Analyst Compares WVU’s Ross Hodge to Former CBB Coach Who Won Big Right Away

Despite a polarizing reaction among WVU fans, coaches and analysts have been showering Ross Hodge with praise since he was announced as West Virginia’s fourth head coach in as many years.

It’s no secret fans expect instant success, especially after watching Darian DeVries lead the Mountaineers to a 10-win turn around in his first and only year at the helm. But while there’s no guarantees that will happen again during the 2025-26 season, one analyst is comparing Hodge to a former college basketball coach who is still used as the poster boy for winning big right away.

“I spent a ton of time with Ross Hodge, WVU basketball new coach. He is one of the most impressive coaches I have been around since the rise of Brad Stevens. His players love him and respect him. He has the defensive chops and during out of timeouts his teams score often. HIGH IQ COACH!,” said ESPN analyst Mark Adams about Hodge.

I spent a ton of time with Ross Hodge @WVUhoops new coach. He is one of the most impressive coaches I have been around since the rise of Brad Stevens. His players love him and respect him. He has the defensive chops and during out of timeouts his teams score often. HIGH IQ COACH!

— Mark Adams (@EnthusiAdams) March 30, 2025

A comparison to Stevens is big. Before jumping to the NBA with the Boston Celtics and eventually transitioning into his current role as president of basketball operations, Stevens was once a young up and coming college basketball coach. He led Butler to a regular season and conference title in his first year in 2007-08.

Overall in six years with Stevens coaching Butler, the Bulldogs reached the NCAA Tournament five times, won three Horizon League Tournament titles and finished as the national runner-up in back-to-back seasons. Stevens left Butler with a 166-49 record.

Obviously, Steven’s Butler run is a high bar and arguably an unfair comparison. Hodge will be dealing with deep Big 12 Conference and a tougher schedule than what Butler had to endure at that time. But it is worth noting that someone who has been covering coaches for almost three decades feels Hodge could be the next rising star.

Hodge comes to WVU after two seasons as the head coach at North Texas, where he compiled a 46-23 record. He replaces Darian DeVries, who was hired away by Indiana earlier this month. WVU announced Hodge has signed a five-year contract.

“I understand the great responsibility of continuing the tradition of Mountaineer Basketball and sincerely appreciate the trust and belief of (athletic director) Wren Baker, Presidents (Gordon) Gee and (Michael) Benson and the rest of the administration,” Hodge said.

The 44-year-old Hodge spent eight total seasons at North Texas, six as the associate head coach under Grant McCasland, now Texas Tech’s head coach, and two as head coach. The Mean Green are still playing this season, competing in the NIT semifinals.

“We loved our time in Denton and the many meaningful relationships we established over the last eight years,” Hodge said. “We are forever grateful for the opportunity afforded to us by (UNT athletic director) Jared Mosley.”

WVU is coming off of a 19-13 season under DeVries in which the Mountaineers just missed out on earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Every member of West Virginia’s rotation has either graduated or entered the transfer portal this offseason.

“We believe we have everything we need to be successful and to challenge for Big 12 championships and look forward to competing against the best coaches and best teams in the country,” Hodge said. “Shelly, Emery, Reed and I can’t wait to meet all of you.”

Find more coverage of Ross Hodge at WV Sports Now.