Let’s get caught up on what happened with WVU Basketball in July and August. We’re two weeks away from the start of the college football season with Week Zero starting August 27th.
West Virginia’s Mens’ Midnight Madness
WVU basketball team is diving headfirst into wild scheduling. They are facing Auburn in a midnight tip-off in Las Vegas on November 17th. Yes, it will be awful for us fans in the East. This Players Era event guarantees each team at least 1 million in NIL money. They are also giving out bonus cash for the top-four finishers. The Big 12 is locking in Vegas for its top eight teams in 2027-28 and WVU earned its spot based on last season’s performance. Before Vegas, they kick off against Niagara. — July 13th
West Virginia’s Women’s Greenbrier Five Legacy Lives On
Women’s Basketball returns to the legendary Greenbrier for their 2026 opener. They will be facing Northwestern. With most key players gone and Gia Cooke stepping up as the lone returning scorer, the Mountaineers are rebuilding under Coach Mark Kellogg. He has already racked up 25+ wins in each of his first three seasons. New transfers Skylar Forbes and Alexis Bordas join the mix as the team aims for another NCAA Tournament run and a shot at the Big 12 Championship. —July 23th
Coach Hodge’s Tough Non-Conference Push
Coach Hodge is throwing down the gauntlet with a brutal non-conference slate for the 2026-27 season. They have locked in Virginia Tech and eyeing either North Carolina or Kentucky. They are planning on testing his squad early and fueling fan excitement. This bold move is driven by regional rivalry and strategic prep. It could give WVU a battle-tested team ready for Big 12 chaos. — August 1st
Sylla Brings New Athletic Edge
The men’s team are getting a major upgrade at the center position with the addition of Georgia Tech transfer Mouhamed Sylla. More than just a big body, Sylla brings explosive athleticism and scoring ability. This should revolutionize their pick-and-roll game and unlock new offensive dimensions. Despite missing most of last season due to injury, he flashed top-tier potential. He averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Sylla was once ranked among the nation’s best prospects. Coach Hodge and the staff see him as an instant gamechanger, ready to dominate both ends of the floor, and elevate the team’s dynamic, athletic style. — August 2nd
New Preseason Strategy: Maryland Exhibition Game
Coach Hodge just dropped a major announcement that the Mountaineers are playing their first exhibition game against Maryland. With new rules allowing up to three preseason games, WVU is using this chance to get real game experience before the season opener on November 2nd. Coach Hodge plans to keep the momentum going with potential home games against in-state Division II teams. He wants to help his young squad to adjust to game-day intensity. Despite having a rough last season, Maryland brings fresh talent. They make this a crucial early test for WVU’s revamped roster. — August 3rd
Honoring Seven New Legends
WV’s Sports Hall of Fame just got a legendary upgrade with seven new inductees. They are led by Coach John Beilein who turned around the program in just five seasons and taking them to multiple NCAA tournaments, Sweet Sixteens, and even an Elite Eight. Joining him are football star Dennis Fowlkes (NFL pro, 400+ tackles), WNBA phenom Bria Holmes, soccer stars Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence, track legend Alex Kasich, and wrestling coach Craig Turnbull. This is a powerhouse class honoring diverse eras and sports that shaped Mountaineer greatness. — August 7th
WVU Basketball UNC vs WVU in Charlotte
UNC Tar Heels prepare for a high-stakes showdown against West Virginia in Charlotte, NC on November 27th. It’s a pivotal regular season clash that’s already electrifying fans and setting the stage for one of the season’s most must-watched games. —August 7th
WVU Athletics Soars Under Baker
Sports are on a rocket ship under AD Wren Baker who’s quietly transformed the program into a financial powerhouse. He has boosted the budget to over $150 million. They smashed fundraising records with $111 million in donations and growing fan support to nearly 8,000 club members. Strategic partnerships with brands like Hope Gas and Antero Resources are fueling long-term revenue. Ticket sales hit $20 million for the second straight year. — August 8th
Eaglestaff’s Eligibility Maze
Treysen Eaglestaff, standout guard, is eyeing a fifth college season thanks to a recent court ruling. Though the recent court ruling grants extra eligibility for 2022 recruits, it doesn’t automatically allow transfers. This leaves Eaglestaff stuck in legal limbo. With no roster spot at WVU Basketball and not yet in the transfer portal, he’s caught between being a free agent and still technically being a Mountaineer. His solid stats last season (nearly 10 points, 4 rebounds) make him a coveted player, but his path forward requires a courtroom battle. — August 9th
Brenen Lorient’s Eligibility Could Change Everything
WVU Basketball hopes hinge on a legal battle. Brenen Lorient could return for a fifth year if a court rules in his favor. This could potentially reshaping the team’s Big 12 title chances. With his versatility and scoring ability, Lorient’s eligibility would unlock a deeper, more dangerous roster. — August 14th
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