If the feeling is right, then what’s the point in waiting? Devon Hodges knew from his first visit to Madison that Wisconsin was the place he wanted to be, so just four days after receiving an offer from Head Coach Bo Ryan on New Year’s Eve the 6’7 sophomore forward from Romeoville High School has decided to make it official. Devon Hodges became the second member of Illinois’ 2011 class to make a college decision as he decided to commit to the Wisconsin Badgers. Hodges is also the first player from the first ever IllinoisHSbasketball.com 8th grade all star game to make a college commitment.

“We made the decision about 2 hours ago, I’m going to Wisconsin,” proclaimed the talented sophomore. “Me and my parents have been talking about it all week now, and this is just what I want to do. My mom is kind of scared because I’m still her baby but I told her that this is what I wanted. My dad agreed, and my mom does love (Wisconsin) so I came to a conclusion and they both respected it.”

Hodges was mostly being recruited by Wisconsin assistant coach Howard Moore: a very well liked and respected man in college coaching circles and a Chicago native. Moore graduated from Chicago Taft High School in 1990 and went on have a decorated playing career at Wisconsin. After graduating from Wisconsin, Moore returned to Chicago to coach at his former high school before spending time coaching at The University of Chicago, Bradley, Ball State, and Loyola Chicago. Moore has been an assistant at Wisconsin since 2005 and Hodges is the second Chicago area recruit the Moore has landed a commitment from in that time period, joining Bolingbrook senior Diamond Taylor.

“I called Coach Moore and told him I was committing. He was real proud and really happy.

“Man, I like them a lot, they fit in with me and made me feel right at home,” Hodges said of the coaching staff. “The way they are together at Wisconsin, the players and the coaches, it’s like they are all a family, wherever I go there it’s a family environment.”

Hodges was in the early stages of the recruiting process, and had just recently begun receiving recruiting interest from some of the top programs in the Midwest. A young man who is very close to his family, Devon felt the feel of the campus and its close proximity to his home was a key factor in making his decision.

“It’s closer than (the University of) Illinois,” said Hodges of the campus, which he has visited on more than one occasion. “It’s just 2 hours away from (Romeoville). The campus is crazy too, it is like a little city, when you see it you wouldn’t believe it’s all the campus.”

The versatile forward prospect has a lot of upside and could end up being one of the biggest sleepers in his class nationally. At right around 6’7 and still growing, Hodges is athletic and skilled with a very solid frame to work with. He is comfortable playing with his back to the basket around the hoop as well as having the ability to face up and make plays. He has a soft touch around the hoop and he also has a developing mid-range game. This well rounded skill set is perfect for the offensive sets that Bo Ryan’s Badgers run.

Hodges was also very impressive at the recent Pangos mid-west underclassmen camp, and recieved rave reviews from some highly respected national scouts.

The top player on Romeoville’s varsity squad since his freshman year, Hodges is leading his team into uncharted territory this season.  According to Devon, Romeoville has never won a conference title but they are currently tied for first in the league with Plainfield North.  The two teams will be playing tonight for sole possession of first place.

“Right now I just want to stay on my grades and try and win a conference title,” explained Hodges. “We want to set record this year and win conference. We have big games coming up against (Plainfield) North, Oswego and Bolingbrook. From this point on I’m just going to be working hard like 24-7 and hitting the weight room.”

When asked if he would now start recruiting his Illinois Wolves teammates Nnana Egwu and Chasson Randle to join him at Wisconsin (both have offers), Hodges stated: “You know I’m gunna be all in their ears!”