Interview #1- Matthew Hodgson

Matthew Hodgson (blue) is a professional basketball player for the Brisbane Bullets of the National Basketball League (NBL) which is Australia's top basketball league, and is known to be one of the best basketball leagues in the world. Hodgson, born and raised in Australia, played college basketball at Southern Utah and Saint Mary's. In the professional world, Hodgson has played for teams such as the Frankson Blues, Adelaide 36ers, Waverly Falcons, Knox Raiders, and now, the Brisbane Bullets.

The Matthew Hodgson Interview...

1. What was it like to transfer from Southern Utah to Saint Mary’s?
   

It was a step up in a lot of areas, but probably the most obvious was the standards that the SMC team had for their team and players. On a team level, they expected to win games, they expected themselves to be good and always a chance for an NCAA berth. On a personal level, they expected players to be able to handle a high amount of volume of workouts. It was constantly about doing more and more. More conditioning, more weights, more on court sessions, more shooting. They were definitely more comprehensive in their approach to getting their players physically ready for the season. 

2. What was youth basketball like growing up in Australia?
Youth basketball when I was in juniors was a really competitive time. From my age group alone in the state of Queensland we have had 1 NBA player, 2 Olympians and 6 Boomers representative. So there was a ton of great competition to play against. Most of them lived around the Brisbane area, so it also made the pickup games in the off season really fun and high quality. 

3. How did you bounce back from your injury in your rookie season?
That was a really trying time for me. The first words that the surgeon said to me after he finished the surgery was “Well I hope that you like coaching because your playing days are over.” What saved me was that I was fortunate enough to have some really supportive people in my corner who were committed to helping me get back on the court. Probably the most instrumental person in that process was Bruce Gray, the owner of Body World gym in Melbourne. He oversaw my entire rehab process, and helped me get my knee strong enough to pass a physical test and sign a contract with the 36ers. If it wasn’t for Bruce I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. 

4. What was your debut like with the 36’ers?
My debut game was quite unexpected. I can’t really describe what I was thinking or feeling during the game as I felt so in tune with it. I can’t remember thinking a lot, I just remember playing and being absorbed in that. It was only after the game that it sunk in that I had done something pretty cool. 

6. Best player you’ve ever faced?
The best player that I’ve ever had to guard would be Andrew Bogut. He effects the game in so many different ways, making him truly dominant. 

7. What was it like to go play for the Knox Raiders in the Big V? What did that experience teach you?
My experience with Knox wasn’t a pleasant one (no) but it left me with a pretty valuable lesson. I had just come off a good NBL season with the 36ers, re-signed with them for two years, been invited to an NBA mini camp in Dallas and also invited to a Boomers camp. So I came into my time with Knox thinking that I was pretty good and that this team and league was below me. Consequently, I played horribly. On the back of that, I returned to Adelaide for the NBL season and had my worst season in the pros to date. So it taught me to respect the game. Always play hard, respect the opposition, and have a sense of humility about yourself.

8. How would you describe the NBL for NBA fans who don’t know much about it?
There’s not much to really describe. The NBL is Australia’s premier basketball league. It’s a good competitive league where guys get to live their dreams of being a pro basketball player. That’s really all there is to it. 

9. What has been your toughest obstacle in your journey to becoming pro?
My biggest obstacle has been my knee injury and myself. I’ve made my best strides as a pro once I was able to get out of my own way. 

10. Biggest advice for youngsters trying to become pro?
Simplify and execute. I think too many aspiring pros think that complexity is king, but the complete opposite is true. Then the next challenge is to execute those simple things on a consistent basis. Practice the fundamentals of the game. Focus on strengthening your body AND your mind. Eat quality food. Prioritise your recovery and sleep. Rinse and repeat. When you master these big rocks, that opens up the more advanced methods. But until then, just ruthlessly execute the really simple stuff. You’ll be amazed at how far that will take you. 
10. Craziest story from your career so far?
Having to lose a game on purpose in China. I was touring playing for a team that was touring China. The front office of this team was trying to ascertain a business deal with a CBA team. The CBA organisation agreed to the business offer, but under the stipulation that we lose our next game to their team in front of their home crowd. So as players, we had to intentionally lose while making it look like we were trying to win. It was really bizarre. 

11. Three biggest things on your bucket list?
See the Northern Lights. 
     Sculpt a figure from a block of marble.
      Design my own at-home gym in a large shed.

12. Common misconceptions about a pro?
That we don’t get bothered by negative feedback from fans. Just because we are advised not to answer back, doesn’t mean it doesn’t piss us off sometimes. 

13. Coolest stadium you’ve played in?
 Playing in Perth Arena for the playoffs in front of 16000 of their fans was a pretty cool experience. 

14. Favorite food?
Pizza.

15. Favorite city?
Melbourne or Brisbane. 

16. Any hobbies outside of basketball, is so what are they?
In no particular order: Tim Duncan, Shaq, LeBron, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson. 

17. Top five basketball players of all time?
In no particular order: Tim Duncan, Shaq, LeBron, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson. 

18. Describe yourself in three words?
I can do it in two: Forever learning.

19. What’s the toughest part about being a pro?
The toughest part of being a pro is having to deal with the pressure that comes with being in such a ruthless working environment. You have to be able to navigate through pressure from yourself, your teammates, your friends and family, your coaches, and the general public to still enjoy the sport for what it is. 
20. What are your goals for the future?
My next goal is to make the 2020 Olympic team. 

21. The NBL has made headlines for bringing in young American talent such as LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton, what are your thoughts on this?
I think it’s a smart idea for these young Americans to come over to Australia. If a young player has already been identified as a potential lottery pick in the NBA draft, then playing in the US college system doesn’t make a lot of sense. For one, if they happen to perform poorly, it absolutely kills their draft stocks and could see them plummet down the draft boards or potentially fall out of it. Secondly, the US college system doesn’t exactly develop these players, they just get taught how to play within the coaches system and become a robotic servant to that style of play. Thirdly, the majority of the players in the US college ranks that they will play against will not become professional athletes. So for them to come to the NBL where they play against pros, have coaches who will actually teach them how to play the game properly, get paid and be in a great country like Australia is a no brainer to me. How they perform doesn’t even really matter, because even if they perform poorly it won’t really kill their NBA stocks like performing poorly in the college system would. 

22. Your biggest tip for players trying to become pro?
My biggest tip would be to focus on your body. The number one thing that prevents athletes from fulfilling their potential is injury. Your body is your biggest asset in professional sports. You can’t get any better at your sport if you’re sitting on the sidelines. So take your strength, conditioning, diet and recovery very seriously. 

23. Any last words for the readers?
I actually have a blog site where I write about things that I believe will help young athletes develop into potential professional athletes. The site is www.hodgyology.com. Check it out.

Written By Chris Dailey

Thanks Matthew for the amazing interview! He's a beast on the court, and an amazing person off of it! Keep up the good work with your career, website, and more! You're truly an inspiration! Thanks again man!