Basketball

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- The West Virginia Mountaineers' basketball program is going to look a lot different next season! Kerr Kriisa, Pat Suemnick and Seth Wilson have already entered the transfer portal, and moments ago, Verbal Commits confirmed that Jeremiah Bembry will also leave the program and enter the portal. Bembry, a 6'5 guard from Bronx, New York, only played in 8 games last season, averaging 0.0 points, 0.5 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game for the Mountaineers last season. Bembry transferred to West Virginia prior to last season from Florida State, but was unable to get many minutes in his one season with the program. https://twitter.com/VerbalCommits/status/1780642478250717634 https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1780643488628941109  

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Darian DeVries has been on the job as the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers and very few details have leaked out about what he's doing behind closed doors to assemble his roster and coaching staff. Over the last couple of weeks, it was revealed that Nick Norton (who came from Drake with DeVries) will serve as an assistant coach/director of player development, Nelson Hernandez (who previously worked at Oklahoma State) will be the director of player personnel/recruiting and most recently, that former Illinois assistant coach Chester Frazier will be the Associate Head Coach of the Mountaineers. Now, according to Jeff Goodman, Kory Barnett will join the staff as well. Barnett, who just finished his 4th season as an assistant at Nevada, spent 6 seasons under Steve Alford at UCLA before that. According to his bio at Nevada, "Primarily focusing on Nevada’s defense, Barnett has helped the Pack reach exceptional heights on the defensive side of the court throughout the 2022-23 season. Nevada consistently ranked within the top-five of the Mountain West in numerous defensive statistical categories during the entire season." Barnett graduated from Indiana, where he earned his degree in sports communication in 2012. The Rochester, Indiana native and his wife Sarah have two sons, Brooks and Blake. https://twitter.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1780600872851960201 In addition, it was announced by Jeff Goodman that Trent Michaels will remain on staff as the Director of Basketball Operations with the team. There are still two remaining assistant positions available on the staff. Names that have been been mentioned include former WVU players Da'Sean Butler and Darris Nichols, as well as Akron assistant Rob Fulford.

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Although no official announcement has come from West Virginia University about his hiring yet, Chester Frazier took to social media late Wednesday night to announce that he has arrived in Morgantown as the new associate head coach of the Mountaineers! Frazier, 38, was an assistant at Illinois and a former starting point guard for the Fighting Illini, and he will now be the top assistant at West Virginia. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood revealed that Frazier was headed to WVU during a press conference yesterday, saying, "I'm excited for him. He came here wanting to win championships because he didn't as a player, and he came away with two. I'm excited his path as associate head coach is the next step. Excited it puts him back in a vicinity where his name recognition will really I think pay off for him in his desire to be a head coach. He was fantastic and wish him nothing but the best." Then, late last night, Frazier posted a picture of himself with new head coach Darian DeVries with the caption, "Sidney Dean and Billy Hoyle, you ready Coach Devries? - let's go get em!!!" The Sidney Dean and Billy Hoyle reference was from the 1992 film "White Men Can't Jump." https://twitter.com/WVUCoachFrazier/status/1780454166332162479 Frazier is considered a top recruiter and one of the best young coaches in the nation. Rumors have already leaked out about him potentially bringing multiple players with him from Illinois to West Virginia, including former four star recruits Sencire Harris and Amani Hansberry. Harris, a 6'3 guard from Akron, Ohio, entered the transfer portal after news of Frazier leaving for West Virginia started to come out. Harris was a four star recruit and ranked as the #62 player in the nation out of high school. As a freshman at Illinios two years ago, he averaged 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, and then redshirted last season. He's considered an elite defender and has a developing offensive game. Hansberry,  a 6'8 forward from Baltimore, Maryland, is also a former four star recruit who has a tremendous relationship with Frazier. He was the 2023 Maryland Player of the Year. He averaged 2.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game as a freshman in limited minutes last season, but he has huge upside and could potentially develop into a star player at West Virginia. In addition, it appears that Kaden Magwood, a 6'3 point guard from Mouth of Wilson, Virginia in the 2025 class, could also follow Frazier to West Virginia. Magwood was previously linked to Illinois, but Frazier was his lead recruiter there and Magwood de-committed when the Frazier news leaked. West Virginia offered him on April 13 and it's very likely that he commits soon.

