Free agent no more
Hi guys,
We will have to change the name of the blog in coming days to Training Camp Diary. It will not be Free Agent Diary anymore since I will no longer be a free agent at the end of the week. I’m signing a contract with the Nets in a few days and I’m very excited about the opportunity the team is giving me.
The third point guard spot is the one I’m definitely looking to fill. The two guys ahead of me in the depth chart, Devin Harris and Keyon Dooling, have been like big brothers for me here lately. You learn a lot from them just from watching, but also playing against them is a good thing. Besides, they give you tips of good stuff about how to handle the point guard position. They are winners and I’m very grateful to them.
They are not the only guys that have been good to me. I have to give a shoutout to my man Rick Dalatri, who’s been helping me so much in the weight room since I arrived here five months ago. I’m at 222 pounds, 6 percent body fat right now. Also I have to give credit to Howard Eisley, who is teaching me a lot of useful things about the PG spot… But really, everything and everybody has been Class A since I began my journey with the Nets in the spring. Hopefully it all ends up with me staying here.
This training camp is going to be a little different for me. With the Nuggets, I was the young, excited and impressionable new guy. Now I’m more mature and more prepared. And although I know this time around I know I have nothing guaranteed, I’m not nervous. I’m hungry. And when you’re hungry, what do you do? You eat. That’s my mindset. That’s what you learn growing up in the NYC playgrounds.
Talk to you when training camp begins. Bye!
J Lyles Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
YES! I am so happy for you Julius! Good luck and can’t wait to see you back in the NBA this season!!!
MJ Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
Have never been a NETS fan until now! Can’t wait be a member of the Julius Hodge Fan Club! Sign me up now!
Findek Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
Really glad to hear it Julius, congratulations !!! Best Wishes from Poland
blessen varghese Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
as a die-hard nets fan….i’m excited to see you in our uniform… juss play hard…and everyone will appreciate your game…
Reggie Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
Julius…i’m so happy that they’re givin u the opportunity to sign with ‘em. It’s also great to hear that you feel a sense of brotherhood with Keyon and Devin…
i feel relationships like those are what make great teams….i really hope that all you guys can be on the same page and find some great team chemistry…
nets fans have been aching for a team with great chemistry…and all you guys seem like have the right attitude to make that a really happen.
I cant wait to hear about how you’re progressing through training camp. keep us updated man…
i hope to see you work into the rotation and surprise everyone in jersey and around the league. you seem like you got the great spirit to do it man…thats a helluva gift! Keep EATING!!!
Julius Hodge Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Rich and Doug Overton big shouts baby! Doug I’ll be in bright in early pulling you out of the coaching meetings again tommorrow morning for our shooting session! Thank-you for all the support everyone i’m very excited and even more blessed. Thanks in abundance! okay Michaela already..(back to the little one she hates when I share my attention : ) Later
bubs Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 5:17 pm
con grat julius from ur boy bubs keep working hard and may god continue to bless u with everything u ask for good luck this season tell ur bother i said what good holla at me
Rob Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
Congratulations Julius! I’ve always thought that you’d be a very good NBA player and this should finally be your chance to show it. You were great in the ACC and that’s tough to say coming out of a Carlina fan’s mouth.
Cameron Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
Big grats man. Look forward to seeing you this season
Michelle Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
Congratulations Julius!!!
You deserve nothing but the best. Continue with the hard work and keeping God first. And remember this small insert(from the long poem I left you on your 1st blog;)
“God’s promises will come to pass to overcome these trials.
What do I have to lose today for everything I’ve tried,
Will never work without the Lord, Who wants to be My Guide.”
Keep the Lord as your Guide!
Much Love,
your friend
Rome Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Julius, you said you’re now at 222, 6% BF. What were your stats 5 monthes before this?
DD Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
He is NOT , is has never been a point guard . He would have to beat out Eddie Gill ( has played for the Nets at PG spot in past ) .
However , I wish him good luck !
Natural Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
congrats and welcome. make us proud. can’t wait to see you guys playing. this new year will be exciting.
Louisa Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 9:05 pm
Congratulations Julius, and best of luck!
Brinson Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 9:10 pm
YES. Good to hear, Julius.
Special Delivery Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
Grats dude can’t wait to see you on the court. I think you’ll fit right into the dribble drive system. GL
Bart Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 10:35 pm
Congrats Julius! Happy for you but sad that you wont be returning to the NBL in Aus this year…big loss to the league….make the most of it!
noah Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 10:42 pm
jh- i was already a fan. throwing out props to doug overton cinches that up even more.
Nic B Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 11:02 pm
Sweet. Congrats from Australia. I’m a big fan of Devin Harris, so it looks like i will be following Nets closer this season! Peace.
Nic B Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 11:04 pm
P.s. You should work for a world-class jumpshot! You will be so much more valuable.
BV Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 11:04 pm
Have fun with Kiki Vandeweghe. He is a class act. Ask him about his brother Bruk. Good luck Julius, the Nets are lucky to have you.
Hello! - OzCardTrader.com.au Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 12:56 am
[...] Re: Hello! HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Julius Hodge Free agent no more [...]
Ian B Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 1:18 am
Awesome news man! Become an instant fan after following you and coming out too see you play here in Adelaide, with the 36ers! Was devastated that you weren’t coming back but at least ya getting another shot at the Show! Well Done!!!
Jon Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 8:02 am
Congratulations to the hardest working guy I’ve ever seen come through NC State! Keep making us proud, Jules!
Go Pack!
Vicki and Vicki's Husband Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 8:04 am
GOOD for you Julius!!! Vicki and I are proud of your efforts. Great job! She will have your “sign” ready when you return to the Pepsi Center. You know where we sit… come on over.
Jeff Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 8:09 am
Good luck Jules…Looking forward to seeing you in the NBA.
NCSU Fan Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 8:40 am
DD said Julius is not and has never been a point guard - guess you didn’t watch him at NC State - this guy is a proven, guaranteed winner - ACC player of the year - he took games over at the end and just willed his team and himself to win - just watch him this year, if he is given the chance to play
Bless Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 10:21 am
Yeah, man we talked about this time and time again. It’s lets get it time now. The music is playing, can you hear it? Lets a Dance in the Nets uniform. Pls don’t forget to remind people, your aiming for Pg spot, but you can play 1-3 easy. I know u hungry and its feeding time…..
Oktay Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 11:48 am
Congrats Julius, same as blessen varghese: play hard and we’ll show you endless love my man…
PS: dont pass the ball to vince when he’s behind the 3pt line…
Erich Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
Good Luck, J. I’ll be rooting for you.
e
Lee-Anne Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
Congratulations Julius…..From Ausie land…
Now Ill have to keep an eye on how you are doing….
God bless and good luck…You sure deserve this after, your long hard journey….
Kris Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
Hey Jules! Great to hear all your hard work has finally paid off for u!! They announced your signing over the PA at the Dome last night when Adelaide beat Sydney.. Mark Tyndale has so far done a great job as your replacement.. I couldnt be happier for you mate. You are a true soldier and your determination, attitude, and strive to make it back to the show has been awe-inspiring. Will be watching with interest to see how many minutes u can rack up.. I know that you will make the most of them.
Peace from Kris.
Adelaide, Down Under.
MrB Said,
September 24, 2008 @ 9:54 pm
Jules and Dough Overton….the Nets are now home to two of the greatest ever Aussie NBL imports!
Congrats mate, you ery much deserve this.
medhi Said,
September 25, 2008 @ 3:44 am
Julius im glad ur back and getting better each day…if things dont work out in nj which im hopin things will be great for u, then hopefully portland will make a run at u, they need a boost off the bench a guy who could shoot and create for others, ur the perfect fit
Louhis Said,
September 25, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
Julius, I think your game would fit better playing on a team with an undersized shooting guard. For example, putting you next to Iverson would allow him to play the 2 spot on offense and guard opposing points on defense. This was a weakness that was exploited last postseason, but not yet addressed by Denver. Other possible backcourt mates that come to mind are Jason Terry, Monta Ellis, Gilbert Arenas, Nate Robinson, Lou Williams, Leandro Barbosa, and Jerryd Bayless. Good luck.
Jake Said,
September 25, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Hell yeah Jules!
When asked whether Duke’s Cameron Crazies got to him in a January 15, 2004, loss at Cameron Indoor:
“There’s no way I could let a guy with a 4.5 GPA, acne and bad breath decide the way I’m going to play on the court. Everywhere I go I get that, so that didn’t make a difference.”
Eddie King Said,
September 25, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
Congrats Julius! I’ve always been a fan, every since those NC State days. You’ve battled through adversity that many others wouldn’t have and have always proven doubters wrong on the court. You remind me of myself. Hopefully I’m able to get in the league this year with ya!
Eddie King “The best player no on has ever seen”
Trey Said,
September 26, 2008 @ 4:41 am
Jules, best of luck to you man! Everyone at NC State is pulling for you to succeed. You’re a winner without a doubt and the Nets will be lucky to have you.
Chris Said,
September 27, 2008 @ 5:17 am
Awesome news Jules! Go get that roster spot bro!! You will always be one of my favorite Pack players. You gave everything you had. Good luck!!!
Jay Said,
September 27, 2008 @ 2:39 pm
PG? Interesting. You were a good ball-handler in college. I feel your size and length could make you a good defensive stopper. Defense is underrated. Only a few guys are going to get the green light to launch shots but there’s never any limits on making defensive plays. The main thing is getting on the team. Labels can change.
Ian Baker Said,
September 27, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
Congratulations Julius. Now the big question.
Who would you have played for if you hadn’t made the SHOW?
What was plan B
J Lyles Said,
September 28, 2008 @ 5:20 pm
Also, I just wanted to show you my collection of you (sounds weird, haha), since I don’t know where else to contact you.
http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h176/juliushodge/
Hope you like them!
Heather Said,
September 29, 2008 @ 8:46 am
Well done, congrats Jules!!! Wolfpack Nation is so proud to call you ours! We’re so excited for what’s to come in your career!
Thomas Said,
September 30, 2008 @ 12:59 am
This gives me a reason to watch the NBA! Go Nets!!!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Julius Hodge to sign with Nets | TOP NBA VIDEO.com Said,
September 30, 2008 @ 1:05 am
[...] Hodge for landing himself a much-deserved training camp spot with the New Jersey Nets. Hodge, via his HoopsHype blog, reports: The third point guard spot is the one I’m definitely looking to fill. The two guys [...]
Lisa Dyer Said,
October 4, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
YES!!!! Congrats, Jules!! We knew you could do it. We can’t wait to come see you in Charlotte.
Love,
Dave & Lisa D.