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Rodrick Rhodes
Rodrick Rhodes
Rodrick Rhodes
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Rodrick Rhodes (born September 24, 1973) is an American former professional basketball player who was selected by the Houston Rockets in the first round (24th pick overall) of the 1997 NBA draft.

Key Information

High school career

[edit]

As a prep player, Rhodes was a superstar from the time he was a freshman. He was a three time Parade All-American, and helped Jersey City's St. Anthony High School, led by Coach Bob Hurley, win two state titles in 1989 and 1991. At one point, he was considered as promising a prospect as future NBA star Jason Kidd.

College career

[edit]

He played collegiately at the University of Kentucky for three years. He transferred to the University of Southern California for his senior year. Kentucky coach Rick Pitino asked Rhodes to redshirt after his junior year, which is highly unusual and was seen by many, including Rhodes' high school coach Bob Hurley, as a way to force Rhodes out. Kentucky landed star recruit Ron Mercer, considered by many experts the top prep senior in his class (along with Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury), and some feel this may be what led to Pitino asking Rhodes to redshirt. However, Pitino also redshirted fellow Kentucky senior-to-be Jared Prickett heading into that same season (1995–96), and Prickett helped lead Kentucky to the NCAA title game the following season, earning more minutes than he would have on Kentucky's deep 1996 championship team. And the following season, Pitino redshirted senior-to-be Jeff Sheppard, who would return to lead Kentucky to its third straight Final Four and an NCAA championship in 1998.

Professional career

[edit]

Rhodes played for the Rockets, Vancouver Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks in three NBA seasons. His best year as a professional came during his rookie year as a member of the Rockets, appearing in 58 games and averaging 5.8 ppg.

After leaving the NBA during the 2000 season, Rhodes went overseas and played in professional leagues in Cyprus, Greece, the Philippines, France and Puerto Rico.

Coaching career

[edit]

Rhodes was an assistant coach at the University of Texas Pan-American, and was previously an assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts and an Administrative Assistant Coach at Seton Hall University, in South Orange, New Jersey. In 2005, he was an assistant coach at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, and after enjoying a successful season there, he moved on to become an assistant at Idaho State University in 2006.[1]

In 2011, Rhodes was hired to coach at Cordia High School in Knott County, Kentucky.[2]

In 2014, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association leveled severe sanctions against the Cordia basketball program for alleged violations of KHSAA rules. KHSAA commissioner Julian Tackett stated that Cordia's violations under Rhodes "represent what may well be the most wanton and blatant disregard for association rules in its 97-year history."[3] Rhodes' coaching contract with Cordia School was not renewed.[4]

In 2017, Rhodes was featured in the "Us Against the World" documentary that documented events that occurred during his tenure as Cordia's coach. "Us Against the World" was nominated for an Emmy in 2018.[citation needed]

In 2017–2018, Rhodes was hired as the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Northwest Nazarene University.[5]

In 2019, Rhodes was hired by Concordia University-Portland as the head coach for the 2020 season.

References

[edit]
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Rodrick Rhodes

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Rodrick Rhodes (born September 24, 1973) is an American college basketball coach and former professional player, best known for being selected 24th overall in the first round of the by the and for his subsequent coaching career at the high school and collegiate levels. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and playing primarily as a shooting guard/, Rhodes had a brief NBA career spanning three seasons with the , , and , where he appeared in 72 games and averaged 5.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. After retiring from the NBA in 2000, Rhodes played professionally overseas in , the , and other countries until at least 2001, before transitioning to coaching as an assistant at multiple and II programs and later as a successful high school and, in 2019, the head men's basketball coach at –Portland for its final 2019–20 season before the university's closure. Rhodes grew up in , where he attended St. Anthony High School and earned All-American honors in 1992 as a standout forward. His high school success, under legendary coach , positioned him as a top recruit, leading to his commitment to the in November 1991. At Kentucky from 1992 to 1995 under coach , Rhodes played three seasons, appearing in 99 games and scoring 1,209 points while earning All-SEC honors twice—third team in 1993–94 and second/third team in 1994–95—before transferring to the for his senior year in 1996–97, where he added 350 points in 25 games. Following his college career, Rhodes was drafted 24th overall by the Rockets in 1997 and debuted in the NBA that fall, starting 13 games as a rookie and averaging 5.8 points per game across 58 appearances with over two seasons. He split time between the Grizzlies and Mavericks in 1999–2000. Rhodes began his coaching career as an assistant at in 2005–06, followed by stints at Idaho State (2006–07), UMass (2007–08), Seton Hall (2008–09), and the (2009–11). From 2011 to 2017, he served as head coach at High School in , revitalizing the program with a school-record 24–9 season in 2014 and leading the team to the All-A Region 14 Championship and Kentucky State Tournament title in 2016. He returned to as an assistant at in 2017–18, contributing to a 20-win season and a championship appearance, before being named head coach at Concordia University–Portland in May 2019.