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Earlier today, former four star recruit Sencire Harris announced that he was leaving the Illinois basketball program and entering the transfer portal. Harris, a 6'3 guard from Akron, Ohio, is known for his energy and effort defensively, and was ranked as high as the #62 prospect in the nation out of high school across different media outlets. As a freshman at Illinois, Harris averaged 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, and then redshirted last season with a knee injury. Now, Illinois assistant Chester Frazier on his way to Morgantown, Harris is expected to follow him to play for the Mountaineers. According to Fox Illinois & News Channel 20 Sports Director Dante Furco, Harris is believed to be headed to West Virginia. "I'm told that Harris was truly committed to staying, but Chester Frazier's departure led to a change in mind. He has a great relationship with Frazier." https://twitter.com/DanteFurco/status/1779871008821854229 Although Chester Frazier hasn't formally been announced as the new assistant coach at West Virginia, he is reportedly working behind the scenes and is expected to bring at least a couple of players from Illinois with him. In addition to Sencire Harris, former four star Amani Hansberry is also a player to watch to make the move to WVU. Hansberry, a 6'8 forward from Baltimore, Maryland, is also a former four star recruit who has a tremendous relationship with Frazier. He was the 2023 Maryland Player of the Year. He averaged 2.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game as a freshman in limited minutes last season, but he has huge upside and could potentially develop into a star player at West Virginia. According to 247's Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein, "Hansberry has some of the best hands in high school basketball, excellent footwork, and a very high acumen for the game. While he doesn’t have elite size or explosiveness, he’s versatile and able to impact winning in a variety of ways. He’s a scoring threat with both hands around the rim, poised in the post, crafty with his use of fakes, able to create space with his broad shoulders, and a very good passer from multiple spots on the floor. Simultaneously, he’s a reliable free-throw shooter and continuing to expand his face-up game, without sacrificing his efficiency. He’s a high-volume rebounder, able to win 50-50 balls because of his length and hands, and in all the right spots on both ends of the floor." With Frazier likely bringing at least two possible starters with him when he's officially announced as West Virginia's top assistant coach, the Mountaineers are on their way to putting together an outstanding starting lineup for the 2024-2025 season. https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1779135876620009873

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Former West Virginia forward Josiah Harris has found a new home. Harris, a 6'7 sophomore from Canton, Ohio, has chosen to play at Akron. Harris averaged 5.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season for the Mountaineers and will join two other former West Virginia players, Seth Wilson and James Okonkwo, at Akron. Both Wilson and Okonkwo announced that they have committed to play there a few days ago. https://twitter.com/jeffborzello/status/1779947908349182340 Here is what Harris had to say to Mountaineer Nation when he departed West Virginia: “Dear Mountaineer Family, I am referring to you as family because that is what you are. When I left my family in Ohio two years ago it was difficult, but knew that the departure would not be forever and that it was necessary in order to grow from a boy to a man. That is what West Virginia has done for me. I walked through the doors as a boy, and I am both saddened and proud to say that i must leave you a man, but a man who is truly blessed. Blessed to not only have a Bachelor's degree, but in May, a Master's degree that will be permanently engraved with the West Virginia University insignia.“  

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Moments ago, it was announced that former West Virginia players Seth Wilson and James Okonkwo have found a new home! According to multiple sources, both Wilson and Okonkwo have committed to play at Akron.  Wilson, a 6'2 junior from Lorain, Ohio, averaged 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 17.0 minutes per game for the Mountaineers last season. Wilson also shot 37.9% from three point range and provided great energy off the bench for West Virginia as a junior. Okonkwo, a 6'8 junior from England, showed moments of brilliance at West Virginia, particularly on the defensive end, but transferred to North Carolina last season and only averaged 1.0 point and 1.0 rebound per game in very few minutes for the Tar Heels. Wilson also played well at times, but he only has one year of eligibility remaining and reportedly wanted more playing time in his final year of eligiblity, so he entered the transfer portal last week. In his farewell message to Mountaineer Nation, Wilson said, "It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I want to say that it has been a blessing to represent this great University and state. I want to thank all of my coaches, advisors, supporters, and fans over these past three years." Best of luck to both Wilson and Okonkwo! Once a Mountaineer, Always a Mountaineer! https://twitter.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1779298272437321759

