West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball

The West Virginia Mountaineers Men’s Basketball Team: A Legacy of Glory and Triumph

Imagine a team that has not only etched its name in the annals of college basketball but also left an indelible mark on the history of West Virginia University. The West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball team represents more than just victories and defeats; it embodies the spirit of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. This team has won 13 conference tournament championships, including two Final Fours, and appeared in the NCAA Tournament 31 times. These achievements are a testament to their unwavering commitment and the passion that drives them on the court.

Head Coach Darian DeVries: Leading the Mountaineers into the Future

The West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball team plays its home games at the WVU Coliseum, a venue that has witnessed countless memorable moments. Since 1970, under the leadership of head coach Darian DeVries, the team continues to strive for greatness. Coach DeVries is not just a leader; he is a beacon of hope and inspiration for his players and fans alike.

Notable Achievements: From Jerry West to Today

The modern era of West Virginia basketball began in 1955 with the emergence of sophomore guard Hot Rod Hundley and newly appointed head coach Fred Schaus. Under Hundley’s lead, the team finished with a 19–11 record and earned their first NCAA tournament appearance. The team also had a successful season with Jerry West, who helped the Mountaineers to a 26–2 record in his rookie collegiate season. These early successes laid the foundation for future triumphs.

Key Players and Their Impact

Rod Thorn, stepping in as a sophomore guard after Jerry West left for the NBA draft, helped the Mountaineers to a 23-4 record, 11-1 in conference. The following seasons, Rod Thorn guided the team to several winning records and tournament appearances. In his final season, he led the team to a 23-8 record with an 11-2 conference record and finished unranked after losing in the NCAA tournament semi-finals but sweeping the Southern Conference tournament for the consecutive season.

Recent Seasons: From John Beilein to Bob Huggins

In the 2007-2008 season, West Virginia won the Big East tournament semifinals and advanced to the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament as a #7 seed. They beat Arizona and Duke but lost to Xavier in the Sweet Sixteen. The next season saw the team begin with a 4-0 record and later post a six-game winning streak before losing to Connecticut. Despite these challenges, they managed to capture the first Big East tournament championship and won the east region, advancing to the second Final Four.

Notable Games and Moments

Throughout their history, the Mountaineers have had some of the most memorable games. In 1949, Fred Schaus scored his 1000th career point in a 75–38 win against Geneva. In 1966, they defeated Duke 94-90. More recently, on February 20, 2001, West Virginia walked away at WVU Coliseum with a double-overtime 107–100 win against Villanova. March 18, 2005, in a 111–105 double overtime win against Wake Forest in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Cleveland, Ohio.

Postseason Success: From NIT to NCAA

The Mountaineers have appeared in the NCAA tournament 31 times. Their combined record is 38–31. They are two-time NIT Champions (1942, 2007) and have also appeared in the CBI tournament one time with a record of 1-1.

Notable Players: From Jerry West to Today

The Mountaineers have retired three jerseys in their history. Jerry West’s number was retired in 2009, Bob Huggins’ in 2022, and Rod Thorn’s in 2018. These players not only wore the uniform but also left an indelible mark on the team’s legacy. They have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to basketball.

Current Players: Jevon Carter and Others

Currently, Jevon Carter, a player for the Brooklyn Nets, leads the team on the court. Other notable players include Lowes Moore (Los Angeles Lakers), Tony Robertson, Bobby Smith (also a former NBA player and coach of the Los Angeles Lakers), Ron Williams, Mark Workman, Joe Alexander, Devin Ebanks, D’or Fischer, Kevin Jones, Jaysean Paige, Tarik Phillip, Nathan Adrian, Sagaba Konate, Gary Browne, Taz Sherman, and Gabe Osabuohien.

Conclusion

The West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball team is a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence. From Jerry West’s legendary career to today’s players like Jevon Carter, this team continues to inspire and captivate fans with its resilience and determination. The legacy of these Mountaineers extends far beyond the court, embodying the values of perseverance and dedication that define their journey.