Darian DeVries takes over coaching duties for Indiana Hoosiers
- Darian DeVries leaves West Virginia after a single season, where he achieved a 19-13 record.
- Indiana replaces former coach Mike Woodson following two years of missing the NCAA tournament.
- DeVries aims to build a championship culture for the Hoosiers, tapping into their rich basketball heritage.
In a significant move for the college basketball landscape, Darian DeVries has been appointed as the new head coach for the Indiana Hoosiers, following a disappointing season for both Indiana and his previous team, the West Virginia Mountaineers. The announcement was made by Indiana's athletic director, Scott Dolson, who highlighted DeVries' successful coaching track record and his alignment with the university’s aspirations to develop a championship culture. DeVries, after spending just one season at West Virginia where he led the team to a 19-13 record, previously excelled at Drake University, achieving remarkable successes in the Missouri Valley Conference. DeVries' coaching career spans 24 seasons, with the last seven as a head coach, during which he demonstrated a remarkable ability to elevate programs. Prior to his tenure at West Virginia, DeVries revitalized the basketball program at Drake, turning it into a formidable contender within the Missouri Valley Conference. His impressive 150-55 record at Drake included two conference regular-season titles, two tournament championships, and multiple 20-win seasons. His reputation for quick fixes and fostering a winning environment played a pivotal role in his selection by Indiana’s administration. The decision to hire DeVries comes after the Indiana basketball team endured two consecutive seasons without an NCAA tournament appearance under former coach Mike Woodson, prompting fan dissatisfaction. Indiana President Pamela Whitten expressed confidence in DeVries’ abilities to uplift the team, stating he embodies the pursuit of greatness that the university values, both academically and athletically. This change aims to rejuvenate a program with a rich history, adhering to the fans' and administration's expectations for success in future seasons. In the broader context, DeVries' appointment represents a trend in college basketball where programs are looking for coaches who not only bring a history of winning but also have the capacity to connect with players and campus communities. His immediate challenge will be to build a competitive roster and instill a winning mentality as Indiana seeks to reclaim its status as a powerhouse within the Big Ten and achieve success in the NCAA tournament in the coming years.