A numbers game
Definitely, I’m schocked and disappointed. I didn’t make the regular season roster but you know, at the end of the day I gave it 100 percent. So at the start of the next morning I knew it would still be a bright day.
I spoke with Kiki Vandeweghe and he said I really improved and had a trade been made, I would still be on the team. He said that it pretty much came down to a numbers game in the end.
I still have a positive outlook of it. It was definitely a very good experience for me. I got my foot back on the door, I was almost right around the corner… Next time I would definitely have a better showing. I know I’ll still have many opportunities out there for me.
I learned that I was going to be waived last Thursday afternoon. Coach Lawrence Frank told me about the bad news. I felt that I gave a 100 percent effort and he let me know that I was doing a great job. There was a situation of 15 guaranteed contracts and a trade wasn’t made, so it left me in a position where I was not going to be on the roster.
After all, I always try to look at the glass as being half-full, not half-empty. That’s my mindset. Half the guys on the team gave me a call or texted me after being waived, saying that they felt I should be on the team. They told coach Frank: “We need Julius Hodge on this team.” But like I said, it was a numbers game.
I’m definitely happy with my progression. I got a lot better. I learned a lot and it has made me a better player.
My plans right now? I’m talking with my agent and I have received interest from two Euroleague teams, two ULEB teams and a couple of teams from Australia. I’m going through this process and we hope we make the best decision. Anyway, I’ll make sure that there is an NBA opt-out clause in my next contract so if an NBA team calls me up for a 10-day contract or they want to give me a chance, there won’t be any problems with me leaving and returning to the NBA right away.
The D-League route was an option but right now I’m focused on different options.
It’s been a great ride. It would have been so much of a blessing staying on the Nets roster and being close to my friends and my family, but the NBA is a businesss and this was a business decision.
When I played an extended amount of time on the court against the Knicks, I think I showed my NBA talent. I felt very comfortable out there, running the team, calling out plays, playing good defense against Nate Robinson and Mardy Collins, and leading the team on a late rally in which we eventually came up short. The guys got heart, and I wish them the best this year.
I know I will be back. There’s no doubt in my mind about that.
In the meantime, I will keep it blogging here.
Thank you, everybody.
Bye!
David Said,
October 27, 2008 @ 10:22 am
Hey whut up Hodge; it sucks u didnt make the team. I was there at Nets vs Knicks game, and nets vs sixers game. I asked u when r u going to make ur next blog u said in a day lol. I was right there at tunnel where u came out waiting for ur autographs; it sucks seeing u go. Good Luck!!
Maximust Said,
October 27, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
Lot’s a good player have been out of contract not because of lack of talent but there are so many guaranteed contract…you just have been out of luck or time maybe cause your were getting better…make some noise outside the NBA..let them here you!! go get yourself one of this title…mvp, scoring title, defensive player whatever you get your hands on!!! It’s not over until you win!
Good Luck!!!
Gerard Himself Said,
October 27, 2008 @ 2:22 pm
Julius, as a Nets fan, I really would’ve liked it if you were on the team. Better luck next time man. Now keep your loyal readers informed on what you’re going to do. Australia? That’s a long way from home!
Stephon Said,
October 27, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
Yo Julius,
Keep crackin at it…you got good moves to the basket and can finish.
I thought the Nets would move Ager somehow and keep you around.
But, he’s also a good player like yourself. It’s not about the league, it’s about the money right now.
Bad economy and all but your in show biz, gotta get paid Pro.
Good luck
Arturs Said,
October 27, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
You really should’ve made Nets rosters, but it’s numbers game like you wrote. Definitely you gotta stay focused, work hard and great things will happen, just believe in yourself! And if you decide to go overseas, take Euroleague’s offer, but only if you get solid playing time in that team.
Good luck in realising your ultimate goal - play in NBA!
Jordan Said,
October 27, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
next year man…….keep workin..
Jeff Said,
October 27, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
Hey Julius, I’ve been a huge fan since I saw you take over the second half of that game in the NCAA tournament vs. Michigan State back during your freshman year. It would have been great seeing you up here in New York/Jersey, but I’ll be cheering for you regardless.
