Get ready to witness greatness on the court! Northwestern University's men's basketball team just landed a phenomenal recruit in Jayden Hodge, a four-star sensation from Belgium. Ranked #69 in ESPN's Top 100 players in the Class of 2026, Hodge is set to make waves in the college basketball scene.
Hodge's commitment to Northwestern was announced on Instagram, and it's a significant win for coach Chris Collins and his team. According to 247 Sports' composite ranking, Hodge is the highest-ranked NU men's basketball recruit in the modern era. But what makes him so special?
It all comes down to his incredible two-way playmaking abilities. In 2024, Hodge led Belgium to a seventh-place finish in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket championship, boasting impressive stats: 15.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He was a defensive force to be reckoned with, averaging 1.7 steals per game and nearly one block per game.
But here's where it gets interesting: Hodge's recruitment process was far from straightforward. With offers from top schools like Georgetown, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt, he had a tough decision to make. And the real controversy? His family ties to Old Dominion University, where his father, Odell Hodge, was a two-time CAA Player of the Year. Jayden Hodge revealed that he had a hard time choosing between Northwestern and Old Dominion, but ultimately, NU's coaching staff and academic rigor won him over.
So, what sealed the deal for Hodge? His visit to campus in June, where he was given a tour by friend and South Florida transfer Jayden Reid, was a turning point. He was blown away by the beautiful campus and the sense of belonging he felt with the team. As he put it, 'Northwestern has a great coaching staff, and they made me a priority as a high schooler this year.'
But what can NU fans expect from Hodge on the court? In his own words, 'You can expect a player who plays to win. Every time I step on the court, I make winning plays. I'll dive on the floor, play both sides of the ball, and guard every position on the court.' And with his impressive skills and winning mentality, it's clear that Hodge is ready to make an immediate impact.
As Hodge prepares to join the team next fall, he's got his sights set on success. Currently playing for Montverde Academy, he's working hard to take his game to the next level. With a message for NU fans, Hodge said, 'I'm here to get better and prepare for the college level... I believe we are going to have a great team this year, and we've been putting in a lot of work.'
Now it's your turn! What do you think about Jayden Hodge's commitment to Northwestern? Do you think he'll live up to the hype? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Will Hodge's two-way playmaking abilities be the key to NU's success in the coming seasons? Let's get the conversation started!
