Ross Hodge Argues Why WVU Basketball Was Close to Making NCAA Tournament

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Well aware missing the NCAA Tournament is below the standard of the WVU basketball program, Ross Hodge can take comfort in feeling he was close in his first year on the job.

After defending his debut season to critics and frustrated fans, Hodge emphasized his belief that West Virginia was only “five or six” possessions away from making the cut in 2026. In comparing his team to who did make the field, Hodge points to being on par with NCAA teams based the strength of the Big 12 and their head-to-head matchups.

But of course, none of that matters in the end. What matters is who gets in and who doesn’t, something Hodge acknowledged his team squandered in several pivotal games throughout the season.

Hodge isn’t denying his team was flawed, but he’s choosing to look on the bright side and take comfort in being close despite not having a full year to recruit.

When asked for a response to any fan criticism or those who compare his first season to other first-year coaches around the country, Hodge said he understands there are people who have been caring about the program long before him. He even added that he appreciates that kind of pressure. He said the reverse of people not caring would be worse, and he tries to not take anything personally.

“We built last year’s roster with the mindset that that team could make the NCAA Tournament, and not only make it but win games in it. We came up a little short of that, clearly. But we did put ourselves in position to do those things, we didn’t take advantage of it,” said Hodge about missing out on the NCAA Tournament in his first season.

Ross Hodge Responds to Fan Frustration, Believes in WVU’s Plan

In Hodge’s first season, West Virginia finished the season at 18-14 with a 9-10 Big 12 record, including 0-1 in the conference tournament. Even though Hodge is only responsible for one season so far, WVU basketball is now in the midst of the program’s first three-year drought without an NCAA Tournament appearance since failing to get in from 1999-2004.

It’s worth noting that the 2005 Mountaineers broke that drought and then reached the Elite Eight.

On April 2, West Virginia will face Stanford in the College Basketball Crown. The game is scheduled for 8 pm ET. Baylor, Colorado, Creighton, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Rutgers round out the eight-team field.

WVU accepted a bid to the College Basketball Crown on the eve of Selection Sunday, knowing they were not going to make the NCAA Tournament. The Tournament will be played from April 1-5.

Find more coverage of  WVU basketball at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, Ross Hodge alluded to a change of pace for West Virginia’s style of play next season.