Hanging out with Vince
Hi guys,
First of all, I want to thank all my fans for reading the blog. I was overwhelmed by all the positive comments to the first post and just wanted to let you know that I will continue to work hard to get back in the league and make NC State proud.
Now let’s focus on what I’ve been doing… Last week, I was with Vince Carter in his camp and had a really good time working with him there. You hear all the critics talking about how he doesn’t seem to care and then you spent time with him… And well, I’ll tell you one thing: Don’t believe the haters. He didn’t become a star in the NBA for no reason. Being around him, you can see that he’s a consummate pro and that he puts a lot of effort in his workouts. Besides, he’s a truly likable and personable guy that’s always trying to help. Down the road, I would like to be a little being like him. You know, the veteran guy who tries to teach stuff to the young players.
Vince is not the only NBA guy I’ve been around recently. Most nights, I take part on 5-on-5 games in the New York Athletic Club with players like Emeka Okafor, Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy or Allan Houston. Marko Jaric is there, too. No Adriana Lima, though.
(I’ve been playing very well, I might add).
My free agency situation hasn’t changed much. We’re sticking to Plan A, which is trying to make the Nets team. There’s still interest from another couple of clubs willing to invite me for their training camps, but I like New Jersey better. My agent is doing his homework and listening to teams from outside the NBA, but me going overseas looks like a long shot right now. The NBA option looks very good at this moment.
Like most of you, I’m spending a lot of time in front of TV watching the Olympics. I’ve seen a lot of swimming and discovered one sport that didn’t know much about: slalom kayaking. Truly enjoyed it. I have even thought about taking it up as a hobby. Although on second thought, the NBA people probably wouldn’t want you doing that.
Obviously, I’m also paying a lot of attention to the U.S. basketball team. They are really getting the job done, winning all their games convincingly. D-Wade is looking impressive. Looks like the D-Wade of old.
I would love to play at the Olympic Games one day. If not with the United States, I would be open to playing for another country, just like Chris Kaman did. I don’t get how some people call him a traitor. What’s a player to do if he gets a chance to be at something as big as the Olympic Games? I don’t think you can pass on that. To me, as an athlete, it’s just a no-brainer.
Talk to you next week. Bye!
John Doe Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 8:35 pm
Im happy for you son I know very well….I have seen you work out with Sean???? keep up the good work and dont forget to work on your jump shot…………………JD
Louisa Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
Agreed Jules. If you ever get a chance to play YOU PLAY!
Anand Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 9:41 pm
You go to the Olympics to REPRESENT YOUR country. Its not just another basketball tournament that youcan jump on a run and play. He is not German, and it is unfair to play and represent them.
Secondly, use spell check. It’s a great tool. If you want to be bigtime (like Gilbert), use spellcheck man. His blogs are flawless.
I wish you success in your attempt at making it back into the NBA. At the rate people are leaving for Europe, you’re a definite shoe-in for a gig. Call Brian Colangelo…the Raptors are thin at PG & SG after the TJ trade and Delfino flirting with a stint in Europe!
Raymond Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 10:25 pm
Great blog man! I really hope you make the Nets squad, we need you.
Roi Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 10:38 pm
Hodge. I’d be glad if you joined the Net’s team! and I’m a major Vince Carter fan and it’s good to here the truth one in a while!
Matt Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
Julius, Chris Douglas Roberts says he can beat anyone one on one, have you played him yet? Do you have any rivalry with Vince based on the colleges you went to?
Keep working hard you are a great athlete,
Train your mind and your body will follow
vic Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 11:46 pm
Hodge..big fan of yours ever since you joined the nets practice..and all our nets blog users been raving about your athletism and Defense..would love to see you playing behind VC..lets hope you make it to nets..GO NETS!!
Eric aka ace198 from Nets 24/7 Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 11:53 pm
Hey, I was at the game. By the way great game. Net fans are really
pulling for you. Keep it up. I see you making the team.
Nick Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 12:08 am
maybe after the nba, back to the nbl and representing the australian boomers!!!
Patrick Verona Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 12:17 am
I’m a Nets fan and a huge supporter of Vince Carter. Thanks, for the insight. It’s always nice to hear from an insider’s point of view of how things really are. I’ve kept up with summer league games, I think your overall game would be a nice addition off the bench. I’ve seen too much inconsistency coming from our guys that want to do too much, but end up doing more harm than good. I see you as having a Boone type impact…not a superstar by any means, but someone that can be relied on to produce within their ability.
Keep up the hustle, and good luck on your road to becoming a professional basketball player wherever you may end up.
