I’ll be honest.
When Ross Hodge was hired as West Virginia University’s head basketball coach, I was skeptical. Not because I questioned his ability to coach, but because of the style of basketball he built his reputation on. Hodge’s teams have always been known for their defense, toughness, and relentless effort. In today’s game, especially in the Big 12, I wondered if that would be enough.
The Big 12 is one of the toughest conferences in America. Every night you’re facing teams loaded with talent and capable of putting points on the board in a hurry. My concern was simple: could a defense-first approach consistently score enough to compete at that level? After watching his first season, my perspective changed. What stood out wasn’t necessarily the talent on the roster. It was how hard his team played.
No matter who you’re coaching, if your players compete, defend, and play with energy every night, you’ll always have a chance. That’s exactly what Hodge’s team did. They fought. They competed. They represented the toughness that West Virginia fans have always appreciated.
Now, the excitement surrounding the program feels even bigger. The recruiting class and incoming talent have given Mountaineer fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future. On paper, the roster appears more talented and better suited to compete in a conference where depth and athleticism matter.
Of course, college basketball isn’t what it used to be. Every offseason feels like free agency. Rosters change overnight. Players transfer after one season. Some leave because they’re looking for more playing time. Others leave because they’re looking for more NIL money. If a player has a breakout year, there’s always the possibility another program will come calling with a bigger offer.
The reality is that building a program today is much different than it was even five years ago. Chemistry is harder to develop because teams are constantly changing. Freshmen are expected to contribute immediately, and if they don’t, many enter the transfer portal looking for a different opportunity. Coaches rarely get the luxury of developing players over multiple seasons anymore.
That’s why having a great coach alone isn’t enough. You need resources. You need NIL support. You need a university willing to invest in winning. Fortunately for WVU fans, the university appears committed to doing exactly that.
West Virginia has shown a willingness to compete in this new era and invest in bringing talented players to Morgantown. That’s critical because no matter how good a coach may be, talent still wins games.
The good news is Ross Hodge appears to understand the modern landscape. He’s energetic. He’s relatable. He’s hungry. Most importantly, he seems to understand what it takes to connect with today’s players while maintaining the toughness and accountability that have always defined successful basketball programs.
Nobody knows exactly what the future holds. That’s the reality of modern college basketball. But if Ross Hodge’s first season taught us anything, it’s that his teams are going to compete. They’re going to play hard. They’re going to defend. And with better talent now entering the program, WVU fans have every reason to be excited about where Mountaineer basketball is headed.
The game has changed.
The challenges have changed.
But the expectation in Morgantown remains the same.
Win.
And Ross Hodge looks ready for the challenge.
I’ll be honest.