Jasper Floyd, Brenen Lorient Explain Decision to Follow Ross Hodge to WVU

WVU basketball gained two high-caliber players in senior guard Jasper Floyd and senior forward Brenen Lorient thanks to Ross Hodge being hired as head coach. The two opened up about their decision to follow their coach from North Texas at Big 12 Media Days event on Thursday.

Both players emphasized Hodge’s defensive mindset when it came to playing for Hodge. In Floyd’s case, he said Hodge helped him tap into becoming a “more efficient player.”

“He’s a defensive mindset, and I see myself as a defensive first point guard. He taught me a lot of things last year that led me to ultimately becoming a more efficient player,” Floyd said.

Lorient came to North Texas after two seasons at FAU, which included a trip to the Final Four in 2023. After averaging just 2.2 points per game his sophomore year, Lorient scored 11.7 points per game in his lone season at UNT, helping him become the AAC Sixth Man of the Year.

“When I came to North Texas, I needed an opportunity, and Hodge was a great guy,” Lorient said. I’m a defensive guy myself and he really puts a lot of trust in his character so it was a no-brainer for me when it came time to make that decision again.”

Floyd and Lorient helped UNT to a 27-9 record last year and a 14-4 mark in AAC play. The Mean Green fell in the semifinals of the NIT to UC Irvine.

Floyd averaged nine points per game while dishing out four assists per contest as well. On op of his scoring prowess, Lorient added 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.

WVU fans will get a first look at the team when the Mountaineers play host to Wheeling University in an exhibition matchup on Oct. 26.

Find more coverage of Ross Hodge and the WVU basketball program at WV Sports Now.