Ross Hodge and West Virginia Basketball Announce Double Signing as Amani Hansberry Continues Roster Rebuild…

Ross Hodge and West Virginia Basketball Announce Double Signing as Amani Hansberry Continues Roster Rebuild

 

West Virginia men’s basketball continues to reshape its roster under new leadership, with head coach Ross Hodge announcing a significant double signing that signals a new era for the Mountaineers. As former Illinois forward Amani Hansberry leads a fresh wave of talent in Morgantown, the addition of two new players underscores Hodge’s commitment to building a competitive and balanced roster for the upcoming season.

 

The Mountaineers confirmed the signings on Friday, bringing in both a proven mid-major scorer and a promising high school prospect. While names have not yet been officially released pending final clearances, sources close to the program indicate that one of the players is a versatile wing from the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining, and the other a four-star high school guard ranked among the top 150 in the nation.

 

Coach Ross Hodge, who took the reins in March following a turbulent season for West Virginia, expressed his enthusiasm about the new additions in a press release.

 

> “We’re excited to welcome these two young men to the Mountaineer family,” Hodge said. “Both bring a high level of character, competitiveness, and a hunger to win. They’ll fit perfectly into our culture and vision as we work to return West Virginia basketball to national prominence.”

 

A central figure in that vision is Amani Hansberry, the former Big Ten Freshman of the Week who transferred from Illinois earlier this spring. Hansberry has not only embraced his new role as a foundational piece of the Mountaineers’ rebuild, but he’s also played an active role in recruiting efforts — hosting visits, engaging players, and helping to define the team’s new identity.

 

“Amani is a leader,” Hodge added. “He’s setting the tone for what we want this program to be — tough, smart, unselfish. He’s been a huge asset both on and off the court.”

 

Hansberry averaged 7.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in limited minutes as a freshman at Illinois, showcasing a versatile inside-out game and a nose for the boards. His decision to transfer to West Virginia was a major recruiting win for Hodge and has given the program early credibility during a time of transition.

 

With a roster still in flux following the departure of several key players to the transfer portal and graduation, the latest double signing marks a crucial step in stabilizing the team. The staff is expected to pursue at least two more additions before the start of summer workouts.

 

Fans, meanwhile, have begun to rally behind Hodge’s vision. After a year marked by uncertainty and off-court drama, there’s growing optimism that West Virginia basketball is once again on the rise — built around Hansberry’s leadership and fueled by a wave of hungry, talented newcomers.

 

As the pieces come together, one thing is clear: the rebuild in Morgantown is real, and it’s happening fast.