The Big 12 era hasn’t brought rousing success to the West Virginia basketball team, with only five winning conference seasons over 13 years since moving from the Big East. The Mountaineers nearly have as many different head coaches during that span as winning Big 12 seasons, as Ross Hodge will become the fourth men’s basketball head coach during Big 12 play and no coach has lasted more than one year after Bob Huggins’ 16-year tenure at the school came to an end before the 2023-24 season. The 44-year-old coach will need to attack the college basketball transfer portal.
Hodge previously worked for West Virginia Athletic Director Wren Baker when Baker was the North Texas athletic director, so you would imagine Baker will give Hodge the time and freedom to build the West Virginia basketball roster as he sees fit, but what should Mountaineers fans expect that to look like? If you love the Mountaineers, or just want to know who will call the shots for West Virginia basketball in the future, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at EerSports, the 247Sports affiliate that covers West Virginia.
The EerSports insiders are providing on-the-ground updates on every development surrounding DeVries’ departure and the future of the West Virginia basketball program, including insights from Chris Anderson and Mike Casazza, who have deep-rooted ties inside and around the West Virginia community. Get all the inside scoop on the basketball program, plus VIP intel on WVU football, basketball, recruiting and more. Plus get access to the Country Roads Confidential premium message board where you can connect with other West Virginia fans and insiders.
And right now, EerSports is offering 50% off annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up. The team at EerSports already has a list out of several potential candidates and there are some surprising names on the list. Head to EerSports now to see them all.
Top West Virginia basketball lineup updates
Even though Hodge was hired before the Final Four teams were even finalized, it was still a late hire with how quickly the college basketball world moves in the transfer portal era. After missing the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years, West Virginia may have had a challenging time bringing in elite talent either way, but the later start doesn’t help its position in trying to build a whole new roster. Many coaches will first look at their former players when moving to a new school and after making a deep run in the NIT Tournament following a 23-7 season, that may not be a bad option for next year’s Mountaineers team.
Brenan Lorient was North Texas’ second-leading scorer and a first-team All-Conference selection in the American Athletic Conference after Hodge acquired him via the transfer portal. He has one of remaining eligibility. North Texas starting forward Grant Newell also has one year of eligibility left after starting his college career at California and both Lorient and Newell have the size to compete in the Big 12. They’ll be names to watch to see if they follow their former coach to West Virginia. See more West Virginia basketball roster news at EerSports.
How to get insider WVU roster news updates
Following an analytical deep dive, EerSports also says Hodge could also go after several players who fit his system perfectly. You can only see who they are at EerSports.
Who are the top candidates for the West Virginia basketball roster, and which shocking names could be in the mix? Go to EerSports to see the latest West Virginia basketball news, all from a team of West Virginia insiders, and find out.
And reminder, EerSports is offering 50% off an annual VIP membership, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
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