Introduce the Moose: Maurice Hodge Jr.
Maurice Hodge Jr. joined the Moose in the 2020-21 season as a junior. He was a 2014 graduate of Bronzville Military Academy and is a recent transfer of Chicago State University. At Bronzville, Hodge Jr. played basketball, football, and ran track. He was named All-Conference in his senior year and helped to lead his team to the conference championship.
Hodge Jr. is the son of Vanissa Harris and Maurice Hodge. He has a brother and sister. Outside of basketball, he enjoys drawing.
At UMA, he is majoring in psychology. Hodge Jr. is extremely dedicated to both his studies as well as his game. He is typically the first one in the athletics office where he dedicates his morning to studying, followed by a lift in the fitness center before he heads off to practice. Hodge Jr. has been a model student-athlete and strives to be the best version of himself, every day.
Coach Coleman’s Thoughts:
When Maurice joined us, he brought with him a winning pedigree and experience that is necessary to help our program rebuild and establish the culture that we are working towards. He has “in the gym” range but also is very sneaky athletic and a solid finisher around the basket. As an aspiring entrepreneur, he brings a unique approach to everything we do academically and on the court.
Get to Know Maurice:
Why did you choose UMA?
Honestly, I chose UMA because of a teammate from high school Daquann Hayes and he was telling me about the UMA. Head Coach, Jason Coleman, contacted with me and blessed me with an opportunity to play for the program and I accepted his offer. He not only gave me a chance to play basketball but gave me a chance at life to rebuild the right way in the classroom as well as on the court.
How do you balance both academics and athletics?
I balance my athletics and academics by disciplining myself to study hall every day for two to three hours. Working on all assignments and planning in my notebook what needs to be done on what date. As for basketball, just staying healthy making sure I put some work in after practice so everything kind of fall into place.
What is your favorite meal?
Chicken and broccoli alfredo.
What is your favorite part about UMA?
My favorite part about UMA so far is that I can focus because there is not much to do so that gives me more time to focus on my studies and basketball and not have to worry about anything else.
What is your favorite thing about being a part of a team?
My favorite thing about being a part of a team is the connections and bonds I get the chance to build and knowing that we have each other’s backs.
Who is your mentor?
I have two cousins of mine that both play basketball; one is in school as well and the other is playing professional basketball overseas. I have other people as well like my parents but the reason I chose my cousins is because they understand my situation because they are going through the same things as well. We talk and we let each other know that there is always a bigger purpose in life. The end goal is much greater and seeing my family fight and stay strong just makes me want to give more and more. I continue to work on being the best version of myself, which is a successful black African-American man.