West Virginia University’s men’s basketball program is undergoing significant changes as it prepares for the 2025–26 season. Following the departure of head coach Darian DeVries to Indiana after just one season, the Mountaineers are focusing on rebuilding their roster and maintaining competitiveness in the Big 12 Conference.
One of the key figures in this rebuilding effort is incoming freshman Braydon Hawthorne. A 6-foot-9 forward from Beckley, West Virginia, Hawthorne has been elevated to a four-star prospect, now ranked No. 150 nationally by 247Sports . As the top in-state recruit, he has expressed a strong commitment to representing his home state, stating, “I feel like nothing is better than to represent your home state .
Hawthorne’s commitment is especially significant given recent roster changes. After Coach DeVries’ departure, fellow 2025 recruits Trent MacLean and Kelvin Odih requested releases from their National Letters of Intent, leaving Hawthorne as the sole remaining signee in the class . Despite these changes, Hawthorne remains steadfast in his decision to join the Mountaineers.
The Mountaineers are also looking to bolster their roster through the transfer portal. One notable addition is Javon Small, a guard who transferred from Oklahoma State. In his first season with West Virginia, Small led the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 19.5 points per game, and played a pivotal role in the team’s return to the Top 25 rankings .
As West Virginia navigates this transitional period, the dedication of players like Hawthorne and the contributions of transfers like Small will be crucial in maintaining the program’s competitiveness in the upcoming season.
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West Virginia’s Javon Small leads the Big 12 in scoring to fuel West Virginia’s return to the Top 25 – KGET 17 News”
