<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=09oTL4_0wDiiMPk00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=09oTL4_0wDiiMPk00" width="1000" height="667" ><figcaption>Darian DeVries makes his debut as head coach of the WVU Men's basketball team as it takes on the University of Charleston in an exhibition game at the WVU Coliseum on Oct. 18, 2024. Photo by Jeremiah Howell</figcaption></figure>WVU Men’s Basketball defeated the University of Charleston 91-64 in an exhibition game at the WVU Coliseum Friday.First-year Head Coach Darian DeVries spoke about his first impressions of the team in a postgame press conference.DeVries said he thought the team played “within themselves,” and he was pleased with the effort they gave.“That first time out, a lot of times you can see some crazy stuff, but I thought our guys played very much within themselves and shared the ball,” he said. “I thought defensively, especially in the first half, I thought we had great on-ball toughness. We got a lot of hands-on balls, our activity was good. It slipped a little bit as the game went on, but I thought that was very encouraging as well. So overall, very pleased with the effort from the guys and plenty of things there that were positive.”DeVries said he thought the team settled in well and that nerves are to be expected in its debut of the season.“To be nervous, to mess up a little bit, you're just a little excited, going a little fast,” he said. “But again, I thought, especially the freshmen, I thought they came in, did some good things and settled in nicely.”Senior guard Javon Small scored 11 points in 19 minutes of action. DeVries said he was “terrific” and praised his unselfishness.“I think Javon's terrific. I think he's a great floor leader. He can score, he can get in the paint. He's one of those guys that kinda always plays within himself,” he said. “He has just enough to get by you, but he never seems like he's in a hurry. So very unselfish player as well.”The Mountaineers will open their regular season against Robert Morris University at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4 at the WVU Coliseum.</div></body>

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DeVries ‘pleased with effort’ in Men's Basketball exhibition game against Charleston

WVU Men’s Basketball defeated the University of Charleston 91-64 in an exhibition game at the WVU Coliseum Friday. First-year Head Coach Darian DeVries spoke about his first impressions of the team in a postgame press conference. DeVries said he thought the team played “within themselves,” and he was pleased...