As I sit down to analyze the West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball program, I can't help but draw parallels to what's happening in professional volleyball circles, particularly the PVL's approach to rebuilding teams. The recent news about the Van Sickles taking charge of the Angels' coaching duties with a clear mission to restore lost glory resonates deeply with what we're seeing in Morgantown. Both situations involve programs with rich histories seeking to reclaim their former dominance through strategic leadership and key player acquisitions.
Looking at last season's performance, the Mountaineers finished with a 19-15 record, placing them seventh in the Big 12 Conference standings. That's simply not good enough for a program that has produced NBA talents like Jerry West and Hot Rod Hundley. I've followed this team for over two decades, and what struck me most about last season was the inconsistent defensive effort - they allowed opponents to shoot 44.8% from the field, which ranked them near the bottom of the conference. Offensively, they showed flashes of brilliance but couldn't sustain it through entire games, particularly against ranked opponents where they went 3-7. The team's three-point shooting percentage of 33.1% needs significant improvement if they want to compete at the highest level.
What really concerns me is the pattern I've observed over the past three seasons. Since Bob Huggins' departure, the program has lacked that gritty identity that made West Virginia basketball so special. Interim coach Josh Eilert did his best under difficult circumstances, but the team never fully bought into a consistent system. The transfer portal has been both a blessing and a curse - we've seen promising players come in but struggle to adapt to the physical style of Big 12 basketball. The rebounding numbers tell the story perfectly - they were outrebounded by an average of 3.2 boards per game against conference opponents. That's unacceptable for Mountaineer basketball.
Now, looking ahead, the hiring of Darian DeVries from Drake University signals a fresh start. I'm particularly excited about this move because DeVries brings exactly what this program needs - proven success in building competitive teams and developing talent. His record at Drake was impressive, compiling a 150-55 mark over six seasons with three NCAA Tournament appearances. More importantly, his teams played disciplined, intelligent basketball on both ends of the floor. The key will be how quickly he can implement his system and whether the returning players can adapt to his coaching philosophy.
The roster construction for next season will be crucial. We need to see significant improvements in several areas, starting with backcourt leadership. The point guard position must become more stable - last season's turnover margin of -1.8 per game simply won't cut it in the Big 12. I'd like to see them target experienced guards in the transfer portal who can handle the physical pressure of conference play. The frontcourt needs more depth and athleticism too. They were outscored in the paint by an average of 6.3 points against top-tier opponents, which indicates they need more versatile big men who can defend multiple positions.
Drawing inspiration from the PVL's approach with the Angels, where they're bringing back championship experience in Lindsey Vander Weide, West Virginia would benefit tremendously from adding veterans who understand what it takes to win at this level. The Mountaineers have several promising young players, but they need that steadying presence - someone who's been through the battles and can guide the younger players during crucial moments. I'd prioritize finding a graduate transfer who can provide immediate leadership and production.
My prediction for next season? I see them improving to around 22-23 wins if they can stay healthy and the new coaching staff implements their system effectively. The non-conference schedule will be critical for building confidence and establishing roles. They'll likely start slow as players adjust to new schemes, but I expect them to be much more competitive in conference play by January. The key games to watch will be against Kansas, Baylor, and Houston - how they perform in those matchups will tell us everything about their progress.
Long-term, I believe DeVries can return West Virginia to the NCAA Tournament within two seasons. The foundation is there, and with the right player development and strategic recruiting, this program can absolutely return to its former glory. The Big 12 is brutally competitive, but West Virginia has the resources, fan support, and tradition to be a consistent factor. What they need now is patience and belief in the process. From what I've seen in similar rebuilding situations across sports, the teams that stick with their vision through early struggles often reap the greatest rewards. The Mountaineers' journey back to prominence won't happen overnight, but the pieces are falling into place for a significant turnaround.