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Moments ago, it was revealed  by Jon Rothstein that Darian DeVries is hiring Nelson Hernandez as the General Manager of the men's basketball program. Hernandez was Director of Player Development at Oklahoma State last year under Mike Boynton. Hernandez was an assistant coach at Fresno State during the 2022-23 season and has more than a decade of Division I experience on his resume, having also served as video coordinator at Utah State (2010-14) and Clemson (2014-15), director of player development at Wright State (2015-16) and director of basketball operations for both VCU (2016-17) and LSU (2017-22). The Brooklyn native completed his bachelor’s degree at Utah State in 2013 and added a Master of Education in 2018. This is the role that Jay Kuntz held at West Virginia over the last couple of seasons under Bob Huggins and Josh Eilert. https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1779148540687647106

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- As The Voice of Morgantown first reported days ago, Chester Frazier will join the West Virginia Mountaineers coaching staff as the associate head coach! Frazier, 38, was an assistant at Illinois and a former starting point guard for the Fighting Illini. Frazier is also a former assistant at Kansas State and Virginia Tech, and is highly regarded as an outstanding coach/recruiter. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood announced to the media tonight that Frazier was leaving the Illinois basketball program to become the Associate Head Coach at West Virginia had the following to say about Frazier: "Chester Frazier is one of the brightest young stars in the coaching profession. Chester is a leader, a competitor, and a winner. He's achieved great success, as a player here and as a coach at both Kansas State and Virginia Tech. His work ethic on the court and on the recruiting trail, combined with the strong relationships he builds with players." Underwood added: “I'm excited for him. He came here wanting to win championships because he didn't as a player, and he came away with two. I'm excited his path as associate head coach is the next step. Excited it puts him back in a vicinity where his name recognition will really I think pay off for him in his desire to be a head coach. He was fantastic and wish him nothing but the best." Frazier, a Baltimore, Maryland native, earned a bachelor's degree from Illinois in recreation management in 2009. He and his wife Sarah (also an Illinois graduate) have two children, daughter, Chandler and son, Cameron. https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1778949263541559344?s=46

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Although the beginning of the Darian DeVries' Era at West Virginia has been slow in terms of news leaking out, this weekend will bring major changes to the program, according to multiple sources. DeVries has been hard at work on putting together a coaching staff over the last couple of weeks, and some of the names I've heard include Larry Blunt, a former assistant coach at Oklahoma State who also worked for DeVries at Drake, Rob Fulford, a current assistant coach at Akron who founded the Huntington Prep High School basketball program, as well as Da'Sean Butler, who is one of West Virginia's all-time greatest players and was an assistant for the Mountaineers last season. In addition to putting a coach staff together, DeVries will also welcome key players who are currently in the transfer portal for visits to Morgantown this weekend. Atin Wright, Toby Okani and Conor Enright are now all confirmed to be on the WVU campus. Enright and Okani both posted messages on Instagram, and I personally spoke to Wright, who informed me that the is "enjoying his visit so far." https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1778914206466580560 Wright, a junior guard from Hawthrone, California, averaged 14.1 points for DeVries' Drake team last season. He's had interest from several programs since entering the transfer portal, but it's likely that he will follow his former head coach and commit to play for the Mountaineers after visiting Morgantown this weekend. In addition to Wright, Conor Enright will join his former teammate on a visit in West Virginia this weekend. Enright, a 6'0 sophomore, averaged 6.9 points, 3.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game for Drake this past season, and he was Tucker DeVries' roommate this past season. Enright is a major energy guy off the bench and shot 43.9% from three point range last year, so he could be a very good reserve in the Big 12 Conference. Toby Okani, a 6'8 senior from Orange, New Jersey, averaged 11.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game at the University of Illinois Chicago last season. Okani, who will also be in town this weekend, has already visited St. Bonaventure earlier this month and is expected to take a visit to LSU next week. Although it's been a slow start to the Darian DeVries' Era at West Virginia, things should look very different for the Mountaineers' program in the next 48-72 hours.

