Darian DeVries, the new head basketball coach at West Virginia University, has a unique connection to the program that dates back two decades. As a young assistant coach at Creighton, DeVries witnessed his team fall to WVU in a thrilling NCAA Tournament matchup in 2005.
The game, which ended with a last-second dunk by Tyrone Sally to secure a 63-61 victory for the Mountaineers, left a lasting impression on DeVries. Now, as the head coach at WVU, he still remembers the heartbreak of that loss.
Former WVU player and current Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey, who played a key role in that victory, also recalls the intensity of the game and the subsequent run to the Sweet 16 that captured the nation’s attention.
Reflecting on the game, Gansey and DeVries shared a lighthearted moment, with DeVries jokingly admitting that he has not yet forgiven Gansey for the loss. Despite the competitive nature of their conversation, both men have a mutual respect for each other and the game they played.
The 2005 NCAA Tournament run was a memorable one for WVU, culminating in a heartbreaking overtime loss to Louisville in the Elite Eight. Gansey still believes that the team had the talent and potential to make it to the Final Four, but ultimately fell short in a closely contested game.
As DeVries takes on the challenge of rebuilding the WVU basketball program, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for the history of the game. With Gansey’s support and the lessons learned from past defeats and victories, DeVries is poised to lead the Mountaineers to future success on the court.