Always listen to your mom’s advice
Hi everybody,
Recently I’ve been in contact with some urban clothing company and I thought about doing ad modeling. When I told my mom about this, she said, “You will not do any underwear modelling, right? And remember that you have to focus on your jump shot to make the Nets’ roster.”
Good advice, mom!
I’m feeling good, really good about my chances to make the Nets roster. I’ve been talking with the coaching staff and the managers as well and they agree that I’ve improved my shooting, my defense and leadership on the court.
Right now, my agent keeps telling me that some international teams have called saying they are interested in signing me, but he doesn’t tell me any names because I’m really focused on achieving this goal of getting a spot on the Nets’ roster.
Recently, we had a mini-camp and I played with very good players, like Keyon Dooling, who is a truly winner; Bobby Simmons… you know, Bob is a pro’s pro, period. And Eddie ‘Mr. Hustle’ Najera. I have heard that he had some issues with a property down in Oklahoma… And obviously, Vince Carter. You know, having all these guys on the court playing, it’s a better version of the Golden State Warriors from two years ago.
I’ve also had the chance to play with the rookies. Man, they are good. Brook Lopez is a force down low, Ryan Anderson can shoot it from outside and CDR (Chris Douglas-Roberts) is a tough wing player to defend.
The intensity was high at the Nets facility. I was trying to get a rebound when I was double-hit hard: in the back and in one bone of my left arm. It hurt, but I decided to make sure I got the call so I started to act a little bit, screaming more than Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson at the Oscars… Coach Lawrence Frank ran my way and asked, “Are you alright?” “Coach, I didn’t know you cared so much about me,” I replied, and everybody started laughing.
Now I’m hearing a lot of stuff about the Spanish team flopping all the time and the U.S. team travelling in every possession in the Olympic finals. Man, let’s be straight: No Tim Donaghy could fix that game. That was an amazing game, with two high-skilled teams going at each other, and the U.S. won because they play defense, they run well in transition and they have players like Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and, especially, Kobe Bryant, who took over in the fourth quarter. This U.S. team has seven or eight future Hall of Famers, they wanted that gold medal and they earned it.
I 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 liked swimming a lot. Not only because Michael Phelps, but also the amazing 4×100 freestyle victory trailing from behind.
Back to my routine, right now I live ten minutes away from NYC, and I really mean it when I say, “I’ve been training all summer.” I say from Monday to Sunday. 24/7. After practicing, I go to a gym and do yoga and Pilates classes. Compared to the beginning of the summer, my legs are much stronger now and I can easily dunk with both hands. As I said, offseason work is paying off and I’m feeling more comfortable on the court.
Finally, I want to set out to all those football fantasy general managers that the new Jets with Brett Favre and his long passes are going to be really better, so watch out!
That’s it for now. I’ll keep doing my basketball/yoga/Pilates routine and improving my game… The modeling stuff will have to wait!
J Lyles Said,
August 27, 2008 @ 7:37 pm
Julius, you’re my hero! Good luck with whatever you decide doing this season!
drewfernandes Said,
August 27, 2008 @ 8:39 pm
all i’m after is you having a better jumpshot! hahaha
hope you make the nets roster.. i always picked you in NBA live years ago.
i hope you make it in the game too
brian Said,
August 27, 2008 @ 10:45 pm
I definitely think you can make it. I would love to see you do your thing. I have a team we play in bed sty come thru get and get your jumper on
Raymond Said,
August 27, 2008 @ 10:47 pm
Julius! I hope you make the team man, totally rooting for you. Good luck!
Andrew O'Grady Said,
August 27, 2008 @ 11:37 pm
The Adelaide 36ers recently signed former Temple University star Mark Tyndale to a contract to replace the import spot vacared by you for the coming NBL season. So looks like we landed on our feet with that one, coz we have had some truly shocking American imports in Adelaide. Not you of course, you were, as we say in Adelaide HEAPS GOOD!!, lets hope the nets think you are HEAPS GOOD! too!!.. FARMERS UNION ICED COFFEE!!!
Paul Said,
August 27, 2008 @ 11:48 pm
Better version of the Warriors? Please! I suppose you’re the Monta Ellis of the bunch? Come on. The Nets have a lot of young talent, but what they need is a few good role players. Look at the front line: Brook Lopez, Ryan Anderson, CDR, Stromile Swift, Josh Boone, Yi Jianlian, Sean Williams; all of these guys should start at some point in their career. Even if the Nets sign LeBron in 2010, and start Lopez at C and Yi at PF, well that means Williams was a wasted pick, Boone was a wasted pick, CDR was a wasted pick. CDR was an All-American for a reason. But that doesn’t mean a thing anymore. Yi was a lottery pick, Williams was a monster at times last year. They all have All Star potential but will be held back on this mishmash Nets roster.
