Jayden Hodgson signs with Sydney Kings as development player

Promising point guard Jayden Hodgson has signed with the Sydney Kings in the NBL as a development player.

Jayden Hodgson | Credit FIBA via Basketball Australia

After training with the Kings during the recent school holidays, head coach Damian Cotter was impressed with Hodgson's improvement and matured game leading to the offer on Tuesday.

"Damian Cotter and Tim Hudson have been really supportive," shared Hodgson exclusively with The Pick and Roll.

"It's all happened in the last 48 hours. It is a really exciting opportunity for a player of my age. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to train with and play against professional players."

The 18 year old Hodgson explained that he had discussed his situation in detail with Basketball Australia coaches Adam Caporn and Andrej Lemanis, both who were very supportive of his departure from the Centre of Excellence.

With experience in representing Australia at U17 level, he was unlucky to miss out on a place in the FIBA U19 World Championships. The dynamic point guard with an ability to score from range, is looking forward to the opportunity to continue his development with the Kings under the guidance of Cotter.

"I get all the benefits that I had at the CoE plus more. I get to live at home and get quality coaching," expressed Hodgson.

As a development player, Hodgson has maintained his amateur status as he continues to contemplate potential opportunities in the NCAA.

"College is still an option for me," shared Hodgson.

"It is still a bit early to rule that pathway out just yet. I will assess how I go with the Kings and weigh up any attractive offers as they may come. Right now, it is a 50/50 decision."

While Hodgson has already joined the team, at this stage he is expecting to suit up in the Kings game against New Zealand, however it could also be as soon as the game against Illawarra.