Neuqua Valley’s Patrick Hoffmann represents a classic case of the specialized, plug-in talent.
Anything that needs to be done, the 6-foot-2 senior forward delivers.
He has a knack for contributing with tough defense, making a crucial assist or getting a key rebound. His hustle, determination and work rate have been key factors for the Wildcats, who have won 11 of their last 12 games.
In Friday’s 48-44 victory over Naperville North, Hoffmann had four points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
His ability to contribute in multiple facets without needing the ball on offense has made him an essential cog.
“I definitely pride myself on the intangibles of my game,” Hoffmann said. “My football coach (Bill Ellinghaus) always said the little things matter. Getting those done leads to success and getting the win on the court.”
Football is his calling card — and his future.
A Northern Illinois recruit, Hoffmann had 30 catches for 451 yards and five touchdowns for Neuqua Valley, the DuPage Valley Conference champion and a Class 8A playoff qualifier.
The can-do attitude he showed in his primary sport has brought profound results in his secondary one.
“I see a correlation between my football success and my success on the basketball court,” he said. “Mark Gronowski and Donovan Navarro also played with me in football and now in basketball.
“We have definitely kept the same mindset to do whatever it takes to be successful in basketball.”
Hoffmann’s selflessness and competitive drive reveal a passion for detail and an ability to follow through. He’s also never afraid to sacrifice his body. He leads the team in charges taken.
Gronowski, the standout quarterback who starts alongside Hoffmann at forward, praised his teammate.
“He is one of those guys who will just do anything for you, even in practice,” Gronowski said. “He is one of the hardest-working people I have ever met, whether that is in his school, sports, friendships. He is a great leader on and off the field.”
As the DuPage Valley moves to the second half of its conference schedule, Hoffmann just wants to continue the good times.
“This is my last time being on a basketball team,” he said. “We are doing great things as a team, and hopefully we can have this momentum carry over to the postseason and make it a very special basketball season to remember.”
Special moment: Neuqua’s victory over Naperville North marked the 600th of coach Todd Sutton’s career. He’s the only boys basketball coach in the school’s 31-year history.
Sutton has a career record of 600-289. He’s the 41st coach in state history to reach the 600-win mark, according to the IHSA.
“I am just a grinder,” Sutton said. “We are just trying to get better and come out with wins.
“As anyone can see out there, we have flaws as a team. We go through dry spells and we are trying to get through them. Our bench is getting better.”
Strength in numbers: Benet has arguably the longest bench in the state. The Redwings dress as many as 22 players.
Coach Gene Heidkamp has used up to 10 players in a quarter. That depth has become crucial as the Redwings (15-5, 4-1) have combated illnesses and injuries.
Senior center Colin Crothers missed the first month of the season recovery from knee surgery. Senior guard Matt Reid, the team’s second-leading scorer and rebounder, missed five weeks due to mononucleosis, according to Heidkamp.
Senior guard Colin Gillespie, a football standout, has taken advantage of his increased playing time as a 3-point shooter off the bench.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.