Coach KG Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 12:24 am
Julius, I remember meeting you and Francisco Garcia on the job (world financial center) when you were in high school picking a college. Your hard work payed off then and it will pay off now. Get in contact with me if you ever want to work on the Jumper. http://www.JumpStartHoops.com Basketball Training!!!
Sat K. Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 12:29 am
Jules, hate to see you fly our coop down here in TBird land, but its your time to shine. good luck bro…I think I speak for all of Tbird nation when I say, “Good Luck brotha.” We will be following you along your quest to get back to where you belong…the NBA.
Michael Jordan Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 12:38 am
I’m glad to see you doing well kid. But LeBron James was the best player at the Olympics, not Kobe. James showed he is the best in the world. Kobe played Kobe basketball. Inconsistent and a lot of chucking. LeBron was top 10 in scoring, assists, steals, fg%, three point %, and blocked shots.
LARRY r Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 6:21 am
Julius Us long term Nets fans appreciate your hard work and enthusiasm. Our very Best to you and if you do not make the team in October never give up. You have the ability and intellect that we need on the team especially in a transition year. One other piece of advice, always play with a chip on your shoulder (Sean Williams please take this advice also). Cheers to your success
Paul Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 6:29 am
And yes, I am aware of the fact that the Nets have Najera, Dooling, and Simmons as good reserves. A few of the young bigs will never have a chance to reach their potential by languishing on the Nets bench.
Steve Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 7:30 am
Hey Julius,
I’m really hoping we clear the space to offer you a roster spot man. You got the heart of a champion. All anyone needs to see is a video of you carrying NC State on your back in the NCAA Tourney a few years ago. You take the motto “Never Say Die” to a whole new extreme. I’d be honored to see you in a Nets uniform. Keep up the good work and keep listening to your mother.
Wilt "GOAT" Chamberlain Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 10:30 am
Lebron James did didly poo in the only game that mattered. Kobe and Wade carried that team, not James.
Tim Wills Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 11:21 am
What up Julius (from an old school NCSU alum living in the MIA),
I’ve been following you (through the media) and hope that you find a home in NJ. I’ve never been a Nets fan (actually, I have always hated the Nets) but you are giving me reason to give them another look.
This is the first (and probably last) time I have responded to a blog but I wanted to send you a Wolfpack shout out and wish you the best.
Good luck to you and GO WOLFPACK.
Tim
Lou Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Julius, Just wanted to give you props on keeping at it. Just wanted to let you know it was a pleasure to watch you play at State, and you made my 4 years of watching basketball there enjoyable. Now, the Nets being my favorite NBA team, I’m really REALLY rooting for ya. Good luck….and yo, can i please get that pencil back that you borrowed in that Com class with Funkhowser??
Julius Hodge Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
Thank-you for all the support and best wishes. I have been keeping up with the feedback and it is definitely a blessing to read some of the comments. thank-you and be blessed.
p.s
J.lyles I still have the pic on my wall of my NC State jersey with all of my N.B.A trading cards on top that you mailed me. It definitely put a smile on my face during a tough stretch in the D-League. It inspired me so Thank-YOU!
Hodge Needs an FA! Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 9:29 pm
Julius,
Making this team means just being confident and they definitely need O. Bring your scoring punch and the way you ran the court in summer league..do it in preseason, L-Frank LOVES that.
The FA in my name is “Hodge needs a Financial Advisor”..So when you make the Nets, remember, I am a Certified Financial Planner, you can email me :). Too often in your business, guys get screwed. Look at your teammate E. Najara. There is no need for that. Your window for making money is a VERY small one in pro sports. You have to be smart about saving it and not investing in foolish things.
If you need help, let me know Our firm mananges funds for several NY Jets, NJ Devils, Carolina Panthers, etc….
Whether you use us or anyone else, remember, STAY VANILLA with your investments. Too many people take advantage of young guys like you who make alot of money in a short period of time and have a lot of free time on their hands in the off-season. Dont be foolish with your $$$
Best of luck to you!!!
Long time Nets fan Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
Julius,
You seem like a good guy, I hope you make it. I do, as a Nets fan, appreciate your work and dedication this summer! I think if you run the court like you did in Orlando and Vegas, it’s going to help you a great deal! Defense will keep you in L Franks sights. Play it with passion!
When im not a die hard Nets fan, Im a certified financial planner so let me know if you need help once you sign your Nets contract! Too many of you young guys get screwed (like your friend E. Najara) by people looking to take advantage of your wealth and youth.
Whether you seek help or not, remember to keep your money in plain vanilla investments. A pro athletes time to earn big dollars is very limited so make the most of it!
You truly do seem like a good guy. I hope you make it with the Nets!
God Bless!