HodgeBlows Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 4:08 am
Hodge isn’t good at anything and is clearly not an nba talent. A shooting guard who can’t shoot. Go to europe
Better Version Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 4:11 am
Julius, you will make it. NBA teams like guys like you that can play multiple positions, especially the point, have that “long length” and can defend. I mean if a scrub like Diawara got signed, u defly have a chance. Just get that jumpshot up to an acceptable level, and u will be a rotation guy in the league for the next 10 years. Aloha and good luck!
Netsfan Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 5:30 am
First off Anand stfu!
Secondly, kill it in camp man. I hope you make the team!…I’m pulling for you. We need a good backup for VC and i think your very underrated. WIth your addition our bench may have the potential of being very quick and explosive. You have worked your a** off and deserve it more then anyone else that will be fighting for a position on the team.
Lastly, WHEN you make the team please take it to the hole every time!…these past couple of seasons we have just strictly settled for jump shots (that goes for every one). We need someone to be very aggressive and go to the hole every time!
Good luck! Hope to see you on the court come opening day.
Sean Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 6:27 am
Thanks for writing these blogs and keeping us updated. I’d love for you to make the Nets, the fans here are really pulling for you.
You will fit in great with the team. I already signed you to the Nets in 2K8, and I have to say, when you, Dooling and Yi come off the bench, you guys go on a huge run all the time! :p
jt Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 7:24 am
I rode the train through Harlem yesterday and couldn’t help but think of my favorite all-time Wolfpacker. The Pack hasn’t been the same since you graduated. Good luck with the Nets!
Chris Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 7:34 am
Jules,
Just keep balling out and do not be satisfied until you are back in the league. Tell my boy Steve what’s up. Has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like Smeagol from Lord of the Rings?
David Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 7:41 am
I really enjoyed watching you play at NC State over the years!
Good luck in your pro career!
Mark Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 8:28 am
Keep bustin’ it Jules. Go the hole and pull those boards relentlessly just like you did as a Wolfpacker. We have been keeping up with you down here in Raleigh. I am sure you’ll find a roster and hopefully with the Nets. God Bless and make an appearance at one of the Pack’s games this year if you can. It would be good for the fans and for Sidney to see you.
Dan-o Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 8:46 am
Julius, I’m glad to read that you’re doing well and I appreciate the time you take to let us know how you’re doing. You sound positive, hopeful, and confident (but not cocky.) You mentioned that you want to make NC State proud? Well, you already have. Keep up the hard work, best of luck, and the Wolfpack Nation is behind you all the way!
Matt P. Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 8:47 am
Jules! Regardless of whether or not you make it to the League for good, you will ALWAYS be a big part of the history of NC State. And from my perspective, you will always be one of our most loved players. Wish you the best!! Matt
Kobeef Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 9:28 am
Damn, I just wrote a comment and it didn’t go in ’cause I didn’t do the spam thing.
Anyway - been following Hodge since he was SI Old Spice Athlete of the month in high school and I like his game (big, playmaking guard like Larry Hughes)
The Nets are an up and coming team. They will not win now but I like where the are headed - Brooklyn Nets in 2011 will be:
PG - Harris/
SG - Vince/Hodges
SF - Lebron/Simmons
PF - Yi /Williams
C - Lopez / Swift
Does Jay-Z ever show up at practice?
GUY Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 9:56 am
Keep working hard! Been waiing to see you in the “A” for a while now. Tell your brother Steve Guy from LaSalle said whatup!
AdamNCSU Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 9:56 am
Julius,
Thank you for the way your represent yourself and NC State. You already make us WolfPackers proud with the way you carry yourself. You are a wonderful person to be around and we truly miss you in Raleigh.
You were always kind enough to chat with fans no matter when or where. Good luck and I can not wait to watch you on the big stage once again.
Thank you again for being a fine young man!
TrueNetsFan Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Anand and HodgeBlows are Raptor fans… You can always tell because they are the only ones who actually hate on Nets players.
Hodge, I think your game is def. ready for the NBA. Good luck and I hope to watch you on TV w/a Nets uniform.
Pierre Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
I’m glad that someone who’s been with Carter can tell us the truth about him. Please don’t hate on Vince. He’s a great guy, especially Barkley and Magic Jonhson.
MichaelNCSU Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
Interesting read, keep up the good work Julius! Best of luck and god bless.
WulfFan Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
You will always go down as one of the greats at NC State. Thanks for the blog. Keep up the hard work. I know we will see you back in the NBA soon!
Jane Doe Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
First to Jules:
Keep working hard and remain humble through it all!
To Whom It May Concern:
The blog is not typed up by Jules. He’s interviewed over the phone by a guy who’s second language happens to be English. He tries his best to write down everything that Jules tells him and then types it up word for word. So, he mis-spelled a couple of words?! Everyone understood the bulk of the diary. Let’s not be so quick to judge others. No one is perfect.
Paul Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 7:32 pm
Anand, Gilbert has somebody write his blogs FOR him. He gets interviewed and somebody types up his blog as he speaks. Oh, and as for using spell check, you might might want to take your own advice, because “big time” is two words, not one. Hater.
Who cares if Chris Kaman plays for Germany? It’s no big loss to the U.S. squad. He looks like a big, blond German, so he’s a perfect fit for them. You might as well call Tim Duncan a traitor, as he was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Going further back, Hakeem Olajuwan was born in Nigeria, and he played for the U.S. Might as well call him a traitor too. It goes both ways. Kaman has German roots, so let him play for Germany.
Julius, come play for Team Canada. Once Leo Rautins is ousted as head coach, then Nash, Magloire, and Dalembert will re-join the squad, and if we can add you as the wing scorer, we’ll be a threat for an Olympic medal in 2010 in basketball. Good luck this season bud. Oh, and enjoy playing with Devin Harris, dude is sick!
Gabriel Said,
August 15, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
Hey man
I know you read these comments , so I’m sending a shout out from the other side of the world (here in Manila.)
I’m a big supporter around here man!
Be safe and stay out of trouble.
I’ll see you with my boy YiJianLian next year!
J Lyles Said,
August 16, 2008 @ 12:38 am
Julius, you’re my hero. Seriously, you are. I have collected your basketball cards since your first card was released and I’ve been following you since NC State. I wish you the best of luck and I really hope that you make it with the Nets, although every team in the NBA could use a guy like you.
I sent you a letter when you were on the Thunderbirds, but I guess I sent it to the wrong address, but I hope I didn’t.
Ronnie Said,
August 16, 2008 @ 1:30 am
You were the man at NC State! And, it sounds like you have the same positive energy. Because of that you will continue to go far.
Good luck w/Nets!
Oh yeah, and in the Jules defense FYI: All of the blogs on HoopsHype.com are written by a HoopsHype.com writer. So, they probably doing an interview over the phone or something.
Wolves Eat Said,
August 16, 2008 @ 9:06 am
Jules - love your entries. Stay hungry like a wolf. Nobody is going to work harder than you. Best of luck.
Ahwi Quacoe Said,
August 16, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
The olympics have people from other countries representing their host countries all the time. Is this the first time People are hearing about it. Or it’s fine as long it works in the USA’s favor. I wish people would stop making a big deal about Kaman playing for another country. It’s a sport and if you live or work somewhere else and may have some ethnic affiliations to that country then why the hell not .
Darrin Smith Said,
August 16, 2008 @ 8:35 pm
Hey, Julius
I go to NC State, and I use to enjoy watching you play, you were and still are a great talent, make State proud when you make the team on the Nets
J.D. Mo Said,
August 17, 2008 @ 12:38 am
Julius,
Congrats on a great start to your blog and best of luck to you with the Nets. I’d want to play with Devin Harris and VC, too. And look out for Bobby Simmons - he can flat out shoot and is due for a 2nd life in the league. He’ll be a good spot up option for you guards.
I write a Bucks blog in Milwaukee. I wish you had been given a chance to play there after the Blake trade in 06-07, and I wondered why the opportunity didn’t present itself. Feel free to fill us in on that experience, if you’re taking suggestions.
Good luck, JH
PS - Don’t let em sweat you: Agent Zero’s blogs are nowhere near flawless. Ask Richard Jefferson.
ozzy baller Said,
August 17, 2008 @ 5:10 am
Hey Jules, come back to the NBL, at least you’ll play 40 minutes a night, plus you can play for the Boomers at the London Olympics, all you need to do is marry an Aussie girl, they will be lining up once you get off the plane in Melbourne.
Steve Sandhu Said,
August 17, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
Hey Julius,
I am a die-hard Duke fan and will be til I die. But I saw you play in Syracuse in the 2005 Sweet Sixteen and you got some skills man. All the best to you and I hope you make the Nets.
In regards to your comments on Chris Kaman; I think people are upset that he is an American, his parents are American and one grandparent is German. Does that qualify someone (who has never set foot in Germany before being offered this opportunity) to play on there Olympic team ?
I’m from Canada and its a similar situation with Sam Dalembert. He was born in Haiti and grew up in Montreal before going to Seton Hall and then pro. He never got his citizenship until being offered a spot on the national team. But at least he has roots in Canada. His family still lives in Montreal. This I feel qualifies him to represent the country.
