Catching Up with Darian DeVries

Big Game Today

(St. Louis, MO) – Drake basketball coach Darian DeVries one of the most successful college basketball coaches in America. Here in his sixth head coaching season, the former Creighton assistant is on his way to his sixth straight 20-win season. The Bulldogs (12-2, 3-0) are on the road today to face a good Belmont (9-5, 2-1) team.

Belmont (second) and Drake (third) are two of the top offenses in the Valley and the Bruins are a traditional 20-win program.

This Sunday, we’re catching up with Darian DeVries.

The Season So Far

For the first time in DeVries’ career in Des Moines he had to revamp his roster. While the results have been very good in terms of wins and losses, he says it has taken some time for the 2023-24 Bulldogs to find their rhythm and continuity.

 

 

Missouri Valley teams have limited opportunities to make their way into the NCAA Tournament. The obvious way is to win the Arch Madness title. Being successful in the non-conference matters too. DeVries says winning last year’s conference tournament was a huge boost for the Bulldog program.

 

 

This is DeVries’ second wave of recruits and he has proven to be an able recruiter. Newcomers Atin Wright, Kevin Overton and Colby Garland have meshed well with holdovers Tucker DeVries, Darnell Brodie and Conor Enright. The former Northern Iowa Panther says he doesn’t promise recruits playing time or roles, but does promise them an opportunity.

 

 

Tucker and the Valley

DeVries’ son Tucker is the reigning MVC ‘Player of the Year’ and preseason player of the year, but his game is noticeably different. The younger DeVries is handling the ball more, distributing better and is a rebounding force. Tucker DeVries has taken his game to a new level.

Coach DeVries says Tucker has grown into a leadership and decision-making role.

 

 

The Missouri Valley Conference has enjoyed a successful non-conference season. Valley teams went 84-48 against non-league opposition and rank ninth in the NET and tenth in the KenPom ratings. DeVries believes the league members have done a great job and several Valley squads could be successful in the NCAA Tournament.

 

 

Catching up with Darian DeVries is a privilege. Like many of the Missouri Valley Conference coaches, he cares about his own program and players, but sees the bigger picture. He cares about his players’ futures and he believes in the present and the future of the Missouri Valley Conference.

Do Good

 

Editor: You can catch our entire interview with coach DeVries and one with point guard Conor Enright at Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts.