“This is unquestionably one of the top jobs in America. As someone who grew up in the Midwest loving the game of basketball, I’ve always admired the IU Basketball program for its championship-level success, tradition, and fan support.” That’s what Darian DeVries said after announcing his decision to join the Indiana Hoosiers. The move shocked many, especially since he had four years left on his West Virginia contract. He now has a big job rebuilding a team that has missed the trip to March Madness for the second year in a row.
The first big piece might already be on the way. His son, Tucker DeVries, is expected to follow him to Indiana. Tucker was a standout at Drake, averaging nearly 22 points in his final season. He’ll be a crucial addition for a Hoosiers squad looking to improve on their 10-10 Big Ten record next season.
It’s been a week to forget for West Virginia fans. After dealing with an unexpected snub from the selection committee last sunday, losing Tucker DeVries to Indiana has only added to their frustration. Seeing him follow his dad to the Hoosiers didn’t sit well with Mountaineer fans, who quickly took to social media to vent. Let’s take a look at some of the reactions.
Fans upset as Tucker DeVries follows his dad to Indiana
Fans were clearly let down by Tucker, and they didn’t hold back on X. One fan simply posted, “FR???”—a short but loaded reaction. Another took it a step further, sarcastically pointing out, “Tucker already in IU gear and looking like his injured shoulder is completely healed! What a miracle.” The frustration was obvious, and social media had plenty more where that came from.
FR???
— Jo$eph Yesufu Enthusiast (@joyesufuenjoyer) March 18, 2025
West Virginia had big hopes when they landed Tucker DeVries. His NIL deal was valued at $1.1 million as of November 2024, according to On3, which cost a massive chunk of the budget. But the excitement didn’t last long. DeVries was putting up 14.9 points per game and was shooting 47.3% from three in just eight games. But a shoulder injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. That’s why WVU fans are so frustrated. The hype of getting DeVries lasted only eight games, and he is now off to Indiana.
Fans were clearly not happy about him joining a fierce rival. One fan didn’t hold back, calling the 22-year-old guard a “coward” on X. Another piled on, sarcastically adding, “I’d love to get paid to hang around in sweatpants and do nothing.”
Can you really blame Tucker for choosing to follow his dad? All his success has come under his father’s guidance. At Drake, he thrived. He won the Missouri Valley Conference MVP twice in three years all under the guidance of Darian DeVries. He followed his dad to West Virginia, and now he’s doing the same at Indiana. After all, why wouldn’t he want to stick with the one person who brought out the best in him?
Fans won’t be happy seeing both Tucker and Darian DeVries leave after just one year — and rightfully so. But coaching Indiana was always Darian’s dream. And Tucker following him makes sense a lot of sense for him. His dad has always brought out the best in him and Tucker will hope that will be the case at Indiana as well.
The post Fans Upset as Tucker DeVries-West Virginia Star Goes to Rival Team for Father Darian DeVries’ Big Day appeared first on EssentiallySports.
