Ross Hodge only arrived in Morgantown on Thursday, but he is already making use of WVU’s alumni network.
The incoming men’s basketball head coach discussed his intentions of connecting with former Mountaineer player Joe Mazzulla at his introductory press conference on Thursday.
Mazzulla currently leads the second best team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, coaching his Boston Celtics to a 56-20 record thus far just one season after winning the NBA Championship.
Boston officially hired Mazzulla just last season after he served as interim head coach in the 2022-2023 season. Despite his short tenure, the 36-year-old has made plenty of noise, earning the best winning percentage of any coach in NBA history with a 73.8 percent win rate.
Hodge commended Mazzulla for his success on the court but also for how he presents himself with his platform.
“Coach Mazzulla, what he’s doing with the Celtics, (he’s) someone that I admire with his ability to profess his faith on a big stage in a time where that gets lost,” Hodge said.
“His messaging is something that inspires me. Just his overall approach to life is awesome and I can’t wait to use him as a resource.”
With six games remaining on Boston’s regular season schedule, Mazzulla will soon be in high gear for the postseason. Understanding this, Hodge stated that he will look to connect with the champion when schedules clear up for both.
