WVU men's basketball coach Ross Hodge spoke to the media on Thursday at a preseason press conference, and he gave his thoughts on what is to come as he prepares for his first season leading the Mountaineers.
He had a lot to share that should have West Virginia basketball fans anticipating the upcoming basketball season, but perhaps it was his thoughts on center Harlan Obioha that should have fans the most excited. When asked about players that have stood out early, the UNC-Wilmington transfer was the first player to be named.
“Some guys that have made big strides, like big Harlan (Obioha). His body, the work he and Coach Martinez put into his body this summer," Hodge said. "Came in pushing 300, now he’s 267 and did it the right way. Lost bad weight and put on some muscle mass.”
Obioha is a 7-footer who joins the Mountaineers after helping the Seahawks to the NCAA Tournament last season as a starter, averaging 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. He was the top big man the Mountaineers were able to land in the portal, and has been expected to play a significant role this upcoming season. It turns out that fans might be able to expect him to be an even bigger factor that initially expected.
“The first thing that jumps out to you is the way he looks, and then being able to be lighter on his feet. He’s always had incredible hands and incredible feet," Hodge said. "He was a high-end football player coming out of high school. He’s got great touch, great hands, great feet, and now he’s just able to be a little lighter, and it allows him to play longer stretches of quality basketball.”