Hey there, hoops fans! If you’re diving into WVU basketball, you’re in for a treat. West Virginia University basketball has a rich legacy that’s as rugged and passionate as the Appalachian Mountains themselves. From the men’s team battling in the Big 12 to the women’s squad making waves, WVU basketball embodies grit, talent, and unbreakable fan spirit. As a longtime follower of college hoops, I’ll walk you through the history, current stars, stats, and more in this comprehensive guide. We’ll cover everything from legendary players to the latest 2025-26 season buzz, all while keeping things straightforward and fun. Let’s jump in!
A Brief History of WVU Basketball
WVU basketball traces its roots back to 1903, when the men’s team played its first game. Over the decades, the program has evolved from humble beginnings into a powerhouse in college athletics. Early years saw modest success, but the 1940s and 1950s brought national attention under coaches like Dyke Raese and Fred Schaus.
One pivotal era was the 1950s with stars like Jerry West and Hot Rod Hundley. West, often called the greatest WVU basketball player ever, led the Mountaineers to the 1959 NCAA Final Four, where they narrowly lost to California in the championship game. That run put WVU on the map. The program joined conferences like the Southern Conference and later the Atlantic 10 before landing in the Big East in 1995 and the Big 12 in 2012.
The women’s WVU basketball program started in 1973, gaining traction in the 1980s under coach Kittie Blakemore. They’ve made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, with a Sweet 16 run in 2016. Both programs share a blue-and-gold pride that’s synonymous with West Virginia’s working-class ethos.
Key milestones:
- Men’s all-time record: Over 1,800 wins (as of 2025).
- Women’s notable achievement: 1989 Atlantic 10 Tournament champions.
- Shared home: The WVU Coliseum, opened in 1970, seats 14,000 and is known for its raucous atmosphere.
This history isn’t just dates—it’s about players who became legends and games that defined generations.
Notable Achievements in WVU Basketball
WVU basketball boasts a trophy case full of hardware. The men’s team has 15 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2005 alone, including Elite Eight runs in 2010 and 2015 under coach Bob Huggins. They’ve won the Big 12 Tournament once (2010) and claimed 13 conference titles overall.
Standout moments include the 1960 Southern Conference championship and back-to-back Final Four berths in the late 1950s. In 2010, Da’Sean Butler’s heroics helped WVU reach the Final Four again. The women’s team has 13 NCAA bids, with a 2017 Elite Eight appearance highlighting their prowess.
Here’s a quick table of major achievements:
| Era | Men’s Achievements | Women’s Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s-1960s | 1959 NCAA Runner-Up, Multiple SoCon Titles | Program Inception (1973) |
| 1980s-1990s | 1989 NIT Champions, A-10 Regular Season | 1989 A-10 Tournament Champs |
| 2000s-2010s | 2010 Final Four, Big East Titles | 2016 Sweet 16, Multiple WNIT Runs |
| 2020s | Consistent Big 12 Contenders | 2024 NCAA Second Round |
These feats show WVU basketball‘s resilience, even in tough conferences.
Famous Players from WVU Basketball
No chat about WVU basketball is complete without shouting out its icons. Jerry West tops the list—averaged 24.8 points per game, earned All-American honors, and went on to NBA stardom with the Lakers. He’s in the Hall of Fame and even inspired the NBA logo silhouette.
Hot Rod Hundley, a flashy guard from the 1950s, was the No. 1 pick in the 1957 NBA Draft. Modern greats include Joe Mazzulla (now Celtics coach), Jevon Carter (Bulls guard known for defense), and Deuce McBride (Knicks). On the women’s side, Meg Bulger and Asya Bussie made impacts, with Bulger holding scoring records.
Top 5 famous men’s players:
- Jerry West (1957-60): 2,309 career points, NBA legend.
- Hot Rod Hundley (1954-57): First Mountaineer in NBA All-Star Game.
- Rod Thorn (1960-63): Scored 1,785 points, later NBA executive.
- Da’Sean Butler (2006-10): Key in 2010 Final Four run.
- Jevon Carter (2014-18): Two-time NABC Defensive Player of the Year.
These alumni prove WVU basketball produces pros who excel beyond college.
Current Coaching Staff for WVU Basketball
As of December 2025, the men’s WVU basketball team is led by head coach Ross Hodge, who took over in 2025 after serving as an assistant. Hodge emphasizes defense and up-tempo play, drawing from his experience at North Texas. Assistants include Yusuf Ali, focused on recruiting, and others like Chester Frazier for player development.
For the women’s team, Mark Kellogg enters his third year, building on a 25-8 record in 2024-25. His staff stresses fundamentals and team chemistry. Both coaches recruit heavily from the transfer portal, blending veterans with freshmen.
Fun fact: Hodge’s first season has started strong, with a focus on rebounding that echoes Huggins’ era.
2025-26 Season Overview for Men’s WVU Basketball
The 2025-26 WVU basketball season is underway, and the men’s team sits at 7-2 as of December 6, 2025. They’ve shown defensive dominance, holding opponents under 60 points in several games. Losses came in the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic to Clemson and Xavier, but blowouts like 91-49 over Coppin State highlight their potential.
In the Big 12, they’re early contenders, with upcoming tests against Wake Forest and conference foes like Houston on January 13. Points per game average 73.3, but defense shines at 57.5 points allowed (top nationally).
Women’s overview: Under Kellogg, they’re off to a solid start with non-conference wins, eyeing another NCAA bid. Their schedule includes tough matchups like Ohio State in November.
