There is a ton of expertise in Illinois within the Class of 2021, a few of which has high-major provides and potential.
While their junior yr of highschool is simply beginning, one of many prime gamers within the class is already off the board as Schaumburg’s Chris Hodges dedicated to Wisconsin Thursday evening.
Hodges is the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s No. 7 ranked participant within the Class of 2021. The 6-Eight put up participant picked up a proposal from Wisconsin in June after showcasing promise, manufacturing and enchancment over the course of his first two seasons.
As a sophomore, Hodges was instrumental in serving to the Saxons to a regional championship. He averaged 16 factors a recreation whereas capturing 66 p.c from the sphere and including 6.2 rebounds and two blocks a recreation.
“I felt at home there,” Hodges stated, who has been to the Wisconsin campus on three completely different events, together with a latest go to to Madison.
Although it’s an early dedication, Hodges stated there was no cause to attend it out.
“When you feel like you’ve found the spot, you run with it,” Hodges stated. “I had a great feeling there from the get-go. Everything felt like the right fit for me –– the offense, the coaching staff, the city, how they develop players there.”
Wisconsin, which has executed an excellent job figuring out massive males early and providing, hopes it has struck it wealthy a 3rd time in Illinois. Frank Kaminsky of Benet and Ethan Happ of Rockridge have been Illinois massive males prep merchandise who turned two of the best gamers in Wisconsin basketball historical past in recent times.
“It was really appealing what they’ve done with their players and what their big men have done,” Hodges stated. “It’s pretty flattering and motivating having the staff compare me to some of those guys.”
Big males are coveted and at a premium. The Badgers lock in a participant who has a blue-collar method with a elementary recreation that’s headed in the suitable course. While he’s comfy on the block and along with his again to the basket, Hodges’ face-up recreation continues to slowly enhance.
“I want to work and continue to get better,” Hodges stated.