It was one thing to read glowing tributes about the new USF men’s basketball coach, Bryan Hodgson, as they came in from all corners of the collegiate world.
It was quite another to meet him and see him in action. I had the opportunity to attend his introductory press conference on Friday morning inside the packed Muma Center men’s practice court.
After hearing his story and listening to him speak, I almost felt the urge to suit up myself, except that, well, I’m old, slow, and probably would collapse 30 seconds into a drill.
But, trust me, this guy will get you fired up.
His compelling style and life story, coupled with his recruiting prowess, coaching record and acumen, basically shouts that USF basketball will be a force in the coming seasons.
He certainly convinced C.J. Brown of that. Brown, who was named to the AAC All-Freshman team this season, decided to exit the transfer portal after entering it earlier this week. That’s a huge win already for Hodgson, and he’s just getting started.
.@CorBrown02 IS BACK‼️#HornsUp 🤘 pic.twitter.com/aPQcK9i39F
— USF Men's Basketball (@USFMBB) March 28, 2025
“In an era where college sports has become so transactional, I still strive to be as genuine as possible and to make decisions based on the people,” he said.
“Everything in life always comes back to the people that you surround yourself with.”
He had to learn that after being placed in foster care at the age of one.
“I grew up in a home that took in over 100 foster children from the time I was three to the time I was 14 years old, some staying for only a night, some staying for as long as a year,” he said.
“My parents, Rebecca and Mary Hodgson, who I know are watching, have the biggest hearts in the world, and I'm forever grateful to them for showing me the true meaning of unconditional love.”
That’s what he tries to show his players. If that sounds a lot like the late Amir Abdur-Rahim, it’s no accident. He made sure to reference Coach Amir and promised to build on the foundation he started.
Offers were bound to come his way after his Arkansas State won 25 games and advanced to the second round of the NIT this season. USF VP for Athletics Michael Kelly informed Hodgson of the school’s interest in him, but other institutions also showed interest. He had two other firm offers and a few schools asking him to give them 24 hours.
UNLV took it a step further. It was erroneously reported that Hodgson was going to be the next coach of the Running Rebels. Hodgson had other ideas.
“You may have seen I was announced as the head coach at a university across the country, but I never accepted that position. They thought they were going to accept it for me, but there was something special about the University of South Florida that I just couldn't take my mind off,” he said.
On the flight home after a two-point loss to North Texas in the NIT, Hodgson sat silently, contemplating his future. Besides Kelly, he had already spoken with USF trustee head Will Weatherford and others, and he knew what he wanted to do.
After about 30 minutes of silence, his fianceé spoke plainly to him.
“She could tell I was emotional and, in many ways, very nervous about our future. She looked at me and said, I know what's on your mind,” he said. "You want the USF job, don't you?
“I smiled at her emphatically. I said, yes, I do. As I lay in bed that night, I prayed that I would get that phone call that next morning. And sure enough, I did at 6:13 a.m."
That happened to be the moment when he was trying to get his young son back to sleep. Kelly called three times within 18 seconds – no answer. When Hodgson saw the missed calls, his heart sank.
“I was distraught, thinking maybe I missed this opportunity. I sprinted into the living room, and after several conversations that morning, I ended up being offered the job to be (USF’s) next head men's basketball coach. It was one of the best days of my life. I was willing to wait for the right time and place, and I found that here at the University of South Florida.”
He is already building a roster for next season, and he’ll have some staff announcements soon. The Bulls will be a frenetic, pressuring force at both ends of the course.
I’ve seen ‘em come and go over the decades of covering this program, and this guy has the goods. Lots of people have said it, but I just got to see it.
Get ready to be entertained. It’s going to be fun.