond the first round.
In his first season leading Drake following the one-year stint of Niko Medved, DeVries led Drake to a 24-10 record and a regular season conference championship. That performance represented a seven win improvement over the prior season, but Drake missed the NCAA tournament.
DeVries led the Bulldogs to three tournament apperances in his final four seasons on the job.
An alumn of Northern Iowa where he played for four seasons, DeVries also spent 18 seasons as an assistant at Creighton under head coaches Dana Altman and Greg McDermott.