Schaumburg's Hodges opts out of season, family cites health concerns
At 6-feet-8, Chris Hodges has always looked at the big picture.
Hodges, a Schaumburg senior who is signed to continue his education and basketball career at Wisconsin, has opted out of playing basketball for the Saxons this season, his family citing health concerns as the reason for the decision.
"With the unique situation of COVID-19, we made a family decision to not have Christopher play this year," the family said in a statement to the Daily Herald on Monday night via Saxons head coach Wade Heisler.
"With it being a shortened season, an uncertain environment and COVID-19 concerns, we made a very tough decision for our family. We took the time to weigh the pros and cons and felt this was in our best interest. We support the Schaumburg Saxon program and Coach Heisler 100% and will be cheering for them every step of the way."
Hodges is a two-time Daily Herald All-Area selection. Last season, he was the main cog in one of Schaumburg's most successful seasons in school history. Despite being double- and at times even triple-teamed, Hodges was able to average 14.5 points and 7 rebounds per game, leading the Saxons to their eighth Mid-Suburban League championship. He also was named MSL West Player of the Year.
His sophomore season, playing alongside his senior brother Michael, Chris Hodges led the Saxons to a regional title, averaging 16 points and 6.2 rebounds. Schaumburg went 48-14 in Chris Hodges' two varsity seasons.
"Chris is a remarkable kid from a remarkable family," Heisler said. "Obviously, I was looking forward to coaching Chris in his senior year, but we 100% respect him and his family's decision.
"I feel extremely grateful to have had the chance to coach both Mike and Chris Hodges. We talk in our program about being a star in your role and being ready when it's your opportunity. We expect this out of the players who are playing in the 2021 season with Chris out of the lineup.
"I can promise no one wants those athletes to succeed more than Chris. We have wonderful kids in our program and an absolutely amazing student body. I know Chris has an entire Saxon Nation behind him when he starts his journey at Wisconsin."
Hodges chose Wisconsin over offers from DePaul, Loyola, Rutgers and Miami of Ohio.
• High School Sports Editor John Radtke contributed to this story.