Kaman is doing it for an opportunity, not for national pride through sport. Thats what the Olympics are about. Respresenting you and yours. It’s not a pro league…its the Olympics. Lets not forget the dude that got cut from the team to make room for Kaman. That guy has been grinding in the EuroLeagues and lives full time in Germany. Only to be shafted by a dude from Michigan ? Does make sense. That would be enough to justify Chris Bosh to play for Canada because he plays for a Canadian club.
Anywho, nuff respect and all the best making the team. Continue your blog, its a good read.
Andrew O'Grady Said,
August 17, 2008 @ 10:44 pm
Julius, I cannot believe you have not been offered a contract with the NJ Nets for the coming NBA season already!!! what are they thinking!!. If I was an NBA GM I would definitley find a spot for you on my roster for at least one season after watching you play for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian league last season. Im not even saying the NBL is a good league or a bad league, what Im saying is watching you play basketball, your individual performances suggest that you should be in the NBA.
If you believe in history repeating itself, then there is even precident for you getting a gig in the League, as Rick Brunson played for Adelaide 36ers for a year back in the 1990s, then returned to America where he went on to bigger and better things in the NBA.
As and Adelaide fan I’m not pissed that you are not coming back. I will be hoping i will be able to follow your progress with the nets this coming season, and maybe even see a few games on cable down here. Good luck mate, i know you will be back scoring buckets in the NBA sooner rather than later!
Mark Said,
August 18, 2008 @ 1:10 am
Hi Julius! Are you a citizen of the US Virgin Islands? I was reading from a website and it caught my attention that you mentioned of this statement: “I would love to play at the Olympic Games one day. If not with the United States, I would be open to playing for another country, just like Chris Kaman did.” By mentioning that statement, I just had that idea of why not joining the US Virgin Islands team (along with Raja Bell, Frank Elegar, Carl Krauser, and others)? After all, with you in the line-up, it will add depth and a possible primary scorer on the roster. Just a thought.
Adelaide 36ers fan Said,
August 18, 2008 @ 6:44 am
Julius, I’m from South Australia and loved watching u play here last season. You are the real deal and I’m wishing you all the best in making it back to where you belong!
BC Wolfpack Said,
August 18, 2008 @ 10:12 am
Hello Julius,
My son is one of your biggest fans he met you one night at a friends apartment in Burlington NC. You gave him an autograph on a piece of paper and he has that along with your picuture and cards in his room. He stills wears his # 24 NC State jersey at any pick up games. We are hoping to see you in the NBA playing with the energy and passion we seen at NC State. We know you have the talent just keep going you will make it.
Hoopsman Said,
August 19, 2008 @ 11:19 am
Julius,
You never got your chance. ACC Player of the Year and a proven winner - no wonder that jealous little punk, chrissy paul, had to punch you in the nuts - he couldn’t stop you any other way.
Keep working - someone with at least half a brain will sign you right away.
e. 164 Said,
August 19, 2008 @ 6:09 pm
yo what good it ur boy bubs i just saw ur bother in dyckman. good luck this year hope is well with ur family. keep up the good work u make harlem proud u digg
John Said,
August 21, 2008 @ 12:37 am
Yo julius I’m a big nets fan myself and it would really be great if you made the team. I think you can help the team out a lot with your versatility while also adding some always needed depth to the roster. All you need is an opportunity to show you can play. Anyway, I just wanted to say goodluck on making the team and I hope to see you out there in a nets uniform next season. adios-
WorldBFree Said,
August 21, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
Play for whoever will let you play… people don’t care when kids go out of state to play college, this is fundamentally the same… Live and let live, be happy for someone if they are fulfilling a dream… Hodgy, if there’s a court, play… these guys that hate will hate no matter what you do… If you played for USA in the Olympics, they’d say something negative about that as well… my only advice though, and i understand i’m no insider, but from my perspective, don’t wait around for the league to pick you up, make your money overseas and live a richer life when you’re done… Euro girls, can’t beat them either…
Peace
HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Julius Hodge » Always listen to your mom’s advice Said,
August 27, 2008 @ 7:06 pm
[...] talked about the slalom kayaking in my last post. Well, I do like the sport although I can only remember who won the silver medal: France. I also [...]
joe Said,
September 15, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
hi julies i was at vince carter youth basketball academy. when u came into that gym wensday i didnt know who you were then i saw you knocking down jump shots and i said in my head wow! then i saw my coach talking to you i asked my coach who is that he said julies hodge i said oo cool i know him from nc stat he played great ball there.
julies you really deserve to make this nj nets team over demar you do i hope you make it