WVU fans show passionate support for Ross Hodge despite difficult first season

WVU basketballwas eliminated from the Big 12 Tournamenton Wednesday in a loss to BYU which all but officially eliminates them from NCAA Tournament contention. The Mountaineers moved to 18-14 overall on the year, and unless the Mountaineers accept an invitation to the College Basketball Crown or NIT, it will mark the end of the journey for Ross Hodge and his team during his first season leading the program.

Now, those who follow the West Virginia Mountaineers are taking some time to reflect on Hodge's inaugural season at the helm, and there is some debate as to whether or not his first season was a success or a failure. And while plenty of people will already have hot takes on Hodge as a coach, many who support the team are choosing to defend Hodge's first year.

Evaluating Ross Hodge's first year with the West Virginia Mountaineers

It's undeniable that the standard set for the Mountaineers over the past quarter-century by John Beilein and Bob Huggins is the NCAA Tournament, so it's hard to look at any season that sees the program miss the Big Dance as a success. But many argue closer look at the situation could shift your views.

Some point out the fact that the Mountaineers got a significantly late start on a roster rebuild and roster retention, given that Hodge was leading North Texas to the NIT Semifinals and the portal opened earlier than it does this season.

Hodge also had what many people would consider the WVU team withthe least pure talenton the floor in recent years. There was Javon Small, Tucker DeVries, or Jesse Edwards on this team. No Tre Mitchell or Derek Culver, no Miles McBride or Jevon Carter.

Hodge took a very limited roster, particularly offensively, and kept them at .500 in league play in the toughest conference in college basketball. They never truly left the NCAA Tournament once they arrived, even if they were often on the fringe. They were projected to finish 11th in the Big 12, and ended up seventh. Despite the lack of an NCAA Tournament bid, most fans are taking that as a success.

Even national college baskeball analyst Fran Fraschillawould agree, as he reaffirmed his belief that Hodge is a good fit for the Mountaineers as he served on commentary during the loss to BYU on Wednesday.

"If you're a West Virginia fan, I'm going to tell you that they hired the right guy," Fraschilla said.

Now, there are some reservations headed into next season, and some supporters of the Mountaineers pointed out that talent evaluation has to improve this offseason and that the offense cannot have a repeat performance next season. But it seems those who follow the program aren't out on Ross Hodge yet. Check out some of the takes on his first year below.

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