DEAL ACCEPTED: Ross Hodge Opens Up on Bob Huggins Returning to WVU as Assistant  Coach Next Season Due to Lack of cut and fill” Motion Offense and Tough, Man-to-Man Defense on the Team…

DEAL ACCEPTED: Ross Hodge Opens Up on Bob Huggins Returning to WVU as Assistant  Coach Next Season Due to Lack of cut and fill” Motion Offense and Tough, Man-to-Man Defense on the Team…

 

In an exciting development for West Virginia University basketball, Ross Hodge, the team’s current assistant coach, has confirmed that legendary head coach Bob Huggins will return to the Mountaineers next season, but in a new role—as an assistant coach. This decision has sent ripples of excitement throughout the college basketball world, with fans and analysts eager to see how this unexpected collaboration will unfold on the court.

 

Huggins, who has been a cornerstone of the program for over two decades, will join Hodge in implementing a new approach to WVU’s basketball strategy, focusing on re-establishing a cohesive team dynamic. With the Mountaineers’ recent struggles, including a lack of offensive fluidity and an inability to consistently execute a “cut and fill” motion offense, the decision to bring Huggins back could prove to be a game-changer.

 

“I’m excited to welcome Coach Huggins back to the program in this new capacity,” said Ross Hodge in an exclusive interview. “We’ve had some challenges in recent seasons, particularly on the offensive end and with team cohesion. Coach Huggins has always been a master of man-to-man defense and knows exactly what it takes to build a tough, competitive team. His return is not only a huge boost for us but also a reflection of his unwavering commitment to West Virginia University.”

 

Under Huggins’ leadership, the Mountaineers were known for their relentless defense and gritty style of play. Huggins’ emphasis on defense was unmatched, creating a team-oriented culture that thrived on effort and execution. However, in recent seasons, West Virginia’s offense has lagged behind, particularly with the absence of a clear “cut and fill” motion offense—an offensive system that emphasizes constant movement, passing, and spacing to create open looks.

 

The Mountaineers also struggled with team cohesion, something that has been a hallmark of Huggins’ coaching philosophy. He is known for molding his teams into tight-knit, selfless units where every player understands their role and works for the good of the team. His return is seen as a way to re-establish that sense of unity, which has been lacking in recent years.

 

Hodge, who has worked alongside Huggins for several seasons, believes this partnership will be pivotal in getting the team back on track. “We’ve got a lot of talent, but what we need is discipline, a shared vision, and the confidence to execute our offense and defense the right way,” Hodge explained. “Bob Huggins brings all that to the table, and his experience and leadership will be invaluable as we focus on improving both sides of the ball. We need to get back to what made WVU basketball great—tough defense, intelligent offense, and a relentless commitment to one another.”

 

Although the Mountaineers have faced their share of challenges, including an underwhelming performance in the Big 12 Conference in recent years, the return of Huggins signals a potential shift in their fortunes. His unparalleled knowledge of the game and his ability to develop players into well-rounded contributors is expected to have an immediate impact, especially on the younger players who will benefit from his guidance.

 

With Huggins back in the fold, the Mountaineers will look to bring back the tough, defensive-minded basketball that has been the foundation of their program. But just as importantly, Huggins’ presence will help restore team cohesion, allowing WVU to finally execute their motion offense effectively and establish a more consistent and potent offensive attack.

 

As Hodge and Huggins prepare for next season, all eyes will be on West Virginia to see if they can return to form and reclaim their status as a national contender. The partnership between these two seasoned coaches promises to bring a new level of discipline, unity, and toughness to the Mountaineers—a recipe for success on both ends of the court.