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Men’s WVU Basketball Roster for 2025-26
The roster mixes transfers, internationals, and homegrown talent. Here’s a table breakdown:
| Player Name | Position | Height | Weight | Class | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brenen Lorient | F | 6’9″ | 215 | Sr. | Ocala, Fla. |
| Jasper Floyd | G | 6’3″ | 195 | Sr. | Tampa, Fla. |
| Amir Jenkins | G | 6’2″ | 180 | Fr. | Worcester, Mass. |
| Honor Huff | G | 5’10” | 165 | Sr. | Brooklyn, N.Y. |
| Jayden Forsythe | G | 6’5″ | 195 | Fr. | Brooklyn, N.Y. |
| DJ Thomas | F | 6’9″ | 225 | Fr. | Allen, Texas |
| Evans Barning Jr. | F | 6’7″ | 200 | Fr. | Toronto, Ontario |
| Abraham Oyeadier | C | 6’9″ | 225 | R-Fr. | Accra, Ghana |
| Chance Moore | G | 6’6″ | 210 | 5th | Brookhaven, Ga. |
| Jackson Fields | F | 6’8″ | 225 | Sr. | Missouri City, Texas |
| MJ Feenane | G | 6’6″ | 190 | Fr. | Miami, Fla. |
| Niyol Hauet | G | 6’4″ | 180 | R-Fr. | Yokohama, Japan |
| Morris Ugusuk | G | 6’4″ | 180 | Jr. | Helsinki, Finland |
| Treysen Eaglestaff | G | 6’6″ | 205 | Sr. | Bismarck, N.D. |
| Harlan Obioha | C | 7’0″ | 265 | Sr. | Hoxie, Kan. |
This diverse group brings size in the frontcourt and speed on the perimeter.
Key Player Stats in the 2025-26 Season
Stats through 9 games show balance. Team FG% is 44.6%, with strong rebounding at 36.4 per game.
Individual averages:
- Player #03 (likely Treysen Eaglestaff): 15.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG – Sharpshooter leading the offense.
- Player #00 (perhaps Harlan Obioha): 11.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 BPG – Anchor in the paint.
- Player #13: 11.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG – Versatile forward.
- Player #15: 9.0 PPG, 3.0 APG – Playmaker.
- Player #01 (Jasper Floyd?): 8.6 PPG, 3.9 APG, 2.7 SPG – Defensive hound.
Team totals: 73.3 PPG, 13.6 APG, 7.7 SPG. Defense is elite, forcing 9.4 turnovers per game from opponents.
2025-26 Schedule and Results for Men’s WVU Basketball
The schedule features non-conference tune-ups and Big 12 battles. Here’s a list of games up to early December:
- Nov 4: vs. Mount St. Mary’s – W, 70-54
- Nov 6: vs. Campbell – W, 73-65
- Nov 9: vs. Lehigh – W, 69-47
- Nov 13: vs. Pitt – W, 71-49
- Nov 17: vs. Lafayette – W, 81-59
- Nov 21: vs. Clemson (Charleston Classic) – L, 67-70
- Nov 23: vs. Xavier (Charleston Classic) – L, 68-78
- Nov 30: vs. Mercyhurst – W, 70-38
- Dec 3: vs. Coppin State – W, 91-49
- Dec 6: vs. Wake Forest (Holiday Hoopfest) – TBD
Upcoming: Big 12 play starts soon, with home games against top teams like Kansas. All home games at WVU Coliseum unless noted.
Rivalries in WVU Basketball
WVU basketball rivalries add spice. The Backyard Brawl with Pitt is legendary—over 190 meetings, with trash talk and intense crowds. In 2025, WVU crushed Pitt 71-49.
Other foes: Cincinnati and Virginia Tech from old Big East days. In Big 12, Kansas and Baylor bring heated matchups. Women’s rivalries include Texas and Iowa State.
These games aren’t just wins; they’re cultural events.
Fan Culture and Traditions in WVU Basketball
Mountaineer fans are passionate! WVU basketball games at the Coliseum feature “Country Roads” sing-alongs after wins—a tradition that unites 14,000 voices.
Tailgating involves moonshine and venison, reflecting West Virginia’s outdoorsy vibe. The “Let’s Go Mountaineers!” chant echoes constantly. Students burn couches after big wins (though discouraged), showing raw energy.
Game day: Gold rush themes, with fans in blue and gold. The Mountaineer mascot fires a musket for points. It’s family-like—fans travel far, creating a home-court edge.
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Most Common FAQs on WVU Basketball
Who is the current head coach for men’s WVU basketball?
Ross Hodge, in his first year as of 2025.
What is WVU’s record in the 2025-26 season?
Men’s: 7-2 as of Dec 6, 2025.
Who are the top scorers on the men’s team?
Treysen Eaglestaff (15.8 PPG), Harlan Obioha (11.1 PPG).
When is the next big game?
Dec 6 vs. Wake Forest; Big 12 opener vs. Houston on Jan 13.
Has WVU ever won a national championship?
No, but men’s were runners-up in 1959.
Who is the greatest WVU basketball player?
Jerry West, hands down.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up this deep dive into WVU basketball, it’s clear the Mountaineers are more than a team—they’re a symbol of West Virginia pride. From Jerry West’s legacy to the 2025-26 squad’s defensive grit, there’s always excitement. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the blue and gold, catch a game at the Coliseum; the energy is unmatched. Here’s to more wins and memorable moments in WVU basketball! Go Mountaineers!