DILLON, Mont. – In a continued effort to showcase Montana Western current and former student-athletes as more than just a number on a jersey, UMW Athletics continues on with its regular web series titled "Off the Leash". You can view the collections of stories as they are released by clicking here.
 
Off the Leash Series #4: Former Bulldog Jalen Hodges to Play Professionally in Iraq
Former Bulldog men's basketball standout Jalen Hodges has signed his first professional contract with the Iraqi team Ghaz Al-Shamal. Jalen played for the Bulldogs during the 20-21 and 21-22 season. Hodges had a phenomenal senior year as he averaged 16.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, and shot 52.4% from the field. During his two years as a Bulldog, he was named First and Second Team All-Conference, NAIA All-American honorable mention, and won the 2022 NAIA Slam Dunk contest. Hodges transferred to UMW after a season at NCAA division II Florida Tech and two seasons at Wallace State Community College.

After an interview with Jalen, he shared the many motivations behind his journey and where he hopes to be heading with this decision. "My main motivation is my family of course first and foremost. I like to say they hold me very accountable to my actions in whatever I do. They just give me the reality of life. Ever since I was young, they've always been my number one supporter, so I only can give it back to them." Hodges said in an interview. "Being a Bulldog, being in Montana, and being away from home for a long period of time, it allowed me to regain a new family here and allow me to find new motivations. They helped me to feel very comfortable and they just made the process of me becoming a professional athlete so much easier. My goal is to always just grow and become a better person and a better man. To improve basketball wise, to improve my basketball IQ and to be a better player. I hope to take the right steps to get to the next level somewhere like NBA or play professionally in Europe." he continued.

Hodges' advice others was to "always just stay true to yourself, always be whatever you want to be, and stay on that path. Don't let anyone steer you away from that path, always be confident in yourself, consistent and stay in the gym because the work will show." Hodges said.

"I am so unbelievably proud of Jalen! He came to Western as an unknown player and left his mark on our program as a 2-time All American. I hope Jalen brings as much joy and humor to his pro team as he did to ours. On behalf of myself and every Dawg, we wish Jalen all the best in the Pros!" Bulldog men's basketball coach Mike Larsen stated.

To view the full interview with Jalen, click here.