FLASH Said,
October 27, 2008 @ 9:42 pm
if you go to Australia………..join the NZ Breakers……they got former NBA Player Kirk penney
Andrew O'Grady Said,
October 27, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
I think I speak on behalf of all Aussie fans of your high impact game when I say, Please come back and play for the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL. We are just coming into the raddest part of the year weather wise (summer), and life will be good, and I am sure you are familiar with the tallent we have assembled on our roster this year including Aaron Bruce, Luke Schenscher and Adam Ballanger, no bull plop mate YOUR FORMER TEAM NEEDS YOU!!
Jax Said,
October 27, 2008 @ 10:32 pm
Hey Julius, if i may - i suggest you try to come here in the Philippines and play. A lot of ex-NBA players, NBA-aspiring players as well come here and play as imports for the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), the first pay for play league in Asia. I know some do make it back to the NBA, why? because here, imports play almost the entire game, 40mins at least. That’s why you get to sharpen your skills. Some of the players who came here and i believed played in the NBA were, Larry Robinson, Chris King, Henry James, Art Long, Antonio Lang, Cedric Ceballos, Scott Burrell and a lot more, most recently I heard that Chris Alexander was with a NBA team for training camp, but I’m not sure though if he made it. Well, i don’t know if i made any sense but hey, Filipinos would love to see you come here and play in the PBA. This country is a basketball crazy nation, ask Gilbert Arenas… hope that you would consider. Good Luck and God Speed!
Capital Said,
October 28, 2008 @ 7:26 am
Julius, Im a 36ers fan here in Adelaide and I just wanna write that im really down to hear u didnt get a guaranteed contract. You were a player that while here in Adelaide, made this town sit up and take notice of the team again in your short stay here and I hope some way we can have you back in the team, if not, wed love you back in the league at least and I definately will pay my ticket to watch you play next time your in town. Good Luck with the next chapter in your career and that was great post to read about positive outlook. Regards
Heather Said,
October 28, 2008 @ 7:59 am
You’re absolutely right- with your talent, work ethic, attitude, and perspective, you will definitely be back. I’m completely sure of it too. With love and pride from NC State
bubs Said,
October 28, 2008 @ 11:32 pm
what up julius i call ur bother the morning i got the new just keep working. hopefully one team will open a spot for u. like u said at the end of the day its a number game.. good luck oversea……
Matey Kirilov Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 11:29 am
Hey Julius,
Sorry to hear about the cut. You certainly deserve to be there. The league is more about marketing and tickets than good ballers anymore.
Have you thought about hooking up with an old teammate - Ilian Evtimov by signing with the Frankfurt Skyliners? It will be a good experience and may even sweeten the pot for you if you get noticed by NBA level teams such as Barca, CSKA, etc. Who says that it has to be Stern’s dog and pony show league you have to play for.
Jack from Arizona Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
As the terrific, smooth, very literate writer you are, you also might consider a career as a sports writer?
Anyway, you are inspiring - with your confidence and sunny outlook on life.
All best wishes…
McCoy Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 11:41 pm
Yo Julius,
Hope everything works out and you make it back to the NBA. All it takes is a 10-day and you will be back until your retire. Good luck … my jump shot is still prettier than yours.
C. McCoy
Mel Said,
October 30, 2008 @ 5:56 am
Sad to hear you got axed, I know, you’ll still return someday in the NBA, did ya try contacting Miami, ha? Anyways, the guy who said Philippines, agreed, our season just started where there’s no imports, but come the new season where we have imports, I hope you join, again, good luck and hope you guid your way to a good path, think wisely, bye.
Lisa Dyer Said,
October 30, 2008 @ 8:08 am
Hey Jules,
Sorry you didn’t make the regular season roster, but be proud of yourself for giving it your all! We know that no matter where you end up, nothing but success is coming your way. So enjoy every stop along your journey; you deserve to!
