Inquirer Sports’ Performer of the Week: Cliff Hodge

Cliff Hodge tries to escape a triple-team in Sinag Pilipinas' game in the 23rd SEA Games held in Indonesia. Yudhi Mahatma/Antara Foto

MANILA, Philippines – He roughly stands at six-foot-five and has a lanky frame that’s not built to bang in the inside.

But don’t be fooled by Cliff Hodge’s thin built as his athleticism and length make him a force to reckon with down low.

Hodge proved just that as he had his way in NLEX’ sweep of Freego Jeans in the PBA D-League Finals for the Road Warriors’ second straight title.

Parading his wares, Hodge contributed mightily as he averaged 11.5 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks a game in the championship series earning him the Inquirer Sports’ performer of the week.

A win away from a back-to-back crown, NLEX drew an impressive performance from Hodge, who flirted with a triple-double of 15 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks.

Half of his total blocks came in one play as Hodge put on a defensive clinic.

“It just showed how determined these guys are to win this ball game and this championship,” said NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez.

The 23-year-old forward was part of the Sinag Pilipinas men’s basketball team that bagged the gold medal in the 23rd SEA Games in Indonesia.