West Virginia is actively working on finalizing the basketball roster for year one under the new head coach, Ross Hodge.
The Mountaineers have secured five players via the transfer portal and high school recruitment, including UNC Wilmington center Harlan Obioha, North Texas forward Brenen Lorient, Chattanooga guard Honor Huff, Troy forward Jackson Fields, and 2025 forward Deandre Thomas.
The team still includes two other scholarship players from the previous administration: center Abraham Oyeadier and forward Haris Elezovic, though their status with the team is uncertain due to the coaching transition. However, at this time, neither has entered the transfer portal.
This is not unfamiliar for Hodge, as he was given the responsibility of reconstructing teams during his tenure at the junior college level and in each of his seasons at North Texas.
Therefore, which positions still require attention with the leftover roster spots?
Despite having the 7-foot-0, 280-pound Obioha at the center position, the Mountaineers still require additional quality depth at that spot, regardless of whether Oyeadier stays or departs. Locating quality big men in the transfer portal isn’t simple, but acquiring another solid choice would significantly help alleviate any worries regarding the front court.
West Virginia currently boasts strong choices at the four position with Lorient, Fields, and Thomas, all of whom can also play different roles due to their versatility. Nevertheless, among all the roles, this is the one that coaches have managed to fill the most so far.
Regarding the three position, this is an area that must still be tackled with both classic forwards and wings to increase the available options. This is a position where the coaching staff will require multiple options, and you can incorporate the two-guard here too, even with Huff present.
Most of the leftover tasks will probably focus on these areas, incorporating size, athleticism, and skill to shape the roster according to Hodge’s vision on both sides of the court.
It wouldn’t be unexpected to observe anywhere from four to five additions across these different areas to complete the roster with a few perimeter choices. Currently, West Virginia requires the most assistance in that area, as only Huff is on the roster.
The last position to consider is point guard, and although Huff can fill that role, the program is probably going to seek more options, including Wes Enis from Lincoln Memorial, who has already visited and would be a great fit in the back court. The Mountaineers have engaged with several other possibilities by reaching out.
West Virginia has been diligently working to complete the roster, and although the coaches have certainly made significant progress, they are still aiming to enhance it further.
