West Virginia University Men’s Basketball: A Rich History
The West Virginia University men’s basketball team is a storied program with a rich history that spans decades. From their early days to the modern era, the Mountaineers have left an indelible mark on college basketball.
Early Success and Notable Players
West Virginia’s journey began in 1955 when Hot Rod Hundley and Fred Schaus emerged as key players. This period marked a turning point for the team, setting the stage for future success. One of the most iconic figures to don the Mountaineer uniform was Jerry West, who led the team to an impressive 26-2 record in his rookie season. His impact was so significant that he helped the Mountaineers earn their first-ever #1 ranking and a victory over North Carolina.
Modern Era and Key Moments
The modern era of West Virginia basketball began with Darian DeVries as head coach, playing home games at the WVU Coliseum. Under his leadership, the team has achieved numerous milestones, including appearances in three championship finals: 1959 NCAA tournament final, 1942 NIT final, and 2007 NIT championship.
One of the most memorable moments came in 1961 when Rod Thorn took over as starting guard after Jerry West’s departure. Thorn led the team to a 23-4 record and an 11-1 conference mark, showcasing his leadership and skill on the court. The Mountaineers continued their success with a 24-6 record in 1962 under Rod Thorn’s guidance.
Recent Successes and Challenges
The senior class of 2001-2005 was one of the greatest teams in school history, advancing to the Sweet 16. Led by team MVPs Mike Gansey and Kevin Pittsnogle, they finished with an overall record of 77-51. The next season saw a projected weak team start strong but faced challenges, including upsets against Arkansas and Notre Dame. However, their victory over UCLA in a huge upset marked a significant turning point.
Bob Huggins took over as head coach after John Beilein left for Michigan. Under his leadership, the Mountaineers started with an 88-65 win over Mountain State and posted an eight-game win streak before losing to Oklahoma and Notre Dame. Despite these setbacks, they rebounded with victories against Marquette, Syracuse, St. John’s, South Florida, and Marshall.
Notable Rivalries
The Mountaineers have faced fierce rivalries over the years, particularly with Pittsburgh and Maryland. Their interstate rivalry with Penn State ended in 1991, but they maintain a strong multisport rivalry with Virginia Tech, especially in football.
Awards and Achievements
West Virginia has retired three jerseys in their history, honoring Jerry West, Rod Thorn, and Jevon Carter. The school holds multiple records, including career leaders for points scored, rebounds, assists, steals, games played, and double-doubles. Several Mountaineers have gone on to play in the NBA, including Jerry West, Hot Rod Hundley, Lowes Moore, Tony Robertson, Fred Schaus, Bobby Smith, and Rod Thorn.
Many current players are also making their mark overseas, with Joe Alexander playing in Israel, Devin Ebanks in Saudi Arabia, D’or Fischer in Israel, Kevin Jones in Japan, Jaysean Paige in Puerto Rico, Tarik Phillip in the UK, Nathan Adrian in Italy, Sagaba Konate in Turkey, Gary Browne in Australia, Taz Sherman in Finland, and Gabe Osabuohien representing the United States.
West Virginia University’s men’s basketball team continues to write its legacy, with a blend of tradition and modern success. From Jerry West’s legendary career to the current roster playing in overseas leagues, the Mountaineers remain a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
You want to know more about West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball?
This page is based on the article West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball published in Wikipedia (retrieved on November 29, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
