When you think of college basketball coaches, you probably picture the usual suspects—those who seem to dominate the headlines, like Coach K or Bill Self. Yet, there’s another name that’s been quietly but powerfully working his way into the conversation: Darian DeVries. The head coach of the Drake Bulldogs isn’t just a “mid-major” coach—he’s a rising star with the potential to take his team all the way to March Madness glory.
Now, let’s be honest. Before DeVries, Drake wasn’t exactly lighting up the basketball world. But under his leadership, things have been wicked different. This guy has a way of turning a program around, like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat, only his “rabbits” are underdog players who somehow end up performing like top-tier talent. If you haven’t heard of him yet, well, it’s time to tune in. This isn’t just about Drake sneaking into the tournament—this is about a coach who could soon lead his team into March Madness contention like the basketball world hasn’t seen in years.
Getting His Start: A Small-Town Iowa Kid Turns Coach
Darian DeVries didn’t exactly come from a family of basketball royalty, but if you asked him, he’d probably just shrug and say something like, “Hey, every hoop dream starts somewhere.” Born and raised in Grand Junction, Iowa, basketball was life, and like many small-town kids, DeVries fell in love with the sport at a young age. He wasn’t the most famous kid on the block, but he was hella competitive and had the hustle to match.
After a solid high school career, DeVries took his talents to Creighton University. While he wasn’t going to be the next Michael Jordan (who is?), he played a significant role on the team. From there, he knew what he wanted: coaching. And from there, he started making moves. His early coaching days at Creighton were crucial for learning the ropes, and under the tutelage of top-notch coaches, DeVries picked up everything he could. His skills? Well, they were like the sidekick in a superhero movie: humble, reliable, and quietly essential.
Then came the call from Drake University. In 2013, DeVries took on the head coach role, inheriting a program that hadn’t exactly been making headlines. This wasn’t some prestigious Power Five school, but instead, a mid-major with a lot of potential and a whole lot of spunk.
Turning Drake Into a Beast: DeVries Does His Thing
Alright, here’s the kicker. If you’d asked anyone before 2013 whether Drake had a chance to compete on a national level, most would have probably raised an eyebrow. But Darian DeVries wasn’t in it for easy wins. Nope. He wanted to build something that would last.
Under DeVries’ leadership, the Bulldogs began to climb. It wasn’t overnight, but damn, when things started clicking, they clicked hard. By the 2020-2021 season, the Bulldogs posted an impressive 25-4 record, snagging the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) title. Talk about a statement. That year, they made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 50 years. You heard that right. 50 years. Can you imagine the history? Can you feel the excitement of fans who’d been waiting for half a century for this moment?
It wasn’t just luck. It was DeVries’ ability to mold a team from top to bottom. Whether it was star players like ShanQuan Hemphill or Roman Penn, or the unsung heroes who stepped up in clutch moments, DeVries created a culture of teamwork, grit, and—and here’s where it gets interesting—underdog mentality. He got the most out of every player, often transforming overlooked recruits into key contributors. That’s the type of magic you can’t fake.
The Secret Sauce: What Makes DeVries Tick?
So, what’s DeVries’ secret sauce? Well, it’s not some flashy system or a secret playbook he found in an old basement. It’s simple. It’s about building relationships, focusing on the fundamentals, and playing hard-nosed basketball. Seriously. I’ve seen games where his team was down by double digits, and they’d claw their way back. They weren’t necessarily more talented—they just outplayed you in every other way.
DeVries has this knack for developing players, not just physically but mentally. He’s like that chill coach who tells you, “You’re not here to be the best on the court today. You’re here to be the best for your team.” Trust me, players buy into that. They don’t just play for him, they play for each other. That’s the foundation he’s built at Drake. He doesn’t just coach basketball—he coaches people.
And then there’s his focus on defense. No flashy, run-and-gun style here. DeVries’ teams are tough, efficient, and know how to lock down on defense. Think back to the 2020-2021 season—Drake’s defense wasn’t just good, it was elite. It’s the type of thing you have to see to believe. His defense was like the friend who’s always there when you need them: reliable, strong, and steady. Which, yeah, isn’t exactly flashy. But it wins games.
Plus, this guy has a radar for hidden talent. He’s like a college basketball scout who’s also a talent whisperer. It’s no joke. Players who might have slipped under the radar for bigger programs thrive in his system. Players like Hemphill and Penn were underappreciated by major programs, but under DeVries? Well, they blossomed. And that’s where his genius lies. He doesn’t need top-tier recruits to build a contender—he just needs the right players, and he knows how to find them.
Could DeVries Take Drake to March Madness Glory?
Let’s play the what if game for a second. What if this wasn’t just a one-off Cinderella story? What if, under DeVries, Drake could make a run at March Madness glory? It sounds crazy, right? But I’m telling you, don’t sleep on it.
Sure, making it to the Big Dance is no small feat, and an upset-filled March Madness always has its surprises. But DeVries’ teams have proven they can hold their own. They’re not scared of the big dogs—they’re out there looking to bite. Think about it. Once in the tournament, DeVries’ teams have always shown a cool head. In 2021, they went up against some heavy hitters and, while they didn’t get a championship, they proved they belonged on that stage. And trust me—this guy thrives in high-pressure situations.
Now, am I saying Drake’s going to win the national championship next year? Who knows. But do I think DeVries has the chops to take them to the next level? Heck yes. If you’re a college basketball fan, it’s time to pay attention to what this guy’s doing at Drake. He’s already got the formula—he just needs a little more talent and a bit more luck.
Why Darian DeVries Needs to Be on Your Radar
Alright, here’s the deal. For whatever reason, Darian DeVries doesn’t get as much recognition as he probably should. It’s easy to forget about a mid-major coach who isn’t coaching at one of the “blue bloods” of college basketball. But honestly? That’s probably part of the reason he’s so damn good. DeVries has had to earn everything. Every win. Every recruit. Every little piece of success.
His resume isn’t full of shiny titles, but I’ll tell you what: it’s full of substance. People who have followed DeVries know his track record is legitimate. When he took over at Drake, it was a rebuild. Now? It’s a legitimate program that’s only getting better. He’s not just out here doing his best—he’s quietly building a monster, one brick at a time. The basketball world is finally starting to take note of what he’s doing at Drake, and if you’re not paying attention yet, well, you might just be missing out on something special.
Fast-Forward: The Future Is Bright
Okay, okay. I get it. It’s not all sunshine and roses in the coaching world, and we all know it can take time to build a perennial contender. But if you’re asking me whether Darian DeVries has what it takes to eventually lead Drake to even greater heights—well, let’s just say I’m all in. The blueprint is there. The culture is solid. It’s just a matter of time before this program catches fire.
Fast forward five years. Imagine Drake basketball consistently in the top 25. It’s not that hard to picture anymore, and DeVries is the key to making that happen. If you ask me, he’s a name you’re going to be hearing a lot more often, whether it’s in the tournament or when he’s taking a seat at the coaching table with the big names.