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- It's been exactly two weeks since West Virginia University hired Darian DeVries as the next head basketball coach of the Mountaineers. Since then, it's been eerily quiet in Morgantown in terms of basketball news or updates. Last week, West Virginia hired Nick Norton as the team's assistant coach/director of player development for the Mountaineers, and Seth Wilson, Josiah Harris and Pat Suemnick entered the transfer portal, but other than that, there just hasn't been many/any updates. With that said, there has actually been a lot going on behind the scenes, and according to early reports, this is what we should expect with the Darian DeVries' era; DeVries is working hard, but he keeps information "close to the vest" and we won't hear much until it's officially announced through the university. Here's what I know so far, though: DeVries is working on finishing up with the hiring his coaching staff. There are rumors that a member or two of the staff under Josh Eilert could be considered. I've heard that Jordan McCabe's name has been tossed around as a possibility to remain on staff, and that would certainly be an excellent decision if it's made. McCabe is not only a former West Virginia player, he's also an up-and-coming coach and is connected to several talented recruits throughout the country. The other coach who has been mentioned as a potential assistant coach hire is current Akron assistant coach Rob Fulford. Fulford founded Huntington Prep. in Huntington, W.Va. In five seasons as head coach there, Fulford recorded a 139-18 overall record that included three consecutive seasons ranked inside the nation’s Top 10. Fulford is very connected in the recruiting circles and would be an outstanding addition to the staff. In addition to putting a coach staff together, DeVries will also welcome key players who are currently in the transfer portal for visits to Morgantown this weekend. Atin Wright, Toby Okani and Conor Enright are all scheduled to be on campus on Friday. Wright, a junior guard from Hawthrone, California, averaged 14.1 points for DeVries' Drake team last season. He's had interest from several programs since entering the transfer portal, but it's likely that he will follow his former head coach and commit to play for the Mountaineers after visiting Morgantown this weekend. In addition to Wright, Conor Enright will join his former teammate on a visit in West Virginia this weekend. Enright, a 6'0 sophomore, averaged 6.9 points, 3.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game for Drake this past season, and he was Tucker DeVries' roommate this past season. Enright is a major energy guy off the bench and shot 43.9% from three point range last year, so he could be a very good reserve in the Big 12 Conference. Toby Okani, a 6'8 senior from Orange, New Jersey, averaged 11.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game at the University of Illinois Chicago last season. Okani, who will also be in town this weekend, has already visited St. Bonaventure earlier this month and is expected to take a visit to LSU next week. Although it has been a slow start to the Darian DeVries Era at WVU, things are about to pick up in a big way this weekend. Expect at least one assistant coach to be hired and a couple of players to commit as soon as this weekend.

West Virginia's forward Pat Suemnick has made the decision to enter the transfer portal after spending the last two seasons in Morgantown. Under the mentorship of coaches Bob Huggins and Josh Eilert, Suemnick embraced his role on the team, particularly this season where he found himself playing a more significant role due to injuries. Despite the challenges, he showcased his skills, averaging 4.1 points and 2.6 rebounds per game across 21 appearances. Throughout the season, Suemnick's contributions were notable, especially in key matchups like the upset victory against Kansas, where he delivered a stellar performance, scoring 20 points and securing six rebounds. Expressing gratitude for his time with the Mountaineers, Suemnick took to social media to reflect on his journey, stating, "It has been an honor to suit up in the blue and gold for the past two years. I will cherish the memories and relationships I’ve built forever." https://twitter.com/suemnickpatrick/status/1778130607492542573?s=46 As Suemnick embarks on the next chapter of his basketball career, he leaves behind a heartfelt message to the Mountaineer Nation, acknowledging the warm reception he received as a player from Green Bay, Wisconsin. His departure marks the fourth player from West Virginia to enter the transfer portal this offseason, joining Kerr Kriisa, Josiah Harris, and Seth Wilson. Despite the changes, Suemnick's contributions and appreciation for his time in Morgantown will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and teammates alike.

