Ross Hodge instructs his North Texas team as they play Minnesota in the second half of a 2024 NCAA basketball game in Minneapolis. (AP Photo)
Changing Perceptions of Junior College Coaches
MORGANTOWN — In the past, junior college coaches in college basketball were often overlooked, likened to a neighborhood kid who wasn’t invited to birthday parties. While there’s no issue with those coaches, they typically weren’t seen as viable candidates for major programs.
The Challenge for JUCO Coaches
“They only have guys for a year or two,” explains WVU men’s coach Ross Hodge. The prevailing belief was that these coaches couldn’t nurture four-year players effectively. While Division I coaches have actively recruited from junior colleges, hiring such coaches for prominent positions was rare.
Transformation in College Athletics
However, the landscape of college sports is shifting dramatically. Every program now resembles a junior college with frequent player turnover, as many athletes enter the transfer portal after just one season. Hodge notes the urgency in rapidly merging new players into cohesive teams.
A Revamped Roster at WVU
Hodge is now the fourth head coach at WVU in four years, leading to a high turnover rate within the team. From 2023-25, the program had a total of 39 scholarship players, with only nine returning from the previous season. Currently, Hodge’s roster consists of 12 scholarship players, only ten remain from the last 51 players over that span.
Players with Diverse Backgrounds
The current team comprises eight transfers, three freshmen, and one returning player. The new recruits bring a wealth of experience, having succeeded at their previous institutions. For instance, Honor Huff recorded the most three-pointers in the country last season, while Treysen Eaglestaff had two 40-point games.
Building Winning Teams
Hodge has a history of creating successful rosters. During his time as head coach at Paris Junior College and Midland College, he consistently constructed competitive teams. His challenge now is to replicate that success at the Division I level with a rebuilt roster, especially with a limited time frame with his senior class.
Injuries and Updates
Additionally, WVU forward Jackson Fields recently announced he would require surgery. He participated in a game but was spotted with a wrist brace afterward, although he hasn’t specified the time he may miss this season after transferring from Troy.
