James Reese V Shares Thoughts On Playing For WVU Basketball’s Ross Hodge

James Reese V Shares Thoughts On Playing For WVU Basketball’s Ross Hodge

 

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With Ross Hodge officially installed as West Virginia University’s 24th men’s basketball coach, senior guard James Reese V offered his perspective on joining in what many see as a pivotal moment for the Mountaineers.

Hodge, who signed a five-year deal on March 26, 2025 after two seasons at North Texas, arrives with a reputation for discipline, defensive rigor, and talent development. In Denton, his teams posted a 46–24 record and reached the NIT semifinals, earning high praise from peers and college hoop analysts alike . WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker lauded Hodge as “a proven winner and leader … one of the best defensive minds in college basketball,” adding, “his teams play with toughness and grit” .

Reese, who enters his third season as a Mountaineer, emphasized how those qualities align with the culture he envisioned. “Playing for a coach like Ross—who trusts relationships first and defensive intensity second—feels like what WVU basketball should be,” Reese said. “He builds his teams around effort and accountability every single possession.”

Hodge’s arrival marks WVU’s fourth head coach in as many years, following Darian DeVries’ departure after just one season to Indiana . Reese acknowledged the coaching carousel has been distracting but feels Hodge brings stability. “For us as players, especially the upperclassmen, that consistency is huge. Coach Hodge talks about planting roots and growing a family here — that resonates with us,” Reese noted, echoing Hodge’s own comments on forging meaningful relationships and a long-term culture .

Hodge inherits a roster in transition: only three scholarship players remain from last season, most having entered the portal or completed their eligibility . Reese admitted the turnover is a challenge, but sees opportunity. “It’s a blank canvas. We have a chance to define our identity from scratch. I trust our coaching staff to bring in the right pieces—players who buy into our system.”

WVU donors reportedly expressed hesitation over Hodge’s hiring, citing his lack of NCAA tournament experience and national brand recognition . But Reese pointed to widespread endorsements from high-caliber figures: Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland called Hodge “the ultimate winner” who balances on‑court performance with personal integrity; Baylor’s Scott Drew labeled him a “tremendous coach and leader of young men”; Memphis coach Penny Hardaway hailed him as “one of the best defensive minds in the country”

Reese wrapped up by expressing cautious optimism. “We’re realistic about the road ahead—Big 12 is brutal, and expectations are high. But if you stick to our principles—communication, toughness, team defense—we have every chance to compete,” he said. “I’m proud to wear the WVU uniform for what he’s building.”

As fall camp approaches and roster construction continues, Reese expects a clear blueprint: tough-minded, defensively focused, and unafraid to rebuild. In Hodge, he sees not just a coach, but a partner in bringing Mountaineer basketball back to national prominences