Recruitin' On Up: "Hot" Rod Odom

Understated is the word that most immediately comes to mind when looking at the Dore’s 2010 class. In typical Vandy fashion this group is composed of guys who will develop into fundamental role players, and holy shit is this group talented. Over the next week we will be breaking down this newest crop of Commodore netters.

Exhibit A: Rod Odom, SF

Once upon a time Concord, Massachusets was known as the birth place of the American Revolution, but from here on out it will be known as the hometown of future Commodore standout, Rod Odom. Standing at 6’8” 207 this kid has the size and athleticism to see significant time as a freshman. Ranked as the 19^th best small forward by rivals, and 88^th and 65^th in the class of 2010 by Rivals.com and Scounts Inc. respectively, Odom, originally committed to Arizona before signing his LOI to the ‘Dores. This stud sees the court like he is rocking a pair of x-ray specs, and thanks to superior court vision he has developed phenomenal passing skills. Scouting reports dating back to his freshman year have applauded his uncanny recognition of passing lanes, and note legitimate ball-handling abilities. The kid takes pressure well, and is not intimidated by quicker defenders. You can trust him with the ball, period. While he had been criticized in the past for being too skinny, Roddy grew four inches entering high school, making a concerted effort to add muscle to his frame. It shows. As a junior Odom averaged 16.5 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks. By all accounts Rod has become a dramatically more aggressive player in his senior year, and can plays the game confidently above the shoulders. He has repeatedly put together high double-digit rebounding performances this season in addition to some staggering offensive numbers. Against Noble and Greenough, a team that has repeatedly had the number of the Middlesex School Zebras, Rod put down 32 points with 13 rebounds and 7 assists - impressive stats to say the least. However, he isn’t a regular high school big man, getting his points as an inside presence, this kid can really shoot. Rod has a nice, quick shot, and requires little room to get it off. Not only does he drain buckets, but this efficiency also allows him to get defenders in the air opening lanes to take it to the hole. He is quite adept from inside the arc, but could use a little work to evolve into a three-point option. Suffice it to say, if Stallings can develop Odom’s range this could provide an invaluable option from deep. However, there are some legitimate defensive question marks. Rod is a smart, heady, player. His good decision-making and a high basketball IQ have helped him make up for a lack of natural quickness on the offensive end. If he wants to make an impact next year he has to develop the same type of awareness defensively to combat the SEC’s myriad of explosive big men. To say the least K-Stall is very optimistic, he said of big Rod, "He's got unique size and skill at 6-9. He handles the ball like a guard, he shoots the ball very well, and he's a good passer. He'll be another one of those forwards we've had in the past in the Derrick Byars, Dan Langhi, or Matt Freije-type mold." As a smart, fundamentally sound, and increasingly aggressive player “Hot” Rod Odom appears to be a great fit. With a Commodore team that will retain all but one of its starters next year, he will also have plenty of time to grow, a growth that we at Memorialjim look forward to watching.