Keith Said,
August 28, 2008 @ 10:05 pm
I’m glad you’re doing well, I’m really hoping you make the Nets team. It’s funny seeing you talk about being in a PG and a defensive stopper, I remember back in high school when you didn’t pass or play defense, lol. I haven’t spoken to you since the shooting, I’m glad you came out of that strong. I read your last entry first, and reading it I thought “wow, Jules is real humble now,” then I read your 1st blog entry and say just that. I still remember the cocky Jules from St. Ray’s and I never thought I’d see the day when you weren’t. But it’s obviously necessary after what you’ve been through the last few years. I hope everything over the last few years helps you make the Nets and then have a long NBA career.
bubs Said,
August 29, 2008 @ 1:50 am
yo julius what good i spoke to ur bother last week. we went to the boast moblie elite 24 it was alright. i wish u the best and always harlem to the end. P.S. francisco garcia went hollywood on me..but he still my bro. i am going to put him in his place good luck juluis
bubs Said,
August 29, 2008 @ 3:09 am
juluis iforgot on my last comment i saw Gary Dee’ in vegas He doin well he might be coming back to NYC. I heard matt is working with the nets i still see pete Mulligan in the hood every now and then he doing good.. good luck julluis the hood need u back in the league u digg!!!
bubs Said,
August 29, 2008 @ 3:19 am
my bad misspell ur name ESPN that’s what they call u in 55th the 1st time u played their
Hov Said,
August 29, 2008 @ 7:41 am
You should come back to the Melbourne Tigers.
Sport Count that’s what’s up - thesportcount.com
Stateluvsdajules Said,
August 29, 2008 @ 7:44 am
Jules!! The Pack misses you and we are behind you all the way! If anyone deserves a spot on this roster it’s you! Your hard work and determination are truly an inspiration to all.
Paul Said,
August 29, 2008 @ 9:35 am
Give my love to Devin Harris. I saw him play against the Raptors a few years ago and he was sick. He’s even better now, which is nuts.
Scott Said,
August 29, 2008 @ 10:24 am
When you hungry, you eat!!
Eric Said,
August 29, 2008 @ 11:18 pm
hey ju-hod, i also loved you in college but i really think you need to add about 20 muscle pounds to make it in the league, im a cavs fan so you could help us but you have to be able to defend the 1,2, and the 3. good luck dogg
REAL Said,
August 30, 2008 @ 5:31 am
usa wouldnt have got a ood amount of those ast break points, and turnover points if it wasnt for the stellar defense of kobe harassing the main ball handlers, screwing the rival teams rhytym up, cutting into their shot clock, hence forcing mistakes
lebron is a beast, but he benefitted from this more than anyone
wakefanforlife Said,
August 30, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
“It hurt, but I decided to make sure I got the call so I started to act a little bit, screaming more than Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson at the Oscars… ”
This sounds familiar. Let’s go back umm say, 3 years ago. An up and coming future gold medalist, by the name of Chris Paul, crosses the path of none other, Julius Hodge! The rest is history! We all knew you were trying to tarnish his career. Now fast forward 3 years later. Who’s on top and who’s still trying to act? Will the real Julius Hodge please stand up!
P.S…I think CP’s career and off the court behavior speaks for who should have really been the blame that day
Digi Dyer Said,
September 2, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
Great blog, Jules! It was great seeing you yesterday and you know we know you can make it. And of course Vince Carter is all that…he is a Carolina Man, afterall!!! Dave and I will check back for updates. Take care!
Digi Dyer Said,
September 2, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
wakefanforlife,
no doubt, chris paul is a great player, but i was at the game you mention (in courtside seats, i might add) and that was a dirty, deliberate move on cp’s part. actually, if julius had done that to an opposing player, i would have been ashamed of him. but julius never would have done that, because he is a class act. i hope chris paul has matured and developed the class to match his undeniable skills on the court. liking a player doesn’t mean you excuse behavior you know to be wrong.
Amessiah Said,
September 2, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
No disrepect, but you’re 6′7. Shouldn’t you be dunking with two hands with ease?
Julie Said,
September 2, 2008 @ 9:58 pm
Love reading your blogs. Good luck with the Nets!
PS- Wakefanforlife is a prick.
Chris Said,
September 4, 2008 @ 9:58 am
Jules, you are the man! You are in my prayers! Here’s hoping you make the Nets roster and prove to the world that you can play at that level!
Thanks for the great memories you gave us at NCSU and never forget the Pack Nation!
May God richly bless you!
HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Julius Hodge » Studying the game Said,
September 6, 2008 @ 4:57 pm
[...] really appreciate the good feedback I’ve had in this diary. That said, in my last post a couple of readers talked about one incident I had with Chris Paul years ago. CP3 hit me in my groin area and they won the game. Then he was suspended and we played against [...]
Xen Said,
September 18, 2008 @ 11:07 am
What gym do you normally play at? I know that there’s an LA Fitness on 1st Ave. that I go to with a few of my friends on occasion and Troy Murphy, Jason Williams (the black one), and Mike Dunleavy all go there. I figure you might attend the same one. I haven’t been to that gym in a while, though.