Role: 3&D Shooting Guard

• one of my favorite sleepers in this draft (most mocks don't even have him getting drafted)

• shot 40% from 3 & averaged 2.6 steals per game this past season

• plays a defined role style of play which can be appealing to certain teams

• older prospect

Player Comparison: (Shades of) Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

PROFILE: It’s been a long five-year college career for Hodge, who has proven he’s ready to take the next step. He spent two years at the Junior College level at State College of Florida, followed by two years at Cleveland State. From there, he played for Missouri last season where he shined against a much increased level of competition. While he is an older prospect, the 3-and-D upside cannot be denied. Known for being a defensive-minded guard, Hodge also produced nearly 15 points and four boards in his lone season with the Tigers. The 6-foot-4 guard shot at an elite level last season, connecting on 40% of his 7.1 attempted threes per game. The SEC's leader in 3-point percentage furthered his case at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament with a 50% mark, knocking down 14-of-28 from deep. There's a stark difference in projected gravity and production between Hodge's 40% clip from deep at Missouri and the 32% clip (318 attempts) in his two seasons at Cleveland State. If teams believe he’s an above average 3-point shooter to pair with his disruptive defense (3.1 stocks), he should be considered in the second round and would be a priority undrafted free agent. Hodge is a disruptive defender that can cause chaos at the point of attack. He has quick hands and reaction speed which results in him averaging nearly three steals per game. Hodge doesn’t have ridiculous upside but there’s a role in the NBA for his archetype as a 3-and-D wing, especially since he excels at both of those skills. The productive guard can make a variety of different shots off the catch, movement, and dribble while also defending with toughness. He has smooth shot mechanics with good touch from all around the perimeter. However, he doesn’t have a ton of creation skills or advanced passing ability but he plays a role at a high level that every NBA organization wants on their roster. If Hodge had true wing size and more developed ball skills, or perhaps was younger, he would easily be drafted. Regardless, he’s a potential plug and play end of rotation player. Following his solid performance at PIT, Hodge was invited to G League Elite Camp in the pre-draft process. He’s done very well for himself, but it’s the factors out of his control that may be the hurdle on draft night.

• Player Comparison: Shades of Gabe Vincent and Desmond Bane

• Projected Draft Position: Picks 45-55

• Best Fits: Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets

Tier 5.5 : One contract player/5 or 6 years in the NBA

Best fit team :

Best Rank : 68. Lowest Rank : 68. Final Rank : 68.

Rank in the 2023 official NBA draft : Undrafted.

pros

• plays off ball well

• great spot up shooter

• great shot mechanics

• snappy release

• contested shot maker

• head turn cutter

• 2.5 steals a game

cons

• foul trouble

• 24

• mixed height guard

• undisciplined

• goes quiet for long periods of time

comp: Wesley Johnson