Basketball

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University sophomore Devin Ebanks announced today that he will make himself available for the 2010 NBA draft.

“I have decided to enter my name into the 2010 NBA draft,” says Ebanks. "I spoke to my mother and the coaching staff, and we have decided that I should explore my options to pursue a dream that I have had since I was a little kid. I want to thank West Virginia University, my coaches, my teammates and all the great fans.”

Read more: Ebanks Declaring for NBA Draft

INDIANAPOLIS -- West Virginia University officials confirmed senior forward Da'Sean Butler suffered an ACL tear in his left knee during Saturday's NCAA Final Four loss against Duke:

Further tests revealed that West Virginia University senior Da’Sean Butler suffered an ACL tear in his left knee after undergoing an MRI at St. Vincent Sports Performance in Indianapolis on Sunday.

Read more: MRI Shows ACL Tear for Butler

INDIANAPOLIS -- The expression on Da’Sean Butler’s face, one showered with tears streaming down and a grimace he’s never revealed, said it all for West Virginia. Pain and agony. Dismal, disappointed dejection.

There may be no precise way to describe what Butler felt as he was helped off the court, knowing his team trailed mighty Duke (34-5) by 15 points with 8:59 to go in the second half of the national semifinal and knowing there was nothing he could do.    

“It was more me just being scared,” Butler said. “I’ve never hurt myself before, so I was more scared than anything. Other than that, just leaving the game and everything -- that’s pretty much what I was most upset about.”

The magical NCAA tournament run ended for WVU, as it fell, 78-57, to Duke, inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Read more: Duke Decks West Virginia, 78-57

The buzz among the West Virginia Mountaineers and their avid supporters all over is centered around one simple goal: two more. If second seed WVU can capture just two more victories in this record-setting season, one that’s brought the school its first Big East tournament championship, the first Final Four berth in 51 years and an unprecedented 31 wins, the Mountaineers could achieve their first ever national championship -- a lofty dream that has remained elusive in 101 seasons of WVU basketball.

Everyone in and around the program can feel it. Every coach, every player, every loyal fan who bleeds gold and blue.

“There would be no better feeling than cutting down a national championship net,” said forward Kevin Jones. “That’s our goal and that’s what we’re looking forward to."

Read more: 'Eers Eyeing Blue Devils ... and Beyond