Ross Hodge, the new head basketball coach at West Virginia University, made one thing clear during his introductory press conference: he’s all in on analytics—but not blindly.
Throughout his remarks, Hodge referenced advanced stats, including home court advantage data from KenPom and offensive efficiency metrics, signaling that he’s very much aware of how analytics are changing the game at the college level.
But when asked directly how he uses analytics in his coaching, his response reflected balance and experience.
“It’s definitely a tool. It’s not the Bible,” Hodge said.
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Trusting the Eye Test
While Hodge values the insights data can provide, he still leans heavily on his own eyes and instincts. His process starts by watching game film and forming his own opinions. Only after that does he turn to the numbers to either reinforce or challenge what he saw.
“Maybe you go back and revisit some things based on the data and analytics,” he explained.
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For Hodge, analytics are there to support decision-making, not to dictate it. He uses the data to tweak strategies or confirm hunches, not as a rigid guide.
A Modern Coach with a Classic Approach
In an era where analytics are often treated like gospel in sports, Hodge’s perspective offers a refreshing middle ground. He respects the value of numbers and the edge they can provide but never lets them override what he sees on the court or what his gut tells him.
“Certainly, a great resource and a great tool and it’s very helpful,” Hodge emphasized.
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With this mindset, Ross Hodge blends the modern world of analytics with old-school coaching wisdom, a combination that could serve West Virginia basketball well as the program enters a new chapter under his leadership.
