Villanova is two games into the season, but one of the Wildcats' basketball rookies is in a “frustrating” situation.
Freshman forward Matthew Hodge is still listed as ineligible by the NCAA pending an appeal by the university, creating great uncertainty as to when he will appear in court.
“I have received many questions about my eligibility status. After careful consideration, I would like to share some thoughts.” Posted by Hodge on X on friday. “We have been working with Villanova for several months to answer any and all questions from the NCAA when they were at my school in Belgium three years ago.
“My grades are improving at Saint Rose, I graduated on time, and I'm off to a good start in my classes at Villanova. It's really frustrating and when I'm not on the court, I have anxiety. I respect the NCAA process. I hope this issue is resolved soon.”
On Friday, Villanova announced that the former St. Rose High School star in Belmar, New Jersey, was denied an initial eligibility waiver by the NCAA to earn qualifying status.
As a result, Villanova appealed to the league's Division I Early Eligibility Waiver Committee for reconsideration earlier this week, with a final binding decision expected by Wednesday.
If the committee denies the appeal, Hodge will not be allowed to play at Villanova this season and will be required to redshirt.
If so, he would continue to receive financial aid and be able to practice and travel with the team.
Hodge was also ineligible to participate in the team's exhibition game against Robert Morris, as he was awaiting approval from the NCAA's initial eligibility review process.
The 6-foot-8 forward was born in Belgium and moved to New Jersey in April 2022 to play alongside his brother Jaden, a junior at Saint Rose.
Hodge played for Saint Rose head coach and former Wildcat Brian Lynch.
As a senior, he averaged 17 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, leading his team to the New Jersey Class B non-public state title, which Saint Rose won for the first time in his junior year.
Villanova got off to a 1-1 start, with a win over Lafayette and a heartbreaking loss to Columbia.
The Wildcats will play two games before Wednesday's deadline, which will determine Hodge's fate.
