Sources: Donors Hesitant to Support WVU Basketball HC Ross Hodge

In college athletics, donors often help run what goes on within a program behind the scenes. They do not always get their way, but their efforts are valued and necessary in order for a major program to have success, especially in the NIL era. WVU is no different in that regard. Their opinions matter.

So with that said, what do those donors think of West Virginia hiring Ross Hodge as the new men’s basketball head coach?

Well, some donors have expressed a sense of displeasure about the hire to WV Sports Now.

Here is what WV Sports Now has heard from donor sources:

They are hesitant to donate big money for him. They do not like the hire. Of course, they do not speak for all donors. The issue for them is WVU’s brand was worse off last year and landed a coach more on the national map. WVU is coming off a big turn around year and has more money now, most notably Darian DeVries’ buyout money coming from Indiana, yet ends up with a coach who doesn’t pop as much and has never been to an NCAA Tournament.

To reiterate, this is only what a select group of donors are saying and they do not speak for all donors.

Here is a major concern about Ross Hodge aside from picking apart his resume: I have heard from several donor sources that they are hesitant to donate big money for him. They do not like the hire. Of course, they do not speak for all donors.

The issue for them is WVU's brand…

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) March 26, 2025

In addition to how those anonymous donors feel, the biggest booster of all made a comment of his own.

Ken Kendrick, one of WVU’s most known donors who also owns MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, weighed in on X (formerly Twitter).

“I have learned over my last 25 years of hiring professional coaches that both competence and character matter. I hope Ross Hodge brings both of those qualities to WVU!,” said Kendrick.

I have learned over my last 25 years of hiring professional coaches that both competence and character matter. I hope Ross Hodge brings both of those qualities to WVU!

— WVU 1965 (@KenKendrick18) March 26, 2025

WVU director of athletics Wren Baker shared his thoughts about Hodge as part of the school’s press release.

“Ross Hodge is a proven winner and leader who has demonstrated success at every stop of his career. He has won more than 80% of his games as a head coach while establishing himself as one of the best defensive minds in college basketball. His teams play with toughness and grit and Mountaineer Nation will love the passion his players have for the game,” said Baker.

Drawing from his personal relationship with Hodge since their time together at North Texas, Baker also added more about the man moving to Morgantown to lead the Mountaineers as a person.

“More importantly, Ross is an incredible person and family man. His wife, Shelly, along with their children, Emery and Reed, will be great assets to our community and state. Please join me in welcoming the Hodge Family to Almost Heaven!”

For a related story, opposing coaches from around the country shared their thoughts on WVU hiring Ross Hodge.

For anyone who needs an example of WV Sports Now’s relationship with donors, a donor went on the record with WVSN with his thoughts about Bob Huggins in May of 2023.