Early life and education

Rodrick Rhodes was born on September 24, 1973, in , where he grew up and attended St. Anthony High School.

High school career

Rhodes attended St. Anthony High School in , playing basketball for the Friars from 1988 to 1992 under coach . As a key contributor, Rhodes helped St. Anthony secure state championships in 1989, 1990, and 1991, with the 1989 squad achieving an undefeated 32-0 record and earning the No. 1 national ranking from . He earned recognition as a three-time Parade All-American, selected to the second team in 1991 and the first team in 1992, joining elite company that included past honorees like . During his senior season in 1991–92, Rhodes led the team in scoring with an average of 24 points per game while also serving as the primary playmaker with strong assist numbers, contributing to the Friars' continued success. Rhodes capped his high school tenure as a All-American in 1992 and New Jersey's Gatorade Player of the Year, highlighting his versatility as a 6-foot-6 guard-forward known for smooth scoring, dribbling, and defensive prowess. His dominant performances elevated St. Anthony's national profile and positioned him as a blue-chip recruit, ultimately leading to his signing with the .

College career

Rodrick Rhodes committed to the University of Kentucky in November 1991 as one of coach Rick Pitino's first blue-chip recruits, arriving as a highly touted forward from St. Anthony High School in New Jersey. Over three seasons from 1992 to 1995, he appeared in 99 games, averaging 12.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while scoring a total of 1,209 points for the Wildcats. As a freshman in 1992–93, Rhodes earned SEC All-Freshman honors and contributed off the bench to Kentucky's run to the Final Four, where the team lost to Michigan in the national semifinals; he scored 14 points in that game despite going 1-for-9 from the field. His sophomore year in 1993–94 saw him average 14.6 points per game and earn Third Team All-SEC recognition, while as a junior in 1994–95, he improved to 12.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, securing Second Team All-SEC honors. Following his junior season, Pitino asked Rhodes to redshirt the 1995–96 campaign to preserve his eligibility amid concerns over his role on the team and the arrival of new talent like Ron Mercer, though Rhodes' representatives claimed the coach effectively pushed him out. Instead of redshirting, Rhodes entered the NBA draft but withdrew after a subpar pre-draft combine and transferred to the University of Southern California to complete his degree and eligibility. Academic challenges were not explicitly cited, but the redshirt suggestion was tied to maintaining his remaining year of eligibility while addressing performance and team dynamics issues. In his senior year at USC during the 1996–97 season, Rhodes started all 25 games under coach , emerging as the Trojans' leading scorer with 14.0 points per game and adding 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists, for a total of 350 points. This performance helped USC finish 10–18 overall, though the team struggled in Pacific-10 Conference play. Across his entire college career at both schools, Rhodes amassed 1,559 points in 124 games.

Professional playing career

NBA career

Rhodes was selected by the as the 24th overall pick in the first round of the , following a standout college career at the . During his rookie season in 1997–98, Rhodes established himself as a rotational player for the Rockets, appearing in 58 games while starting 13, and posting averages of 5.8 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in 18.4 minutes of playing time. His contributions helped the team reach the , where he made three appearances off the bench, averaging 2.0 points in limited minutes. On March 11, 1999, midway through the 1998–99 season, Rhodes was traded from the Rockets to the in exchange for veteran guard . That year, he played just three games for before the trade and then suited up for 10 contests with , finishing the shortened lockout season with 13 total appearances and averages of 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game across 12.0 minutes. Rhodes signed a multi-year contract with the on April 10, 2000, but his tenure there was brief, limited to a single game in the 1999–2000 season where he played eight minutes without scoring. He retired from the NBA following that appearance. Across his three NBA seasons with the Rockets, Grizzlies, and Mavericks, Rhodes appeared in 72 regular-season games, accumulating career averages of 5.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in 17.1 minutes.

International career

After concluding his NBA career with the following the 1999–2000 season, Rodrick Rhodes transitioned to professional overseas, seeking continued opportunities in international leagues. His global journey spanned multiple countries, including , , the , , and , where he adapted to diverse playing styles and team dynamics distinct from the NBA. This move allowed Rhodes to extend his professional playing tenure while gaining exposure to varied cultures and financial structures in professional leagues abroad. In the 2000–2001 season, Rhodes played for Dafni B.C. in Greece's top-tier Heba A1 league, appearing in 10 games and averaging 12.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. He recorded a season-high of 20 points in a victory over Aons, contributing to the team's efforts in a competitive European environment. Later, in 2002, he joined the as an import player in the (PBA), bringing his NBA experience to the fast-paced Asian league during its Governors' Cup. Rhodes continued his international stints in other leagues, including play in , , and , where he supported team performances amid challenges of cultural and stylistic adjustments. These experiences fostered personal growth through immersion in new environments and sustained his income post-NBA. He fully retired from professional on November 1, 2005, concluding a six-year overseas phase that highlighted his versatility as a .

Coaching career

High school coaching

After retiring from professional basketball, Rhodes transitioned into coaching and accepted the head boys' basketball coach position at High School in , in 2011, following a suggestion from his brother Reggie to focus on high school . At the time, was a small, rural public in a economically challenged area of eastern , with a historically struggling program that had posted records as low as 7-16 in prior seasons. Rhodes aimed to rebuild the team by emphasizing discipline, accountability, and character development, drawing from his experiences playing under coaches like during his NBA and college career. Under Rhodes' leadership, the program experienced a significant turnaround, compiling a 76-51 record over five seasons and achieving multiple 20-win campaigns, including the school's winningest season in 2014. He recruited talented transfers from both in-state and out-of-state, transforming the team from a 14th Region doormat into a competitive force capable of challenging some of 's top programs, though not relying on elite national recruits. This effort culminated in the 2016 All "A" Region 14 championship and the All "A" State Tournament title, marking Cordia's first state championship in boys' . Rhodes' recruiting strategies drew scrutiny from the (KHSAA), leading to a yearlong investigation that uncovered 27 violations, including the use of an ineligible player in the 2013-14 season, improper recruitment, and providing illegal benefits such as housing assistance to out-of-district athletes. In July 2014, the KHSAA imposed severe sanctions, including a full suspension of the boys' program for the 2014-15 season, forfeiture of all 2013-14 victories, a $25,980 fine, and athletic probation through 2018-19; Rhodes personally faced a postseason ban. Following an appeal, the KHSAA Board of Control in November 2014 reduced the team's suspension to 15 games but upheld the two-year postseason ban for Rhodes (extending through 2015-16) and confirmed 18 of the violations. The controversies strained relations with school administrators, culminating in the non-renewal of Rhodes' contract after the 2015-16 season, cited by district officials for , of duty, and poor with the principal. Despite this, Rhodes received widespread public support, with dozens of community members, fans, and players attending a May 2016 Knott County meeting to advocate for his retention, praising his role in uplifting students from difficult backgrounds. Reflecting on the experience, Rhodes highlighted lessons in resilience and prioritizing personal growth over wins, viewing the tenure as a mission to instill and in his players amid adversity.

College coaching

Rhodes began his college coaching career as an assistant at in , during the 2005–06 season, where he contributed to a successful campaign that saw the Hilltoppers finish with a 21–9 record and secure a berth in the tournament. The following year, he served as an assistant coach at for the 2006–07 season, marking his initial experience at the Division I level. In 2007–08, Rhodes joined the as an assistant coach and director of player personnel under head coach , a former teammate, focusing on player development and recruitment in the Atlantic 10 Conference. He then moved to for the 2008–09 season as and assistant to the head coach, aiding in program operations and scouting within the . From 2009 to 2011, Rhodes worked as an assistant coach at the (now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley), contributing to team strategies in the Great West Conference during a period of program transition. After a stint in high school coaching, Rhodes returned to the collegiate ranks in 2017 as an assistant coach at , spending two seasons (2017–18 and 2018–19) in the , where he emphasized defensive tactics and player mentoring for . In May 2019, he was elevated to his first head coaching position at Concordia University Portland, taking over the Cavaliers program in the ahead of the 2019–20 season. Under Rhodes, the team achieved a notable upset victory, defeating the 72–69 in a key conference matchup during his inaugural year. Rhodes' head coaching tenure at Concordia was cut short by the university's closure announcement in 2020, with the institution ceasing operations after the 2020–21 academic year, leading to a period without a formal coaching role following the program's disbandment. Throughout his career, Rhodes has demonstrated versatility in assistant positions across Division I and II programs, progressing to head coaching while focusing on , tactical , and athlete development, as evidenced by his roles in elevating team performances at institutions like St. Edward's and Northwest Nazarene.

References

  1. https://www.nba.com/player/1518/rodrick-rhodes
  2. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/rhodero01.html
  3. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/701/rodrick-rhodes
  4. https://nnusports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/rodrick-rhodes/1623
  5. https://hoopdirt.com/rodrick-rhodes-named-concordia-head-mens-basketball-coach/
  6. https://njsports.com/rodrick-rhodes/
  7. https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/2304/rodrick-rhodes
  8. http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Players/Rhodes_Rodrick.html
  9. https://isubengals.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/rodrick-rhodes/91
  10. https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/ex-cats/article230269179.html
  11. https://www.wkyt.com/content/sports/Rhodes-named-head-coach-at-Concordia-University-509762061.html
  12. https://www.nj.com/hssn-mms/2017/05/best_of_the_best_ranking_st_an.html
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  14. https://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/03/sports/school-basketball-flying-toward-his-future.html
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/28/sports/sports-people-high-school-basketball-an-honor-for-rhodes.html
  16. https://umassathletics.com/news/2007/8/31/Former_College_Star_amp_NBA_Player_Rodrick_Rhodes_Joins_UMass_Basketball_Staff
  17. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/rodrick-rhodes-1.html
  18. https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/15/sports/after-four-angry-years-as-a-wildcat-rodrick-rhodes-finds-peace.html
  19. https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/rodrick-rhodes-finally-admits-rick-pitino-pushed-him-out/
  20. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-12-15-sp-9368-story.html
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  22. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/southern-california/men/1997.html
  23. https://www.landofbasketball.com/nba_players_stats/rodrick_rhodes.htm
  24. https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Rodrick-Rhodes/Summary/600
  25. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/rodrick-rhodes-stats-with-the-grizzlies
  26. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/701/rodrick-rhodes
  27. https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/rodrick-rhodes/440
  28. https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article44143005.html
  29. https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/greek-basket-league/2001_totals.html
  30. https://www.philstar.com/sports/2002/02/03/149284/all-about-imports
  31. https://www.njsportsheroes.com/rodrickrhodesbk.html
  32. https://uproxx.com/dimemag/rodrick-rhodes-cordia-kentucky/
  33. https://khsaa.org/111214-board-of-control-upholds-penalties-against-cordia-high-school-reduces-2014-15-suspension-to-15-games/
  34. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/preps/kentucky/2014/07/28/khsaa-lowers-boom-cordia-boys-basketball-team-numerous-violations/13300393/
  35. https://www.wymt.com/content/news/Dozens-show-support-for-Cordias-Rodrick-Rhodes-who-faces-removal-as-boys-basketball-coach-378914831.html
  36. https://shupirates.com/news/2008/10/9/Men_s_Basketball_Adds_Kazimir_and_Rhodes_To_2008_09_Staff
  37. https://www.adn.com/sports/uaa-athletics/2020/03/01/in-its-swan-song-concordia-mens-basketball-team-upsets-the-seawolves/
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