Recruiting Report: Jalen Hodge (2018)
O’Fallon point guard Jalen Hodge is an under the radar point guard in the 2018 group. The 6’1” lefty plays with a flare for the game! Hodge can make the exciting pass in both transition and the half court. Sometimes tries to fit it in spaces he can’t which causes turnovers. Overall though he is a solid playmaking guard with a feel for getting others involved. Puts zip on his passes. Loves to get penetration in the lane and kick to his shooters. As a scorer he is best as a spot up guy. Can be streaky at times, but has a clean stroke with repeatable mechanics. Should work himself into being a solid shooter off the catch with continued work. Hughes can get out in transition as he is slippery ball handler. Can be a bit wild with it at times. Hodge projects right now as a D2 prospect with the chance to elevate to low-major status.
Hodge discussed his junior year at O’Fallon with PHI.
“I had to take on more of a lead role this season since we lost our senior from the previous year. I played more of a scoring role. It took me a little while to get used to because I am more of a pass first point guard. As the season went on a lot more teams noticed my shot. I became more of a threat in conference.”
What areas did he feel that he made the biggest growth as a player?
“I think my shot is becoming more consistent. My athleticism is getting better. I am working on how to get guys open and get them going.”
Hodge is playing with Jets-Ramey United in the NY2LA Association.
“Everybody wants to prove something. None of us have D1 offers. We want to compete every day and get that college recruiting buzz.”
He spoke about his strengths at this stage of his development.
“I think I can handle it well. If you leave me open I am more capable now of hitting it. Working in the pick and roll I have gotten better.”
What is going on with recruiting?
“Princeton is on me a lot. Howard and Penn have been on me lately. Lafayette as well.”
Princeton is a school that has shown the most early attention.
“They have a family atmosphere. The guys really like it there. They like being around the coaches and feel like they can be themselves. I think I am going out to Princeton in June for one of their camps.”