WVU's DeVries Departure Triggers Recruiting Losses

Darian DeVries has left West Virginia University (WVU) to become the head coach at Indiana after just one season, a move attributed to Indiana's significant financial resources, which allowed them to offer him a much more lucrative contract worth over $30 million compared to WVU's $15 million deal. WVU athletic director Wren Baker acknowledged that financial aspects played a crucial role in DeVries' departure, despite attempts to negotiate better terms. Following the announcement, WVU is set to receive approximately $6 million from DeVries' buyout, which includes relocation expenses and obligations from his previous contract with Drake University. DeVries' exit has already impacted WVU's recruiting class, with top prospects Kelvin Odih and Trent MacLean decommitting from the Mountaineers. As a result, WVU faces a challenging transition period with significant roster changes imminent. The departure marks another setback for WVU's basketball program as it seeks to rebuild under new leadership.