West Virginia University men’s basketball program took a significant step toward the future with the announcement that head coach Ross Hodge has secured the commitment of rising international star Morris Ugusuk. The 6-foot-3 point guard from Helsinki, Finland, signed a grant-in-aid agreement to join the Mountaineers for the 2025-26 season, bringing a blend of poise, athleticism, and international experience that Hodge believes will elevate WVU’s backcourt to new heights.
“This is a big day for our program,” Hodge said in a press release. “Morris is a mature, high-IQ guard who plays with incredible pace and control. He’s a leader on and off the floor, and his international experience has shaped him into a player ready to contribute at the Power Five level from day one.”
Ugusuk, 18, played for the Helsinki Basketball Academy and represented Finland in FIBA youth competitions, earning widespread praise for his court vision and tenacity. During the 2024 FIBA U18 European Championship, he averaged 15.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game while leading Finland to a fifth-place finish. Known for his quick first step, lockdown perimeter defense, and unselfish play, Ugusuk drew interest from several top programs across Europe and the United States before ultimately choosing West Virginia.
“The tradition at West Virginia, the way Coach Hodge sees the game, and the chance to compete in the Big 12 were all major factors,” Ugusuk said in a statement. “I’m ready to work, ready to grow, and I can’t wait to represent Mountaineer Nation.”
Hodge, entering his second season at the helm, has emphasized a culture of discipline, energy, and development, and believes Ugusuk fits that vision perfectly. “Morris is a connector. He’s the kind of point guard who makes everyone around him better,” Hodge added. “He’s vocal, he’s focused, and he’s tough. That’s the kind of DNA we want in our locker room.”
Ugusuk is expected to play a major role in WVU’s backcourt rotation alongside returning guards and fellow newcomers. With his advanced understanding of the pick-and-roll, ability to control tempo, and natural leadership, coaches expect him to compete for significant minutes immediately.
Off the court, Ugusuk is known for his discipline and academic commitment. Fluent in three languages and deeply respected by coaches in Finland for his professionalism, he brings not just talent but a winning mentality. His addition marks Hodge’s third international signing in less than a year, signaling a continued commitment to global recruiting under his leadership.
As the Mountaineers continue to retool their roster with a mix of seasoned transfers, high-upside freshmen, and overseas standouts, the signing of Morris Ugusuk serves as both a strategic move and a bold statement: West Virginia basketball is building not just a team, but a sustainable, elite program for years to come.
