West Virginia Adds Joson Sanon as Transfer Core Grows Under Ross Hodge

West Virginia men’s basketball strengthened its transfer class on Sunday with the commitment of St. John’s guard Joson Sanon, according to reports from On3. The addition continues a significant roster overhaul as the program looks to reset its competitive direction.

Sanon becomes one of several incoming transfers joining the Mountaineers ahead of the 2026-27 season, as head coach Ross Hodge and his staff aggressively rebuild the roster through the transfer portal.

The sophomore guard brings experience from multiple high-major programs, having also played at Arizona State prior to his time at St. John’s. His versatility and perimeter shooting are expected to add depth to West Virginia’s backcourt.

His arrival comes during a transitional period for the program, which is seeking to return to the NCAA Tournament after multiple seasons away from the field.

1. Transfer Class Expansion in Morgantown

Joson Sanon joins a growing group of transfer additions that West Virginia has assembled this offseason, forming one of the more active rebuilds in the country. His commitment adds another perimeter option to an already crowded incoming class. Among the other key additions is Butler transfer guard Finley Bizjack, who also recently announced his intention to join the Mountaineers. Together, the two guards give West Virginia added experience in the backcourt. The program has also addressed multiple positions through the portal, bringing in Florida State guard Martin Somerville, Georgia Tech center Mo Sylla, Utah forward Seydou Traore, and Boise State forward Javan Buchanan. The volume of incoming transfers reflects a clear strategy to quickly retool the roster and accelerate competitiveness heading into the next cycle.

2. Sanon Brings Shooting and High-Major Experience

Sanon arrives at West Virginia with experience across two Power Five programs, having previously played at Arizona State before transferring to St. John’s. That background gives him familiarity with high-level competition and different offensive systems. During his most recent season, Sanon averaged just under eight points per game while shooting approximately 35 percent from three-point range. His perimeter scoring ability is expected to be one of his key contributions. At 6-foot-5, he provides size for a guard, allowing him to play multiple roles within the backcourt rotation. His length and shooting touch give West Virginia lineup flexibility. Coaches view him as a rotational piece capable of spacing the floor while contributing defensively against larger guards in Big 12 play.

3. Program Reset Under Ross Hodge

West Virginia’s roster overhaul follows a difficult 2025-26 season in which the team failed to reach the NCAA Tournament under first-year head coach Ross Hodge. Instead, the Mountaineers competed in and won the College Basketball Crown Tournament in Las Vegas. That postseason run included victories over Stanford, Creighton, and Oklahoma, offering a late-season positive but not enough to secure a tournament berth. The program has now missed the NCAA Tournament in three straight seasons. Roster turnover has been significant, with multiple departures through the transfer portal and eligibility expirations, including guard Honor Huff and freshman forward DJ Thomas. The changes have forced a near-complete rebuild. Despite the turnover, optimism remains for the future, particularly with incoming freshman guard Miles Sadler, a top-30 national prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, expected to anchor the next wave of talent.