West Virginia head coach Ross Hodge is feeling confident about the roster he’s assembled for the upcoming basketball season — and with good reason. While the team may not be finalized just yet, the foundation is built on a clear and deliberate theme: winning.
“I’m happy with the roster we’ve put in place,” Hodge said in a recent appearance on OFF THE CAROUSEL! with Rob Dauster. “We’re still hoping to add a piece or two to complete it, but guys are arriving now, and we’re ready to start the journey all over again.”
So far, Hodge and his staff have added 10 new players this offseason, including eight transfers and two high school recruits. They’re also bringing back redshirt freshman big man Abraham Oyeadier from last year’s team.
What stands out most about the roster? Success.
Nearly every transfer added to the team has a track record of winning at the collegiate level.
- Honor Huff arrives after an NIT title run with Chattanooga.
- Harlan Obioha played in the NCAA Tournament with UNC Wilmington.
- Jackson Fields brings experience from Troy’s NCAA Tournament team.
- Brenen Lorient has postseason wins under his belt with both North Texas and Florida Atlantic, where he reached the Final Four.
Beyond the headliners, guards like Treysen Eaglestaff, Jasper Floyd, Morris Ugusuk, and Chance Moore all come from programs where winning was part of the culture.
Hodge said this was no accident. He and his staff intentionally sought out players with winning pedigrees — and strong character.
“In today’s college basketball world, it can feel really transactional,” Hodge said. “So we looked for guys who want to be at West Virginia for the right reasons and who genuinely like being around their teammates.”
To help the team mesh, Hodge emphasized recruiting “connectors” — players who naturally bring people together. He cited Huff and Eaglestaff as examples of guys who can bridge different personalities and build chemistry on and off the court.
The era of long-term roster stability in college hoops has shifted. With transfers becoming the norm, coaches must now build their teams one season at a time.
While Hodge still values high school recruits who can grow with the program, he’s also realistic about the present.
“Let’s pour everything we have into this group and this moment,” he said. “That’s how you build something meaningful — one year at a time.”
With a roster full of proven winners and a coach focused on chemistry, West Virginia basketball is shaping up to be a team worth watching this season.
