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

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Simultaneously aware more work is needed and also feeling he’s on the right track, WVU’s Ross Hodge answered his critics ahead of the College Basketball Crown.

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.

“And I share in everyone’s frustration, probably not to the extent that you mentioned, because people have been supporting this program longer than probably I’ve been alive. Every decision that we make has that in mind. No decision is made halfheartedly or flippantly in terms of those things.”

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. 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.