Villanova is two games into its season, yet one of the Wildcats’ basketball rookies has been left in a “frustrating” situation.
Freshman forward Matthew Hodge is still listed as ineligible with the NCAA, pending an appeal by the university, which has caused a lot of uncertainty about when he will see the court.
“I’ve gotten a lot of questions about my eligibility situation and after careful consideration, I want to share a couple of thoughts,” Hodge posted on X on Friday. “We have been working with Villanova for a few months to answer every question the NCAA has had about my time at my school in Belgium three years ago.
“My grades improved at St. Rose, I graduated on time and am off to a good start in my classes at Villanova. I’m genuinely frustrated and the uncertainty weighs on me when I’m not on the court. I respect the NCAA process. I just hope this is resolved soon.”
On Friday, Villanova said the former St. Rose High School star in Belmar, New Jersey, was denied by the NCAA on his initial eligibility waiver to gain qualifier status.
As a result, earlier this week, Villanova appealed for reconsideration to the league’s Division I Initial-Eligibility Waiver Committee, which is expected to come to a final and binding decision by Wednesday.
If the committee decides to deny the appeal, Hodge will not be allowed to play for Villanova this season, requiring a redshirt season.
If so, he will still receive financial aid and be able to practice and travel with the team.
Hodge was also ineligible for the team’s exhibition game with Robert Morris, as he was awaiting approval from the NCAA’s initial eligibility process.
The 6-foot-8 forward was born in Belgium before moving to New Jersey in April 2022 to play alongside his younger brother, Jayden, who is a junior at St. Rose.
Hodge played under head coach and former Wildcat Brian Lynch at St. Rose.
He averaged 17 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in his senior year, helping lead the team to the New Jersey Class B Non-Public state title, which St. Rose won for the first time in his junior year.
Villanova has gotten off to a 1-1 start, including a win over Lafayette and a brutal loss to Columbia.
Before the Wednesday deadline for Hodge’s fate, the Wildcats will play two games.
