Ahead of the game
Hello everybody,
We are right now in training camp and it’s been a blessing for all of us. Learning from Kiki Vandeweghe and coach Lawrence Frank has been very instructive for me in terms of understanding the philosophy, the little tidbits of the offense and also the defensive sets.
I think it’s been a plus that I ran some of our offense in college under Herb Sendek at North Carolina State, and I think it puts me a little bit ahead of the game.
Without getting too specific, practices have been pretty much guys going out playing hard, especially on defense. I think we’re right now a little bit ahead in terms of that because a lot of our guys want to play defense. They are like, “OK, we are the underdogs but this year will definitely be a good one for us.”
There are some guys here – like Bobby Simmons or Yi Jianlian – that are eager to show everybody their value. Sean Williams has been finishing every play, every alley oop he catches, and dunking amazingly. He’s so tough to box out, he’s all over the offensive boards, and he’s making shots around the basket. He’s definitely a big plus for us during this training camp. I think we’ll jell quickly. Even Rod Thorn, who had a knee replacement surgery, has spent some time with us.
As I said before, I believe I can fill the third point guard spot. During and after practice, coach Frank talks to me and tells me he knows that I wanna make the right play every time, and he lets me know that I just have to take a little step back, just breathe, relax and run a set. Also, Keyon Dooling has helped me a lot.
Sometimes there might be a set call but the defense may not be ready, so I take the extra second or two to get a set up. I just let the offense come and run it smoothly. I think I’ve been doing a good job at that with the help of the coach.
This group of guys, I give a lot of credit to Kiki and the entire organization building this team, because we all get along. I know that Vince Carter said that Chris Douglas-Roberts, Brian Hamilton and me are like The Three Stooges. Well, you know… We’re young! We practice hard and we are cracking jokes as well.
The next week we will travel to Europe to play against the Miami Heat so it will be really fun. I hope we play good and continue improving as a team. And of course I hope we will do some sightseeing in Paris and London!
That’s all for now.
Bye!
bubs Said,
October 4, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
good luck this season julius
Jimmy (Toronto) Said,
October 4, 2008 @ 10:39 pm
Glad to hear camp is going well Julius. As a loyal UCONN huskies fan i’m still mad at you for taken them out that year. But back to the point I hope you do make the squad and have an opportunity to showcase your skills. Remember make the most of every opportunity and just try your best and stay focused to continue your NBA dream. Look forward to your next blog.
Coach Godwin Said,
October 4, 2008 @ 10:48 pm
Be Blessed!!! Be Quick but not in a RUSH!!! http://www.jumpstarthoops.com
J Lyles Said,
October 4, 2008 @ 11:47 pm
Just keep it up, Julius, you’ve got a lot of people behind you!
I know you’ll make the team, just go in and do what you do and nobody can deny you. Have fun in Europe!
NickB Said,
October 5, 2008 @ 1:27 am
It’s cool to hear that you guys are getting along behind the scenes.
Gerard Himself Said,
October 5, 2008 @ 7:47 am
It’s time for a new Julius playing with the Nets! Julius Hodge, Dr. J 2.0!
Anyway, enjoy your trip Julius, as a Nets fan I’m glad your on the team !
John Said,
October 5, 2008 @ 10:08 am
Keep up the good work Julius (both on the court and with the blog). You got that 3rd PG roster spot. Have fun and win some games in Europe.
Gabriel Chaud Said,
October 5, 2008 @ 10:43 am
It will be a rebuilding year for the Nets.
I think they must bet in new talent like you, someone that have to prove something everyday.
But if this young talent proves everybody wrong, a 6th-8th playoff seed might be in.
The team seems to need more scoring power, but the Nets have two 7-footers like no other team.
Brian Said,
October 5, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
Good luck man…hope you make it.
auron Said,
October 6, 2008 @ 2:04 am
hey hodge, how’s your injury? ithinkthere’s always a room for shooters like you, so practice your shooting skills well.
auron Said,
October 6, 2008 @ 2:05 am
there’s always a room for shooters in NBA
G Watt Said,
October 6, 2008 @ 10:39 am
good luck this yr, Im looking forward to the next update/blog…its good to hear my boy sean w. is doing his thing, I know he is more focused this yr, hopeflly he is given a greater opportunity 2 showcase his ability this season(via increased minutes)…but I know this time of yr, things like that are earned!…until next time, Be Blessed!
sedric toney Said,
October 6, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
Julius most important do forget to do what you do well. Be yourself ….
p Said,
October 7, 2008 @ 12:35 am
nice to see u made nba julius thanks for playin 4 us in adelaide its not the same without this year.
Omar Aberilla Said,
October 8, 2008 @ 12:20 am
I’ve seen you play back in college Mr. Hodge. Game is fit for an NBA star. Hang in there and stay healthy.
Fellow NC State alum Said,
October 8, 2008 @ 8:23 am
I live in Raleigh and graduated from NC State. Loved watching you play for the Pack. I went to a lot of home games while you were here but my favorite was at the game when State beat Duke at home and you ran off into the locker room with your nephew on your back….great scene and interview!!! Media misses you down here….your quotes were priceless! You gave it your all at State and I know you will for the Nets. Good luck to ya!!!
If your scared get a dog!!!!!!
DD Said,
October 12, 2008 @ 6:57 pm
Hang In There ~
I know you are upset about the ( FG = 0-6 ) and 4 turnovers but the PG
spot is the toughest spot on the floor and to try and learn it at the NBA
level is a testament to you and your desire to try and make it , etc.
Good Luck !!!
travis jackson, vancouver Said,
October 13, 2008 @ 6:37 pm
good luck man! do your best!
SSG Clifton Vail Said,
October 30, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
Julius, I would like to say whats up from Fort Campbell KY. I am origanally from Goldboro NC and have been I die hard JH fan since you were a freshman. I have always believed you have been shafted since Denver. That coach never gave you the minutes you needed to get comfortable and play like (jewlz). Who can really showcase potential with 5-6 min a game? I dont get it ! everywhere else you have gone and got min you put up very solid numbers…I see these garbage dudes on other teams I know you would torch. NO DOUBT if a team can give you min and let you be you…they will see what every other person saw many nights in the RBC center in the toughest conference. Just know while I was in Iraq I kept up with you and used you for motivation for myself and my soldiers to “Never Quit” on any mission. Do your thing JH24, and when you do make it and shine…I cant wait to tell all these so called Carolina fans here on Base ….I told you so…Dude is Raw…