Virgin Islanders D’Moi M. Hodge (Left) and Allison C. Leonard (Right) have both made great strides in the basketball field, putting the Territory in the international spotlight regarding its basketball prose. Photo: Internet Source/Facebook

Virgin islander D'Moi M. Hodge, a 23-year-old Guard on the Cleveland State Vikings, was voted Defense Player of the year 2021 in the Horizon League. Photo: Facebook

Hodge, a 23-year-old Guard on the Cleveland State Vikings, was regarded as Defense Player of the year for 2021.

His 2.3 steals per game for Cleveland State men’s basketball team led the Horizon League and is ranked 13th in the country. Hodge was also selected as a member of the all-league first team, as selected by coaches.

Virgin Islander Hodge now becomes the second straight CSU player to earn the league’s top defensive honour following Tre Gomillion in 2021.

Gomillion and fellow senior Deante Johnson joined Hodge on the Horizon League All-Defensive team along with Micah Parrish of Oakland and Jalon Pipkins of Purdue Fort Wayne.

NBA Certified Agent 

Meanwhile, Leonard is believed to be the first person from the [British] Virgin Islands to become a certified NBA agent.

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), Leonard, who was already a FIBA certified NYC-based agent, said the road to becoming an official NBA agent took a lot of dedication and was similar to a university course.

He said outside of background checks, prospect agents also have to write a three-hour test about basketball and the rules that require rigorous study. “I believe I got 94 percent,” Leonard added.

Now, an official NBA Agent, Leonard said he can officially represent NBA and [Great Britain] GB players and scout talent for leagues.

He said ahead of the certification, he had to work with partners to represent agents in the league as he could not put his name on the paperwork without the NBA certifications.

Player roster 

Leonard currently represents players such as Davonta Jordan, a 6’2 Point Guard (Buffalo University) currently playing for Fribourg Olympic in Switzerland. Jordan has achievements that include 2019 Defensive Player of the Year in the MAC.

Another player represented by Leonard is Javion Hamlet, a 6’3 Point Guard currently playing for Texas Legends (Dallas Mavericks G league). Hamlet's achievements include the 2020 Conference USA Conference Player of the year

Other players who Leonard is an agent for are Michael Miller, a 6’4 Combo Guard (North Texas University) who is currently playing for Bristol Flyers (UK) and was a 2018 CBI Champion and Zachary Simmons, a 6’10 Center (North Texas University) currently playing for Bristol Flyers (UK) and was an All-time leader in Field Goal Percentage at North Texas University as well as 2 Time Conference USA Tournament Champion.

Leonard said with the certifications he is now one, if not the of the first known persons from the VI to achieve the NBA and FIBA certification that could put the VI on the map.

He said the hope is to do more for his country in the summer as he progresses in the field. This he said includes making opportunities available to local basketball sportsmen and progressing his portfolio.