Top-60 F Matthew Hodge Chooses Villanova

September 29, 2023 by Max Feldman

THE LEAD

Matthew Hodge, the 58th overall prospect in 2024, has committed to Villanova. The Belgian-born forward chose the Wildcats over Maryland, Marquette, Penn State, Seton Hall and Xavier.

BACKGROUND

Hodge moved over to New Jersey from Belgium prior to his junior year, hitting the ground running with St. Rose. The 6-7 Swiss Army knife popped onto my radar while playing with the Belgian national team at the FIBA Euro Championship in 2022. Quickly thereafter, the move to the states was announced, alongside his brother Jayden, a top-35 prospect in 2026. Hodge's father, Odell, scored over 2,000 points at Old Dominion and was twice voted CAA Player of the Year with the Monarchs in 90's. Long been cemented inside our Top-70 nationally, but his recruitment turned a corner this spring playing with the PSA Cardinals. Alabama, Florida State and Virginia are a few others who offered, but didn't make the final list.

SOUND BITE

"Nova fans can expect me to come in and compete for wins and titles right away!"

WHAT'S NEXT?

Villanova has been in the mix for a variety of prospects in 2024, but don't necessarily seem to be leading for any. However, the Wildcats do seem to be in solid spots for DMV product Malcolm Thomas and Texas F Josiah Moseley. The staff has been hot on the trail for 2025's, so whether it's a reclassification or a portal-reliant summer, I'd expect more on where the focus lays for Kyle Neptune and company down the line this winter into the spring.

MY TAKE

Fantastic get for Villanova. Some programs stood out more than others in his recruitment, but his game can best be broken down directly with the idea that scheme doesn't necessarily matter. He's shown the ability to toggle between roles and provide value regardless of the pieces around him. Yet, the versatility, selflessness and switchable defensive mentality that Nova has been built over the last decade is a hand-in-glove fit with Hodge's approach. One I'd bet on impacting the game from day one at the next level, as he's starred in his role and brought energy every step of the way. An excellent playmaker and rebounder, he'll slot in seamlessly as a versatile frontcourt piece at the next level.

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