Tucker DeVries, a senior guard-forward for the West Virginia Mountaineers, has faced a challenging season due to an upper-body injury that has sidelined him since early December 2024. Despite initial hopes for recovery, it was announced on February 4, 2025, that DeVries would undergo season-ending surgery, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
DeVries transferred to West Virginia University (WVU) following his father, Darian DeVries, who assumed the head coaching position for the Mountaineers after a successful tenure at Drake University. At Drake, Tucker DeVries distinguished himself as a two-time Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Player of the Year, leading the Bulldogs to multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
His move to WVU was highly anticipated, with expectations that he would significantly bolster the Mountaineers’ lineup.
In the initial eight games of the season, DeVries lived up to expectations, averaging 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. His standout performance came during the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, where he scored 26 points, including eight three-pointers, in an overtime victory against Arizona.
However, his momentum was halted following a game against Georgetown on December 6, after which he was sidelined indefinitely due to an upper-body injury.
The decision to proceed with surgery came after extensive consultations with medical professionals, as DeVries made concerted efforts to return to the court. Head coach Darian DeVries expressed his son’s determination, stating, “Tucker did everything he could to get back on the court this season, but unfortunately it has been determined by all parties involved that surgery is necessary.” The expected recovery period is approximately three months.
In light of this development, WVU plans to apply for a medical redshirt for DeVries, allowing him an additional year of eligibility. Coach DeVries conveyed optimism about his son’s return, saying, “We will apply for a medical redshirt and certainly look forward for Tucker to come back healthy for his final year.”
This move underscores the program’s commitment to DeVries’ long-term health and contributions to the team.
The Mountaineers have faced challenges in DeVries’ absence, recording an 8-5 record without him. Despite this, they secured notable victories against top-10 teams such as Kansas and Iowa State, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Freshman Jonathan Powell has stepped into the starting lineup, providing valuable minutes and contributing to the team’s efforts to maintain competitiveness in the highly challenging Big 12 Conference.
The loss of DeVries is significant, not only due to his on-court performance but also because of his leadership and experience. As the team navigates the remainder of the season, the focus will be on collective effort and the development of younger players to fill the void left by DeVries’ absence. The coaching staff remains confident in the team’s ability to adapt, with Coach DeVries stating, “I have complete confidence in our team that they will continue to rally around him during his absence.”
Looking ahead, the Mountaineers aim to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament, relying on their depth and the emergence of key players to overcome the challenges posed by DeVries’ injury. The anticipated return of a fully healthy Tucker DeVries next season offers a promising outlook for the program, as they strive to build on the foundation laid during this transitional period.
Tucker DeVries to Miss Remainder of Season Due to Injury
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