Recent WVU Basketball Alum Supports Ross Hodge After Endorsing Other Candidates

It’s certainly not a requirement for a new coach to have the support of former players, but it’s a nice added bonus for Ross Hodge to see a notable recent WVU alum endorse him publicly.

With Hodge now in Morgantown and preparing to be officially introduced, Emmitt Matthews Jr. took it upon himself to let his followers know what he thinks of Hodge as the new leader of the Mountaineers.

“Met Coach Ross (Hodge) and his fam today. I think he is going to great for this university and the fans of WVU!,” said Matthews about his first interaction with Hodge in person.

Met Coach Ross and his fam today. I think he is going to great for this university and the fans of WVU!

— Emmitt Matthews Jr. (@THEDOOSKIE) April 2, 2025

Aside from it being nice for fans to see a former player embrace the hew coach and it even serving as a sales pitch to recruits, Matthews’ most recent comments come after he was not shy about letting everyone know he wanted other coaches to get the job during the search.

First, Matthews thought West Virginia should just turn back to Bob Huggins, the man who coached him as a Mountaineer. And then once he realized Huggins was clearly not a candidate, Matthews jump onboard with the idea of former WVU assistant Erik Martin getting the chance to return as head coach.

But now that the search is over and Hodge is the guy, Matthews appears all in on the Ross Hodge Express.

Matthews averaged 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 32 games for the Mountaineers during the 2022-23 year. The Tacoma, Wa. native shot 48 percent from the field and 31 percent from three.

Find more coverage of Emmitt Matthews at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, vote in WV Sports Now’s poll to see if WVU fans are already changing their mind about Ross Hodge.