Insight Into Ross Hodge’s Unique WVU Basketball Recruiting Strategy

Earlier this offseason, WVU basketball freshman guard Miles Sadler revealed a piece of head coach Ross Hodge’s recruiting strategy that might seem bold by today’s standards.

Rather than just trying to flatter Sadler throughout the recruiting process, he said Hodge actually offered constructive criticism and “kept it “real” with the young star.

Hodge went in-depth on his approach in a press conference Wednesday. While he doesn’t fully know how other coaches recruit, Hodge said young players still want to be held accountable.

“I can kind of only speak for myself in that area, but I think, deep in young people’s souls, they still do long for accountability, structure, discipline,” Hodge said.

In Sadler’s case, Hodge said his conversations with Sadler offer an opportunity to see how he handles criticism.

“Miles doesn’t need to be told how good he is with the ball in his hands. I mean, he has a pretty, pretty good understanding of that. And I’m sure he’s heard that a lot,” Hodge added about why he just focused on giving Sadler constructive criticism.

“But I think, again, it speaks to him more so than me that he’s willing to receive that even in the recruiting process, not take it personal, and view it as, ‘Hey man, this guy’s actually trying to help me and not harm me.’ And that’s also what gives him a chance to be a really good player.”

In the modern NCAA, where players have more freedom to play whenever and wherever they choose, Hodge believes student athletes still want high standards and to be held accountable.

“We talk about society and we talk about kids, student athletes, and blame them. But a lot of times I think it could be the adults around them that lessen standards,” Hodge said. “And deep in young people’s hearts, they’re better when they’re held accountable, when they’re told the truth, when they know exactly what’s expected to them and clearly communicated.”

Find more coverage of  WVU basketball at WV Sports Now.