Date: March 17, 2025
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Season Overview: The West Virginia Mountaineers concluded their 2024-25 men’s basketball season with a 19-13 overall record and a 10-10 mark in Big 12 Conference play, securing the 7th spot in the conference standings.Under the leadership of Head Coach Darian DeVries, the team showcased resilience and competitiveness throughout the season.
Key Players and Statistics:
- Javon Small (Guard): Averaged 18.6 points and 5.6 assists per game, leading the team in both categories.
- Amani Hansberry (Forward): Contributed 6.5 rebounds per game, anchoring the team’s defense.
- Sencire Harris (Guard): Led with 1.7 steals per game, highlighting the team’s defensive efforts.
- Eduardo Andre (Center): Averaged 1.4 blocks per game, providing a strong presence in the paint.
Season Highlights: The Mountaineers demonstrated their potential with notable victories, including a significant win against a top-10 ranked opponent in January, which underscored their capability to compete at a high level. Their balanced approach on both offense and defense made them a formidable team in the Big 12.
NCAA Tournament Controversy: Despite their commendable performance, West Virginia was notably absent from the 68-team NCAA Tournament bracket announced on March 16, 2025. This exclusion has been a topic of significant discussion among analysts and fans alike. Notably, the Mountaineers became the first unanimous selection on BracketMatrix.com to be excluded from the tournament, a decision that has raised eyebrows in the basketball community.
Selection Committee’s Decision: The NCAA Selection Committee’s choices have been met with scrutiny, especially with the inclusion of teams like North Carolina, which secured the final at-large bid despite a 1-12 record in Quad 1 games. The Tar Heels’ selection over teams like West Virginia has sparked debates about the criteria and transparency of the selection process.
Reactions from the Basketball Community: The Mountaineers’ exclusion has been a focal point in discussions about the tournament selections. Analysts have highlighted the inconsistency in the selection metrics, especially when comparing teams with similar or lesser records that made the tournament. The decision has led to calls for a reevaluation of the selection criteria to ensure deserving teams are rightfully included.
Looking Ahead: While the NCAA Tournament snub is a setback, the Mountaineers have an opportunity to showcase their talent in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Participation in the NIT offers the team a platform to continue their season, gain valuable experience, and set the stage for a stronger campaign next year.
Fan and Community Support: The Mountaineers’ fan base has been vocal in their support, expressing both disappointment over the NCAA Tournament exclusion and optimism for the team’s future. Local communities are rallying behind the team, emphasizing pride in their performance and anticipation for upcoming opportunities.
Conclusion: The 2024-25 season for the West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball team was marked by strong performances and notable achievements. Despite the NCAA Tournament setback, the team’s resilience and determination position them well for future success. As they prepare for the NIT and beyond, the Mountaineers remain a team to watch in the college basketball landscape.