With Love,
Lisa & Dave
Keith Said,
October 30, 2008 @ 11:42 am
Jules,
No matter what happens in your professional future, of which I hope for nothing but the best, you will always be the best thing to happen to NC State Basketball in the “post-glory” days. You brought the glory back and made Wolfpackers proud. Nothing has been the same since your departure and I know that you will bring that impacting influence wherever life takes you. And never forgot: “When we hungry—what do we do?—WE EAT!”
Keith
SSG Clifton Vail Said,
October 30, 2008 @ 3:25 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…
Head Hunter Said,
October 30, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
It was great watching you in preseason Julius. In my opinion you were one of the top five performers on the court. It really should’ve been you who stayed. I’m glad you have a positive outlook on this. I hope to see you in a Nets uniform again some day. Good luck with your other endeavors.
Tunette Said,
October 30, 2008 @ 8:40 pm
No one would appeciate a championship if they didn’t have to work for it… and in that same way, you wouldn’t appreciate making it on an NBA roster, if you didn’t have to work for it. I look at everything that happens to me as if I was just adding a scene to the movie that will be made about me.
And with that said, this fallback is only a scene that will make your life story worth telling. Don’t give up, keep fighting… I’ll be looking out for you. What God has for you, it is for you… believe that!
Coach Godwin Said,
October 31, 2008 @ 6:25 pm
Julius, keep your head up. “It’s not always easy to see the good in hard times. But if you look deep enough, you’ll find it.” -Kevin Liles
http://www.jumpstarthoops.com
Joe Black Said,
November 1, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
You garbage dawg… if you was really good, they would cut somebody else. you think if lebron had left the nba for a year and came back to the states to tryout he would’ve got cut because of “too many guaranteed contracts”? PLEASE!… if you were good enough, you would’ve stayed.
Flex Said,
November 2, 2008 @ 7:28 am
Hey Jules,
Next season baby, next season.
Someone going to give you a regular season shot. 4 sure.
But until then, its time for a working holiday…I know the Gold Coast Blaze in the NBL in Australia are looking for a new import; and with a 0-10 record so far, they could sure use your firepower!
Getting paid to be in Queensland during the Aussie Summer??? Damn, you gots to jump at that chance!!!
Never forget, you the man, the rest are just visiting.
Peace
Flex
Rupe Said,
November 2, 2008 @ 7:38 am
there we go!
Jules come to the 36ers, we need ya!
Peter Robert Casey Said,
November 2, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
Julius, We hope to see you at the Rucker next summer. Good luck in the meantime!
-Peter Robert Casey
J Lyles Said,
November 4, 2008 @ 2:04 am
I wrote something about a week ago but it didn’t post. It basically said that I was shocked that you were cut and that you’ll bounce back.
Good luck, Julius!
julius hodge #1 fan Said,
November 5, 2008 @ 10:07 pm
Julius,
You should definitely go back to the D-League. You will stand out and get a ten day contract easily. You could do exactly what Kelena Azubuike and C.J. Watson did. Please Julius go back to the D-League it would be best for you.
dennis Said,
November 6, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
hey julius,
good luck in the future, i know with your skill and never say died attitude you will be back. i’ve seen you play many time while at NC STATE and you showed us you are great, hope to see you sonn on tv again.
PS thanks for the memory’s while in WOLFPACK COUNTRY
Rupe Said,
November 7, 2008 @ 12:41 am
36ers!!!
BlazerBeliever Said,
November 14, 2008 @ 2:25 am
Jeez Julius, the Blazers are showing this “Before They Were Blazers” segment where they show past NCAA games from current Blazers. Watching this Semifinal in the ACC tournament showcasing Steve Blake in the Wolfpack Terrapin Game. You are the star of the game, and I automatically remembered HoopsHype writer–You. Great plays man, good ol’ days.
Matt Said,
November 17, 2008 @ 4:36 am
good to see u back at the 36ers Hodge!
Bart Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 2:07 am
So deserved. You reap what you sow, and the actions you direct towards other ultimately come back to you.