Rutgers Basketball offers Top 25 in-state guard Jayden Hodge
Aspects of Class of 2026 St. Rose (NJ) guard Jayden Hodge's game are emblematic of a beyond-years talent, as he's the type of recruit who circumvents underclassmen mistakes and seemingly inevitable growing pains.
For one, Hodge is cognizant of what a good shot is. He's been poised with opportunistic scoring, counter moves, and run-sparking shot-making.
While he brings length and burgeoning athleticism at 6-foot-5, Hodge boasts a mindful awareness as the bedrock asset of his hardwood trade.
He also brings a know-how of when to glide into the rim and finish (with either hand and in crafty fashion, as he's routinely done), when to deliver a slick read, and when to utilize a now reliable outside shot which he's capable of backing out to NBA three-point territory.
On Monday, Rutgers became the latest program to offer Hodge.
Rutgers jumps into a rapidly growing list of potential suitors for Hodge. He's hearing from the likes of Penn State, Maryland, Villanova, Seton Hall, Old Dominion, and Virginia Tech.
"Jayden Hodge has put himself in position to be viewed as one of the more elite two way guards in the country," said PSA Cardinals head honcho Terrance "Munch" Williams, who has helped nurture the Belgian guard's development since he first landed on US soil two years ago.
"His ability to guard multiple positions and play various spots on the basketball court will only continue to increase his value as a student-athlete. What separates him from his peers is his size for the position and willingness to utilize his IQ as a weapon. The game is moving slow for him and the offers should be coming in rapidly."
Hodge scored 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting and pulled down five boards, catapulting St. Rose to a thorough 80-54 throttling of George School (PA) during the Jordan Brand Classic via Made Hoops right before the New Year.
Hodge is the younger brother of Class of 2024 Villanova-signee Matthew Hodge, his St. Rose teammate and a versatile 6-foot-8 floor spreader with thunderous above rim finishing, cerebral passing and a newfound assailant's instinct.
At St. Rose, Jayden Hodge is currently playing for his Godfather in head coach Brian Lynch.
Lynch played at Villanova from 1996-2000, before embarking on a 10-year overseas professional career and later coaching in Europe as well.
Lynch has pictures of Jayden Hodge and his daughter, Jada, eating ice cream together when they were both in elementary school, adorning the walls of his New Jersey home.
Hodge is the son of legendary Old Dominion forward, Odell Hodge.
A two-time CAA Player of the Year during his illustrious heyday, Odell Hodge scored 2000+ points and grabbed 1000+ boards during his four-year ODU career.
Despite his family ties elsewhere, it is hard to argue the regal recruiting presence of Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights boast arguably the best 2024 recruiting class in the country with left handed Don Bosco Prep (NJ) guard Dylan Harper and multi-talented 6-foot-9 Ace Bailey out of McEachern (GA) HS.