By CHARLIE PARENT
NEW YORK — Four-star Villanova commit Matthew Hodge had a strong outing for St. Rose (NJ.) at last weekend’s Jordan Brand Holiday Classic via MadeHoops, posting 14 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists in a 66-56 win over nationally ranked Archbishop Stepinac (NY.) in front of future coaches Kyle Neptune and Mike Nardi.
The 6-foot-8 forward followed it up Saturday, scoring 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in an 80-54 blowout win over the George School (PA.).
“They [Villanova] know what Matt’s value is in terms of being able to do a lot of different things,” St. Rose head coach Brian Lynch said postgame Saturday. “He has the ability to really stretch the floor and shoot it, but what he really showed yesterday was when his shot didn’t fall too much he got nine rebounds, a couple of assists, two blocks, and played really good defense. He’s impacting the game in multiple ways.”
Hodge reveled in the opportunity to play in front of his coaches.
“It was a great opportunity to play in front of my coaches already,” he said. “He can see me building my game for next year so it’s always cool to catch up after the game. The chemistry’s already great now, so when I get there, I think it’ll be good.”
The Belgian native is ready to play in a team-oriented Villanova system.
“[I’ll play] any role,” he said. “When we went into the recruiting process, it was all about that winning mindset and being around a team where you don’t have to go through one player or two players.”
“I know everyone wants to win,” he concluded. “I just want to be a team player and do everything possible to win.”
Hodge mentioned the incoming class of him and three-stars Josiah Moseley and Malcolm Thomas have started forming a bond early.
“We’ve been talking a lot,” he said. “The chemistry looks good and when we all go on campus together it’s going to be fun.”
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