“If any sports fans want to catch Arkansas State men’s basketball, they are on ESPNU today at 4 vs. Memphis.”

Unfortunately, I didn’t take the Jamestown resident up on the suggestion.

I wish I had.

Because had I tuned in, I would have witnessed a special moment for Bryan Hodgson (Jamestown High School Class of 2005) who continues to prove his worth as one of the best up-and-coming men’s hoops coaches in all of NCAA Division I. For when his Arkansas State Red Wolves defeated No. 16 Memphis State 85-72, it was their highest-ranked win in program history.

Arkansas State head men’s basketball coach Bryan Hodgson talks to his team during a timeout. Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Athletics

In other words, EVER.

Two years into his tenure at the Jonesboro, Arkansas campus, Hodgson’s impact is undeniable. Last season, he led the Red Wolves to their first 20-win season and was a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top first-year head coach. Furthermore, A-State was picked as the overwhelming favorite in the preseason Sun Belt Conference coaches poll, earning 12 of 14 first-place votes and 193 of 196 total points.

And those accomplishments only tell a portion of Hodgson’s inspiring personal and professional journey since he graduated from JHS nearly 20 years ago.

A varsity player in high school, he also played at Jamestown Community College and was intending to continue his hardwood career at SUNY Fredonia, but his decision to play 25 miles from home came too late and he, instead, became an assistant coach.

Hodgson ultimately returned to Jamestown CC and served as an assistant coach on Mike Cordovano’s staff (2010-2013); made the bold move to take a volunteer assistant position at Midland (Texas) CC, which turned into a paid position the following season; and then made a connection with Nate Oats, who was then an assistant coach for Bobby Hurley at UB. When Hurley left for Arizona State, Oats became the Bulls’ head coach and he brought Hodgson on board as an assistant; and then when Oats was hired at Alabama, Hodgson joined him in Tuscaloosa.

Following a four-year tenure with the Crimson Tide, Hodgson was hired in 2023 by Arkansas State.

Here’s what some pretty well-known people in the sport thought of that hire (the comments are posted on the school’s website):

Oats: “Bryan is not only one of the top recruiters in the country, but he is also a terrific coach who understands the game. He brings a lot of passion and energy in everything he does, which has played a big part in our success at the University of Buffalo and University of Alabama.”

Jay Bilas, ESPN: “Bryan has taken the hard path to success, and has overcome every obstacle in his way. He is smart, well trained, and fundamentally sound in every area of the game. What really stands out to me is his strong, close connection to his players. Bryan coaches, teaches and cares about the whole person.”

Herb Jones, New Orleans Pelicans guard: “Coach B breeds confidence in his players and puts them in position to be successful.”

Seth Greenburg, ESPN: “He has been an integral part of rebuilding two college basketball programs. His knowledge of the game and his ability to teach, communicate and connect with players sets him apart. He has an infectious personality, a network of contacts and a work ethic second to none.”

Six years ago almost to the day, Hodgson and I had a telephone conversation just hours before UB took on Syracuse at what was then known as the Carrier Dome. The Bulls would end up prevailing in that game in what was one of the biggest wins in program history. I found that story in my personal archives yesterday. Included was the following quote from Hodgson that should serve as a life lesson for all of us.

“I had such a love for the game that I wasn’t going to give up,”he said. “I kept telling myself that if I didn’t reach the Division I level by 30 that I would get out and find another position. … I was fortunate to get this job (at UB) at 26. I learned from my parents to follow what you’re passionate about, don’t let anyone get in your way and tell you that you can’t do it.”

Speaking of following your dreams, Jenna Stockwell of Jamestown – Marty and Beth’s daughter – is a graduate assistant on the Arkansas State men’s basketball team, working in analytics. A 2024 University of Alabama graduate, she joined the Red Wolves’ staff this fall.

One can only imagine what she’ll experience under Hodgson’s leadership in 2024-25.