West Virginia’s NCAA Snub Sparks Controversy Over Tucker DeVries’ Injury

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia guard Tucker DeVries has become a focal point of discussion following the Mountaineers’ exclusion from the NCAA Tournament on March 17, 2025. The absence of West Virginia from the tournament roster, despite expectations from analysts, has raised questions, particularly concerning DeVries’ injury, mentioned by NCAA selection committee chair Bubba Cunningham.

In an interview with CBS Sports, Cunningham highlighted DeVries’ early-season injury as a critical factor impacting the Mountaineers’ chances. This assessment has drawn criticism from both fans and analysts, who argue that the team’s performance should not be overshadowed by the injury of a player who missed significant time.

DeVries, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, played his high school basketball in Iowa and was named Iowa Mr. Basketball in his senior year. His 18.5 points per game, coupled with over six rebounds and five assists, established him as a top recruit, with accolades recognizing him as the best player from Iowa in his class. Opting to play for his father, Darian DeVries, at Drake University, Tucker turned down offers from major programs such as Iowa State and Oregon to remain close to family.

At Drake, Tucker garnered multiple honors, including Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Player of the Year. He led the Bulldogs to several NCAA Tournament appearances and was instrumental in earning MVC tournament MVP honors twice during his tenure. Following his father’s hiring at West Virginia, Tucker transferred, but his season was cut short after just eight games due to a December injury.

While addressing the stranding of the Mountaineers from the tournament, WVU athletic director Wren Baker reinforced the administration’s support for coach DeVries. He remarked on the efficacy of the squad that achieved a 19-win season with no returning players, emphasizing the coaching staff’s commitment to building the program further.

“We are committed to reward success and continue building this program. I think [DeVries] feels very good about what he has here,” Baker said during an appearance on the Citynet Statewide Sportsline. “Our student-athletes deserve the agency in these decisions, especially after a season filled with challenges.”

Despite the NCAA’s decision, Baker expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments, emphasizing the unique challenge of assembling a new team consisting primarily of newcomers. “It is still a raw wound, and we hurt for our kids, especially our seniors,” he added, referring to the disappointment following the selection decision.

The controversy surrounding the Mountaineers’ exclusion is compounded by the inclusion of other teams, which has left fans and commentators questioning the selection committee’s criteria. Baker acknowledged the perplexity of the decision, indicating that the rationale of selecting other programs over West Virginia is difficult to comprehend from an objective standpoint.

As the discussion continues, Tucker DeVries’ potential return next season remains a hopeful prospect for both the player and the program. If granted a medical waiver due to his limited play this year, he will bring a wealth of talent back for the Mountaineers. Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Darian DeVries’ future, particularly with potential job openings at Iowa and Indiana, adds further uncertainty to the program’s trajectory.

Baker’s comments highlight a commitment to stabilizing the program and supporting DeVries amid speculation. “I think it’s common for successful coaches to be sought after. But we are focused on what we can build here and finding consistent success moving forward,” he stated.