Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague
 
Elvis Hodzic had a solid career at Mount Olive High School in western New Jersey, then headed to the County College of Morris for two years.
 
“I always had a plan to go to CCM all along,” Hodzic said. “But I knew eventually I wanted to play at a four-year school.”
 
Enter Joe Loughran.
 
The veteran Rutgers-Newark men’s head basketball coach was in dire need of a big man and Hodzic definitely fit that role.
 
“We lost three big men to graduation and thought that Elvis would be a good fit,” Loughran said. “He is a good, active big man.”
 
So Loughran headed out to CCM to see the 6-foot-7 Hodzic play in person. Loughran then attended a talent showcase at a local high school that Hodzic participated in.
 
“We saw him a couple of times at Morris,” Loughran said. “We really liked him.”
 
And Hodzic liked Rutgers-Newark as well.
 
“I looked into the school and it looked like it was a good place for me,” said Hodzic, who was also being recruited by Queens College and Richard Stockton. “My athletic director at CCM, Jack Sullivan, knew Coach Loughran, so that was a big help. I knew I could get a solid education.”
 
Hodzic wanted to major in criminal justice, with the hope of getting into police work or possibly attending law school, so Rutgers-Newark was a good fit.
 
And Hodzic was a good fit for the R-N basketball team.
 
But in his first year at R-N, Hodzic struggled somewhat.
 
“At CCM, I was more of an outside player,” Hodzic said. “I wasn’t much of a post-up player. I was drive and shoot. I had to adjust to that.”
 
Loughran has had former players have a tough time getting used to the rough-and-tumble world of New Jersey Athletic Conference basketball.
 
“I think the physical side of our league is a problem for a lot of guys,” Loughran said. “It’s pretty physical with a lot of athletes. It’s tough to get adjusted to and Elvis had a little bit of a tough time.”
 
However, with a solid year of training and hitting the weight room, Hodzic was prepared for an increased role for his senior season.
 
“I think he’s a lot more comfortable,” Loughran said. “He’s making plays around the rim. He’s become a good low post defender. No question, he gives us a big presence. A big part of his game is his physicality. He’s done a good job fitting into that role.”
 
It’s a role that Hodzic encourages and embraces.
 
“I like being big and physical,” Hodzic said. “(Teammate) Allen (Kuiper) and I are two of the most physical guys in the league. We like pushing each other around in practice. It gets us ready for games.”
 
Hodzic also likes that Loughran has a lot of faith in Hodzic, starting him in five recent games, including a win over Centenary College where Hodzic had 11 points and six rebounds.
 
“I think he definitely knows that I’m a senior now,” Hodzic said. “He knows that I’m not going to make the same mistakes I used to make. He trusts me with the ball down low. He knows that I’m good especially on defense. I’m one of the best defensive players we have.”
 
Hodzic also likes his intangible role on the Scarlet Raiders.
 
“I’m an energy guy,” Hodzic said. “He (Loughran) puts me in and I’ll make a play, diving on the floor, picking up a charge. As a senior, I want the others to model after my actions. I want them to come in and play hard.”
 
Loughran said that he appreciates what Hodzic brings to the table and it’s more than the 2.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game he’s contributing.
 
“I think Elvis is a really good teammate,” Loughran said. “He gets along with everyone and they all like him. He practices hard every day. He does what he’s supposed to do. He knows what to expect, especially now with a year under his belt.”
 
Needless to say, Hodzic has enjoyed his stay at R-N, a stay that will be extended by one year. He won’t graduate on time with his class this May, electing to take classes for the next year to get his degree in criminal justice.
 
“It was definitely a good decision coming here,” Hodzic said. “I love it here. I love that Coach Loughran would do anything to help his players. Getting a Rutgers education is a good thing. It’s all been very good.”
 
It’s all been so good that Hodzic is seriously considering sticking around to pick up a new sport next year.
 
“I’m actually thinking of joining the volleyball team next year,” Hodzic said. “I’ve never played volleyball before, but I have a year left and I might as well use it well. It’s probably 70-30 in favor that I play.”
 
If Hodzic brings the same energy and electricity to the volleyball court that he already brings to the basketball floor, then the volleyball team will have a welcome addition next season.