coach is something Jackson has worked toward since the beginning of his professional basketball career .
“ Words can ’ t describe what it means to be the head coach at my alma mater in my home state ,” he says . “ Growing up in Oak Hill , WV , in the town of Harlem Heights has really helped shape me into the man and coach I am today .”
Jackson feels his long history with Marshall — which includes not only his playing and coaching experience but
From left , Brad Smith , president of Marshall University , Jackson and Christian Spears , athletic director , celebrate Jackson ’ s introduction with a ceremonial jersey presentation at a press event in Huntington . Photo by Marshall University Athletics .
also that of his two daughters , Valessa and Tiarra , who are both Marshall graduates — will be helpful to him as he leads the team into the upcoming season .
“ I have a unique perspective that I ’ m able to share with our current student athletes , potential student athletes and parents ,” he says . “ The love I have for this university as well as this community runs deep , and I look forward to sharing that perspective now and for a lifetime .”
Jackson plans to foster clear com-
munication within the team , ensuring everyone understands what they need to do to succeed . His main goal is to promote continuous learning as well as growth and development to benefit players both on the court and in everyday life . Jackson hopes to recruit quality student athletes who excel not only in basketball but in character as well .
Jackson ’ s journey has not come without sacrifices like missed birthdays , weddings and graduations , but he knows it ’ s all part of the process and has brought him to where he is now , coaching at his alma mater . For that reason , he plans to nurture the special relationship between the team and the Marshall community .
“ We understand that Marshall is the community , and the community is Marshall ,” he says . “ We are looking forward to engaging with our community , our fans and our alumni . Our plan is simple — do the work , whatever it takes .”
Meanwhile , in Morgantown , WVU has found its perfect match with Darian DeVries , whose role as the new men ’ s basketball head coach was announced in March , following Josh Eilert ’ s tenure as the 2023-2024 season ’ s interim head coach .
DeVries is from Aplington , a small farm town in Iowa with a population of around 1,000 people . He grew up playing sports , and his early experience playing basketball in high school prepared him for his collegiate career at the University of Northern Iowa .
After graduation , DeVries took a job at Creighton University as a graduate manager before being named full-time assistant coach in 2001 . DeVries ’ coaching journey then led him to Drake University , where he served as head coach . At Drake , he demonstrated his ability to build and lead a competitive team , earning respect in the collegiate basketball community .
During his time at Drake , DeVries compiled a record of 150-55 and led the team to the NCAA tournament three times . He spent six seasons with the team until his recent decision to accept the head coaching job at WVU .
With more than 27 years in the coaching profession , DeVries brings a wealth of skill and a commitment to continuous learning . He believes in using his
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE