Chris Hodges' Departure: Impact and Implications for Wisconsin Basketball
The Wisconsin basketball program is undergoing significant changes this offseason, with several players departing and new opportunities emerging. Among those moving on is reserve forward Chris Hodges, who has entered the NCAA transfer portal. This article delves into Hodges' career with the Badgers, the circumstances surrounding his departure, and the broader implications for the team's roster and strategy moving forward.
Hodges' Time at Wisconsin
Chris Hodges, a native of Schaumburg, Illinois, committed to Wisconsin as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2021, choosing the Badgers over offers from DePaul, Loyola Chicago, Miami (OH), and Rutgers. The 6-foot-9 forward redshirted during his first year on campus, the 2021-22 season, which saw Wisconsin clinch the Big Ten title. Over the subsequent three seasons, Hodges appeared in 40 games but struggled to find a consistent role in the rotation.
In his limited playing time, Hodges totaled four points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal, and four blocks. His court time diminished over the years, from 30 minutes as a redshirt freshman to 21 minutes as a sophomore, and finally just 15 minutes this past season. During his Badgers tenure, he played a total of 68 career minutes and totaled four points, nine rebounds, and four blocks. He shot 1-of-10 from the field and 2-of-8 at the free throw line.
The Decision to Transfer
Hodges' decision to enter the transfer portal comes with one year of eligibility remaining. In a heartfelt goodbye post, he expressed gratitude for his time at UW-Madison, stating, "These past four years at UW-Madison have been nothing short of life-changing. I’ve grown not only as an athlete but as a person. Madison will always have a place in my heart. I’ve made countless memories here, learned so many life lessons, and built relationships that will stay with me forever. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, family, and best friend for all the support that you’ve given me along the way. I’ll always be grateful for the journey."
He continued, "After much thought and prayer, I have decided to enter the transfer portal for my last year of eligibility. I’m looking forward to the next chapter, but I’m proud that I was able to be a part of Badger Nation.”
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With limited opportunities at Wisconsin, Hodges is seeking a program where he can play a more significant role and maximize his final year of eligibility. It’s reasonable for Hodges to seek a place where he can play a larger role and make the most of his final opportunity.
Other Departures and Roster Changes
Hodges is not the only player leaving the Wisconsin basketball program this offseason. True freshman guard and Minneapolis, MN, native Daniel Freitag was the youngest Wisconsin player who entered the spring portal this offseason. A former three-star recruit who signed with Wisconsin's 2024 class, Freitag scored his first career points off the bench for the Badgers in the Big Ten late in the game with Wisconsin up big against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Freitag will have three years of eligibility remaining after spending one season at Wisconsin. He transferred to Buffalo in the MAC going into the 2025-26 season.
Junior guard Camren Hunter, an Arkansas native and former A-Sun Newcomer of the Year in the 2021-22 season, also entered the spring transfer portal early this offseason. Hunter played under a dozen games off the bench, mostly in garbage time minutes in the second halves of games last season in 2024-25. Hunter is re-joining the Central Arkansas Bears after spending one season at Wisconsin this past season in the Big Ten.
These departures follow the graduation of several key seniors, including Max Klesmit, Kamari McGee, Carter Gilmore, Steven Crowl, John Tonje, and Markus Ilver. Wisconsin lost its top scorer from this past season in the Big Ten, with senior guard John Tonje exhausting his eligibility and entering the NBA Draft this offseason for 2025.
Impact on Wisconsin's Roster and Strategy
The departure of Hodges, along with other players, opens up scholarship spots for the Badgers. With Hodges’ departure, there are now four open scholarship spots available. Head coach Greg Gard is navigating this offseason with the new NCAA roster limits in mind. While the proposed revenue-sharing model allows for up to 15 scholarships, Gard has made it clear Wisconsin will stick with 13 scholarship players and two walk-ons-a more sustainable model for a program that typically plays an eight- to nine-man rotation and prefers to invest its resources in impact contributors.
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The expectation is that Jack Janicki, who carved out a role late in the season, will be awarded one of those scholarships, freeing the staff up to use the rest in the transfer portal. The coaching staff will likely use the transfer portal to fill the open spots and address roster needs. As of now, every indication is that starters John Blackwell and Nolan Winter will remain with the team and will be a huge part of the upcoming squad. And if things continue trending the way they are, don’t be surprised if a point guard and an in-state product are the next transfer pieces to fall into place.
To address some bigger roster needs in the spring portal, the Wisconsin basketball program was very active in the transfer market early this offseason to add immediate impact players to compete at a high level in the Big Ten conference. Wisconsin does return rising junior guard John Blackwell, a 15 point-per-game scorer, to lead the starting five this upcoming season.
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