Darian DeVries named men's basketball coach at West Virginia after 6 seasons at Drake

West Virginia tapped Drake men’s basketball coach Darian DeVries on Sunday to move the Mountaineers past one of the ugliest years in school history.

DeVries signed a five-year contract, athletic director Wren Baker said. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed. DeVries' hiring came three days after Drake bowed out of the NCAA Tournament with a first-round loss to Washington State.

“Coach DeVries is a phenomenal basketball coach and an even better person and possesses all the qualities we desired in the next leader of our men’s basketball program,” Baker said. “His teams play hard and smart and are efficient on both ends of the floor. He has proven to be a strong recruiter and developer of players but even more importantly, a leader with integrity who develops character in the young men he coaches.”

The 48-year-old DeVries is a two-time Missouri Valley Conference coach of the year. He compiled a 150-55 record in six seasons and took Drake to the NCAA Tournament three times. Drake won at least 25 games in four straight seasons. The Bulldogs tied a school record for wins this season, finishing 28-7.