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Schaumburg's Hodges commits to Wisconsin

Chris Hodges found his perfect match.

The Schaumburg junior boys basketball standout verbally committed to Wisconsin on Thursday. And for Hodges, it felt like home.

Hodges, who was offered a scholarship from Wisconsin in June, also had offers from DePaul, Loyola, Rutgers and Miami of Ohio and had drawn interest from Michigan State, Purdue and Illinois.

Hodges visited Wisconsin last Monday and called them on Thursday with the news that he was ready to give his verbal commitment.

"I felt real good about it," Hodges said. "They have an amazing coaching staff and the campus is beautiful. It felt like home there."

At 6-foot-8, Hodges is the prototypical post player. He is a fierce competitor and tough to move off the block.

"We couldn't be more proud of Chris for his work ethic and always holding himself to the highest level of character on and off the court," Schaumburg coach Wade Heisler said. "He has put himself in position to receive an unbelievable opportunity and Wisconsin is receiving a remarkable player and young man."

Hodges, who started as a freshman for the Saxons, is coming off a sophomore year where he helped the Saxons to a regional title. He averaged 16 points per game on 66 percent shooting. He also had 6.2 rebounds as well as 2 blocks per game and earned All-Area honors from the Daily Herald.

"Chris still has a lot to accomplish at Schaumburg High School," Heisler said. "His maturity and decision making on and off the court are going to allow him to maximize his potential and lead us to continue to grow our culture."

Wisconsin has a history of recruiting and developing post players and the Badgers have reached into Illinois for a couple of them. Benet's Frank Kaminsky and Rockridge's Ethan Happ are just two recent big men that went on to have success at Wisconsin.

Hodges said he knows that his decision came quickly, but he is completely satisfied with it.

"I had to think it over for a few days," Hodges said. "I knew it was early. Once you know, you know."

Hodges said that the proximity of Schaumburg to Madison also is a bonus.

"It is just two hours away - easy drive up and back," Hodges said. "My family can come watch the games and my friends can come support me."

Under fifth-year head coach Greg Gard, Wisconsin has reached the NCAA tournament in three of his first four seasons. The Badgers were 23-11 last year, falling to Oregon in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Chris Hodges
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