Local News
D’Moi Hodge Interviewed With 19 NBA Teams
There’s a positive energy in D’Moi Hodge’s camp following his recent MBA showcase in Virginia, United States.
The British Virgin Islands guard has so far done interviews with 19 different NBA teams, proudly sharing his story – an island boy who has battled challenges for a chance to play in the NBA.
“So 30 NBA teams were there, NBA scouts, every NBA team was there. So I played three games. I went two in one. The one game we lose…we lose in double overtime. I averaged 19 points, I shot 50 (percent) from the three point line, 50 percent, 50 percent from the field goal, which is great. So there’s 30 NBA teams. I did 19 NBA interviews… with 19 different teams, which is great. Five teams called (but) I couldn’t put it in my schedule. I was too busy. I had 24 Interviews, but I did 19 of them. Talked about my stories, where I come from. Big up Tortola. They all loved my story, they all loved me,” he shared during a recent Live Facebook feed.
His performance caught the attention of sports writers and scouts. A writer from Noceilingnba wrote:
“His hands at the point of attack are dangerous, and he’ll poke the ball loose any time the opposing guard isn’t careful. Hodge is also a gifted scorer and he was letting it fly from three.”
At the moment, the 6′ 4″, 188 pounds former University of Missouri Tiger is waiting to see what happens next.
“So as of right now, I’m waiting to see what’s going on. I’m probably going to get invited to Chicago for the draft combine,” he shared. The NBA Draft Lottery and NBA Draft Combine is in Chicago in May.
The 2022 Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year is staying in shape, working hard on and off the court to impress the right people in the NBA.
“I’m going to Boston to work out for the Celtics next week. Then I’m going to work out for…the Grizzlies. Then I’m going to work out for San Antonio. More teams are calling. And I’m arranging everything so everything is looking good. But everything is straight right now man, every team looking real promising. I mean, gotta keep working.”
In April, Hodge announced he was entering the NBA draft following one of the Missouri Tiger’s most successful campaigns in years during the 2022-23 season. He finished second on the team with 14.7 points per game, establishing a new school record with 91 steals.
Hodge is the fifth Tiger to make 100 3-pointers in a single season and ranks fourth nationally with 2.60 steals per game, 32nd with 2.86 triples per game and 37th with a three-point clip of 40.0.
He thanks God, his family, friends and the wider BVI community for their continued support.
“God is always first. I interviewed with this NBA team. I ain’t going to call the team name… and I told him about the story…my story, like the hurricane and…about everything that happened when I was…in Tortola. One of the NBA team scouts that was interviewing me. He came up to me after the interview, like it was like, probably a couple hours after and called my phone. He wants to talk to me. So I had seen him at a restaurant, he was like “can I talk to you?” And he was like, I want to pray for you and your island and your family. So he prayed for me and the island of Tortola and stuff like that. So I feel like…I’m looking real good. He took his time to pray for me. That’s just how I feel like God is working. I mean, he didn’t have to come back to me later that night to do that.”
Hodge is staying grounded, but was happy to hear from NBA teams that “I should get drafted, in their opinion, but I was saying it’s not their choice, but they said they feel like I should. So hopefully I do get drafted. I’m going to be at the draft. I want to get my name called for the island, not just for me, but for the BVI. I mean, being first to ever do that. That’s the main goal for me just getting drafted. Not for me, but for everybody back home… supporting me.”
He has been described as a tenacious player who is comfortable on the dribble and able to move into shots effortlessly.
But Hodge is up against a group of very talented players from the United States and across the globe who are all working for a spot in the NBA.
“I see the motivation man. It’s never pressure when you love doing it and the winning hand is bigger than you. I’m saying it’s always, always been bigger than me. So I never looked at it as pressure on my whole life so I can’t do it now.”
Local News
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
Local News
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
Local News
Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
-
Crime/Police5 days ago
Two Charged with Gun Possession Following Vessel Search in Frenchman’s Cay
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
Shots Fired Near ESHS: Man Injured, High School Goes Into Lockdown
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
K’Shawn Martin Wanted for Questioning in Shooting on Sandbox Road
-
Local News5 days ago
Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Virgin Islands Coach Earns Bodybuilding PRO Card in The Bahamas
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Tortola Welcomes Exclusive Japanese Dining at 1748 Sushi Bar
-
Local News2 weeks ago
TAG and CIBC Caribbean Host Second Annual Season of Giving Sales Event
-
Local News17 hours ago
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status