Hodge Adjusting After Whirlwind Start at West Virginia
It’s been a whirlwind for Ross Hodge since he took the reins as head coach of West Virginia’s men’s basketball program. When Hodge was hired in a sudden, high-stakes move after a chaotic offseason, he stepped into a program reeling from instability but rich in tradition. Just months later, he’s knee-deep in the process of turning potential into performance, embracing the pressure with the same fierce intensity that made his North Texas teams so feared.
Hodge’s appointment came after a turbulent summer for West Virginia. The resignation of longtime coach Bob Huggins amid controversy left a leadership vacuum, and the Mountaineers’ program was teetering on uncertainty. Hodge, fresh off leading North Texas to an NIT Championship in his first year as head coach, was tapped as the man to bring order to the chaos. Though a surprise pick to some, insiders recognized his reputation for defensive toughness, culture-building, and player development.
From the moment he arrived in Morgantown, Hodge’s days have been packed. His first week on the job was a blur of meetings, roster evaluations, and countless phone calls with players—some already in the transfer portal, others weighing their options. His message was clear: stay, compete, and build something new. His authenticity and track record did the rest. Slowly but surely, a core group of returners and new transfers bought in.
“I knew it was going to be fast-paced,” Hodge said during a recent practice at the WVU Coliseum. “But I didn’t expect it to feel like I was dropped in the middle of a storm. You don’t slow the storm—you just learn to navigate it.”
Hodge quickly installed his defensive system—a variation of the pack-line with disruptive full-court pressure—and emphasized unselfish play on offense. Though there were bumps early on in preseason scrimmages, signs of cohesion began to emerge. Senior guard KJ Walker, who initially explored a transfer, now speaks of Hodge with respect. “He’s demanding but honest,” Walker said. “He’s not trying to be Coach Huggins. He’s just trying to be the best version of himself. And that’s all we need.”
Off the court, Hodge has also been adjusting to the intensity of West Virginia’s fanbase and the relentless media scrutiny. Every move, every lineup tweak, every recruiting decision is dissected in real time. But Hodge has kept his focus tight.
“I remind myself daily—it’s not about the headlines, it’s about the habits,” he said.
With non-conference play underway, Hodge’s Mountaineers have shown flashes of brilliance and moments of learning. They’re not a finished product, but they’re a team with identity—tough, disciplined, and slowly forming a bond that could carry them far. For Hodge, the whirlwind may have brought him to Morgantown, but now it’s about building something that lasts.
“I came here because I believe this place can win,” Hodge said, his voice steady. “And we’re just getting started.”
