Wisconsin basketball recruiting: 2021 signing day capsule for Chris Hodges

Now that the 2021 men’s basketball class can officially sign on the dotted line, B5Q gives you a snapshot of each player joining the fold for the Wisconsin Badgers next season...

2021 forward Chris Hodges

Position: power forward

Height: 6-foot-9

Weight: 235 pounds

Hometown: Schaumburg, Ill.

High school: Schaumburg High School

Rankings

• 247 Composite: three-star, 91.89 rating (No. 150 nationally / No. 26 power forward), No. 5 in state
• 247 Sports: three-star, 88 rating (No. 205 nationally / No. 34 power forward), No. 6 in state
• Rivals: three-star, (No. 137 nationally / No. 24 power forward)
• ESPN: four-star, 81 rating, No. 21 power forward, No. 24 in region, No. 4 in state

Links to other B5Q posts on player

• Hodges commits to UW
• Phil Mitten’s recruiting profile on Hodges

Committed to Wisconsin on August 15th, 2019

Player breakdown

Chris Hodges was the first member of the 2021 class and set the tone for what Greg Gard and the Wisconsin Badgers were looking for: tough, hard working, athletic kids that can do multiple things on the floor. Since committing, Hodges has grown an inch to 6-foot-9 and has added 15ish pounds of muscle to his frame. He is the exact type of player that the Badgers need to battle down low in the Big Ten.

Hodges uses his size to bully his way to the hoop and can finish around the rim with his soft hands and touch. He has been working on extending his range to the three point line, which will be integral to his development and raise his ceiling as a prospect if he can knockdown open threes.

Coming out of an AAU program that has traditionally been friendly to the Badgers, the Illinois Wolves, UW and Alando Tucker presumably got all of the information they needed on Hodges before offering and I’m sure they are pleased with their early investment in Hodges. With his rebounding ability and defensive instincts, Hodges will probably be able to see the floor earlier that some others. If his offensive improvements start to stick, he will be a solid starter for multiple years in Madison.

UW Bio (courtesy UW Athletic Department)

Chris Hodges

6-9, 235, Forward

Schaumburg, Ill. (HS)

Another ESPN four-star commit, Schaumburg, Illinois native Chris Hodges continues a long line of Badgers to come from the suburban Chicago area. Last season as a junior, Hodges was named Mid-Suburban League West Player of the Year after leading Schaumburg High School to a 25-7 record, winning the MSL championship and advancing to the Regional Finals. He earned Second-Team Class 4A All-State honors with the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, while also being named a unanimous MSL all-conference honoree and a unanimous all-area selection. The 6-foot-9 power forward averaged 15.5 points (69.8% FG shooting), 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game last season. Hodges was named to the all-tournament team at the prestigious York 32 Team Holiday Tournament. As a sophomore, Hodges earned All-Area honors from the Daily Herald after posting 16 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2 blocks per game helping Schaumburg to a regional championship.

Gard on Hodges:

“Chris is an excellent addition to our program and member of another strong recruiting class. He impressed our staff immediately during our advanced camp and has continued to improve since. Chris has tremendous potential with his large frame and natural strength, paired with an eagerness to get better. He will immediately bring both physicality and tenacity to our program. Chris fits in well with the work ethic and culture that our program has established. He comes from a great family that has clearly taught him to value hard work and education first. We are excited to welcome both Chris and his family to the Badger Family.”