Penny Hardaway Believes Ross Hodge Will Lead West Virginia Back to Glory Days

The best compliments can come from competitors. In the midst of other comments from coaches, WVU’s new basketball head coach Ross Hodge received some praise from a big name in basketball.

Former NBA star and current head coach of the University of Memphis Penny Hardaway offered a glowing endorsement of Hodge as he transitions from the mid major level with North Texas to the Big 12 at the helm of West Virginia.

“Ross is definitely one of my favorite coaches in the country. He is the next big-time coach to take West Virginia back to the glory days of winning and playing in NCAA Tournaments,” said Hardaway.

“He is arguably one of the best in the country defensively and his teams will always be a hard out. They are relentless in their efforts for 40 minutes. It’s one of the hardest teams that I have ever had to coach against because they are so tough,” he added.

Held in high esteem 📈

💬 Penny Hardaway on @coachrosshodge pic.twitter.com/zezKbOeUc3

— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) March 27, 2025

Hardaway knows what it’s like to coach against Hodge first hand. They split a pair of games against each other in recent years.

Hardaway owns a 162-68 overall record in seven seasons with Memphis. He’s also led the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances, something Hodge will look to accomplish for the first time at WVU.

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 next Tuesday.

“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.