Villanova men’s basketball released a statement sharing that freshman forward Matthew Hodge was denied an NCAA Initial Eligibility waiver. Hodge was sidelined for the first two games of the season, as well as the team’s charity exhibition. Villanova will appeal the decision.
If the decision stands after the appeal, Hodge will face a “required redshirt” year, as outlined by Villanova Athletics. The team’s release stated that Hodge “will receive financial aid and be allowed to practice and travel with the team.”
The NCAA’s 2024-25 initial-eligibility waiver directive outlines three outcomes for a waiver, with denial resulting from uncertainty that mitigating factors played a significant role in the athlete’s ability to meet NCAA standards.
Following Villanova’s statement, Hodge took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to release his own statement.
“I’ve gotten a lot of questions about my ability situations and after careful consideration I want to share a couple of thoughts.” Hodge wrote. “ 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 NCCA process, I just hope this is resolved soon.”
My official statement: pic.twitter.com/HEVEZcSQkM
— Matthew Hodge (@Matthew03333530) November 8, 2024
A final decision on Hodge’s status will be made by the NCAA Division I Initial-Eligibility Waiver Committee on Nov. 13. The outcome of the final appeal will determine if Hodge will see the court for the Wildcats this season. The committee is composed of “individuals from across NCAA membership institutions.”
The first public sign that Hodge’s eligibility was in question came prior to Villanova’s exhibition with Robert Morris on Oct. 27. Villanova released a statement that Hodge would not participate in the game, as he was awaiting the completion of his NCAA Initial Eligibility process. After the game, Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune described the process of Hodge’s eligibility as a “clearinghouse issue.”
Hodge started high school in Belgium before moving to St. Rose High in Belmar, New Jersey in 2022. Hodge’s father, Odell Hodge, played and coached professional basketball in Belgium.
Upon his arrival at St. Rose, the school declared Hodge to have Junior standing based on the courses he was taking and his academic performance in Belgium.
Hodge was initially deemed a non-qualifier by the NCAA, as after review he was deemed to be short of the governing body’s 10/7 rule. The NCAA Eligibility Center states that a prospective student athlete must complete “10 of your 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits, including seven in English, math or science, before the start of your seventh semester.”
Villanova filed an appeal against the initial assessment of Hodge’s eligibility, citing Hodge’s ability to pass “advanced math and science courses” at St. Rose, his lack of say in determining his standing in the U.S. high school system and disruption of Hodge’s studies in Belgium as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial appeal was denied.
Appealing to the Initial-Eligibility Waiver Committee is Hodge’s last chance at gaining eligibility for his freshman season. Its decision is “final and binding.”
When Villanova takes the court on Friday night, the ‘Cats will be without Hodge for a third straight regular season game. He will also miss the team’s Nov. 12 matchup at St. Joseph’s, as it will come before the final decision.
