The West Virginia Mountaineers are well represented in the 2025 NBA Playoffs with numerous alumni making the field in various roles as players, coaches, and front office personnel.
On the hardwood itself, Miles “Deuce” McBride and Jesse Edwards have made the playoffs with their teams -- McBride with the New York Knicks and Edwards with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With the Knicks in the Eastern Conference and the Timberwolves in the Western Conference, they will not be going head-to-head unless both teams make the NBA Finals. McBride played at WVU for two seasons (2019-2021) before declaring for the NBA Draft in 2021 and getting drafted in the second round (36th overall). Edwards only spent one season (2023-2024) at WVU after transferring from Syracuse, where he played three seasons.
However, McBride may have a chance to compete against a former WVU player in a different role if his Knicks reach the Eastern Conference Finals and match up against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are, of course, led by head coach and NBA champion Joe Mazzulla, a former WVU guard. Mazzulla played in Morgantown for the Mountaineers from 2006-2011.
Former Mountaineers spread across NBA playoff teams
Joining Edwards, Mazzulla, and McBride are three other Mountaineers -- Jonnie West, De'Sean Butler, and Mike Gansey will also represent West Virginia University in the playoffs.
West is the son of WVU legend Herry West and played at WVU for all four seasons (2007-2011). He now serves as the Golden State Warriors’ Director of Pro Personnel.
Gansey spent two seasons playing for the Mountaineers (2004-2006). Gansey is a big part of the Cleveland Cavaliers' current success, serving as their General Manager.
Mazzulla has been reunited with former Butler in Boston, who played at WVU from 2006-2010. He is Mazzulla’s assistant coach on the Celtics’ coaching staff.
With a lot of former Mountaineers spread around NBA playoff teams, there is a solid chance that Mountaineer fans can cheer on an alumnus for winning the NBA Championship. From players McBride and Edwards to front office personnel Gansey and West to coaches Mazzulla and Butler, WVU is well represented in the NBA playoffs.
