The West Virginia University (WVU) men’s basketball team has garnered a respectable No. 87 spot in the first batch of the KenPom ratings for the 2024-25 season. This marks a promising start for the Mountaineers, especially considering the challenges that come with the team’s first year under new head coach Darian DeVries. Expectations for the season remain modest, as many anticipate a rebuilding phase for the program. However, the KenPom ranking suggests that the team has the potential to exceed initial expectations.
KenPom, a respected analytical tool for college basketball rankings, places WVU approximately 20 spots outside a potential NCAA Tournament berth. This means the Mountaineers will need to make a significant impact by securing key wins to improve their standing. The upcoming season offers plenty of opportunities to do so, with a schedule that includes several strong opponents. DeVries and his squad will have the chance to capitalize on these matchups and move closer to tournament contention.
WVU is currently ranked just behind teams like North Texas, Utah, Butler, UAB, San Francisco, and Saint Joseph’s, all of which are competitive programs. On the other hand, the Mountaineers are ranked higher than notable teams such as Georgetown, Oklahoma State, Florida State, Seton Hall, and Virginia Tech. This places WVU in a relatively competitive position within the KenPom rankings, as they are ahead of some established programs but still have ground to cover.
The Mountaineers will officially kick off their season in Morgantown with an exhibition game against Charleston this Friday, October 18th. This will be the first opportunity for fans to see the team in action under DeVries’ leadership. Following the exhibition, WVU will have a couple of weeks to fine-tune their game before their official season opener against Robert Morris on November 4th.
While there are uncertainties surrounding the season, the No. 87 ranking provides a solid foundation. If the team can rise to the occasion and secure victories in key matchups, they have the potential to move up in the rankings and perhaps even secure a tournament spot by season’s end.