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- When Darian DeVries took over the job as the new head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, he said that he reached out to former WVU head coaches Gale Catlett, John Beilein and Bob Huggins to hear their thoughts on what he can do to be succcessful in Morgantown. Bob Huggins, who was interviewed by WDTV 5 Sports at his annual Fish Fry, said he spoke to DeVries, but Huggins' response was...interesting to say the least. "He (Darian Devries) called me and I tried to explain to him that now is a bad time for me," Huggins said. "I mean, I've been in Southern West Virginia. I've been in Northern West Virginia. I've been in Charleston, I've been everywhere. I've been everywhere trying to help the people of the state of West Virginia. That's what I wanted to do. I wanted to see what I could do to help the people of the state of West Virginia." FULL CLIP BELOW:  https://twitter.com/WDTVSports/status/1777786434893856860 Huggins, 70, recently wrapped up his annual Fish Fry, where he reportedly raised "over $700,000" for cancer research. Huggins has also spent a great deal of time on the road in the state at speaking engagements. The question may have caught Huggins off guard, but you would expect him to say something along the lines of, "I hope Coach DeVries does well with the team and I will be here to support him in any way I possibly can." However, that clearly did not happen.

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Despite a very tumultuous year for Bob Huggins, he is still one of the most popular people in the state of West Virginia. Huggins, 70, faced disciplinary action from West Virginia University after making homophobic remarks on a Cincinnati radio station, then, a little over a month later, was arrested in Pittsburgh for a DUI. However, Huggins has gone to rehab and according to him, he has not had a drink of alcohol since his arrest, and he's doing his best to move on with his life after the difficult last year. Each year for the last 11 years, Huggins has hosted a fish fry to benefit lifesaving cancer care and research. In previous years, the money went to the WVU Cancer Institute, but unfortunately West Virginia University reportedly chose not to participate in this year's event. Instead, all donations went to the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Endowment in support of cancer care services at Vandalia Health and the Remember the Miners Scholars Program. This year, Huggins raised over $700,000 to support cancer research. Following a recent fish fry, Huggins said the following about the money donated: “That’s why we do it,” Huggins said. “Again, I lost my mother to cancer and to sit there by her bedside and see my mother struggle through months of cancer was a really, really rough thing. You know, you just obviously, you feel bad for all the people who have loved ones going through that. “And, you know, I just thought, you know, anything that we could do to help I think would be time well spent. You know, I think we have a great need for it here in this state.” https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1777837795827966149  

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Bob Huggins is one of the greatest college basketball head coaches in the history of the sport, and he apparently almost had one of the the best players ever on his team when he was the head coach of the Cinncinnati Bearcats. LeBron James appeared on the JJ Redick Podcast earlier today and said that growing up, it was his dream to play for Huggins at Cincinnati. "I love Cincinnati! With (Steve) Logan and Ruben Patterson and Kenyon Martin and all of those guys, and then when Kenny Satterfield stepped in and DerMarr Johnson...it was like, I don't know, I remember watching them as a kid, I remember growing up I wanted to play at Cincinnati because of the uniforms and because of Huggs." However, LeBron James instead opted to enter the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected #1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Huggins was forced to resign as the head coach at Cincinnati 2 years ago after being arrested for his first DUI. Watch the clip of LeBron James on the JJ Redick Podcast below: https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1777458505600967120

Morgantown, WV - Earlier this evening, WVU Forward Josiah Harris officially entered his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal. https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1777427286091800887?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Harris, who just completed his sophomore season in Morgantown, averaged 5.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Here is what Harris had to say to Mountaineer Nation: “Dear Mountaineer Family, I am referring to you as family because that is what you are. When I left my family in Ohio two years ago it was difficult, but knew that the departure would not be forever and that it was necessary in order to grow from a boy to a man. That is what West Virginia has done for me. I walked through the doors as a boy, and I am both saddened and proud to say that i must leave you a man, but a man who is truly blessed. Blessed to not only have a Bachelor's degree, but in May, a Master's degree that will be permanently engraved with the West Virginia University insignia.“ The Ohio native wished Coach Darian DeVries and the Mountaineer Basketball program success moving forward. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for updates on the transfer portal moving forward. (Photo by WVU Athletics)