West Virginia University’s new head basketball coach, Darian DeVries, has a unique connection to the Mountaineers that dates back two decades. As a young assistant coach at Creighton, DeVries witnessed WVU’s thrilling victory over his team in the 2004-05 NCAA Tournament.
The game, which ended with a last-second block by Tyrone Sally and a fast-break dunk to secure a 63-61 victory for WVU, left a lasting impression on DeVries. Now, as the head coach of the Mountaineers, he reflects on that game and the impact it had on his coaching career.
Former WVU player and current Cleveland Cavaliers general manager, Mike Gansey, also remembers the game vividly. He recalls the tense moments leading up to the final play and the exhilaration of coming out on top.
DeVries and Gansey recently reminisced about the game, with DeVries jokingly admitting that he still hasn’t forgiven Gansey for the loss. Despite the competitive nature of their conversation, there is a mutual respect between the two men for the role that game played in shaping their careers.
Looking back on that historic victory, both DeVries and Gansey recognize the significance of that moment in WVU basketball history. It was the start of a memorable NCAA Tournament run that captured the hearts of fans and showcased the resilience and determination of the Mountaineers.
As DeVries takes on the challenge of rebuilding the WVU basketball program, he carries with him the lessons learned from that fateful game against the Mountaineers. With a mix of nostalgia and determination, DeVries is ready to write the next chapter in WVU basketball history.