By: James Gravley | WV Sports Chat
The West Virginia men’s basketball team is coming off a season in which it felt like it was snubbed from making the NCAA Tournament, along with first-year head coach Darian DeVries jumping ship to Indiana.
Now, WVU brings in Ross Hodge, who left North Texas to take the coaching job with the Mountaineers.
Fans for WVU want success immediately, like other fanbases, so can Hodge bring a winning environment to WVU hoops? I think so. Here’s three reasons why Hodge will win this season.
No. 1. Elite Defensive Foundation from a Proven Winner
Hodge has an 80% career winning percentage as a head coach, largely due to his reputation as one of the nation’s top defensive minds—his teams at North Texas held opponents to low scoring averages while advancing to multiple postseason appearances, including the NIT semifinals.
At WVU, he’s instilling this identity early, emphasizing “playing smart” alongside hard play during preseason practices, which will be crucial in the defensive-oriented Big 12.
This approach has already translated to quick buy-in from transfers and freshmen, setting up a gritty, low-possession style that could yield 20+ wins in year one.
No. 2. Talented, Versatile Roster Built for Immediate Impact
Hodge assembled a 15-man roster almost entirely from scratch—14 newcomers including eight transfers and four freshmen—focusing on scoring threats and size to complement his system. Standouts like Treysen Eaglestaff (18.9 PPG at North Dakota), Honor Huff (national-leading 131 threes at Chattanooga), and rim-protecting big Harlan Obioha provide scoring punch and defensive versatility, while Hodge has praised freshmen like DJ Thomas for their athleticism in early practices.
This group, with only one returning player, mirrors Hodge’s successful roster overhauls at the JUCO and mid-major levels, where he consistently turned high-turnover squads into winners.
No. 3. High Expectations and Cultural Fit in Morgantown
Hodge has openly set the bar at a Big 12 title and national championship contention, calling it a “blessing” to lead WVU’s storied program (31 NCAA appearances, two Final Fours). His down-to-earth, people-first style—rooted in Texas grit and prior ties to WVU AD Wren Baker—resonates with Mountaineer fans, fostering quick community connection after past coaches’ short tenures.
With a familiar staff of trusted assistants from North Texas, Hodge’s no-nonsense leadership is already creating “willing learners,” as he described, priming the team for an NCAA Tournament push in his debut season.
West Virginia is up against the wall this season, but Hodge — and his staff — can succeed at WVU. If everything comes together in year one, they could make a run in the NCAA Tournament.
Photo: WVU Athletics
