A man on a mission
Hi everybody!
Back in Australia… I had a number of offers in Europe, but the loyalty from the Adelaide 36ers‘ staff and the fans was tremendous and helped me in my decision.
I’m a man on a mission: I’m really appreciative of the opportunity the Nets offered me and I will love in the near future to be a part of their family. But if it’s not them, maybe another team in the NBA. You know at the end of the day, the goal is to be back there.
Here I am doing early morning cardio running alongside the ocean and I would say one hour and a half before practice, I work really hard in designed point guard workouts. My late nights? They just consist on overdoses of jumpers. Big fun, you see?
Just like a mad doctor in his lab, I stay in the gym.
Playing out here in Australia I want to be considered a ringer. It’ something we say in NYC. It means you play so well it looks like the other guys are from a younger age group.
After the season I will head to Europe and I will finish the year taking part in the playoffs for a European team.
While in Australia, I will try to get these guys a championship. We have good talent here in Luke Schenscher (who you may remember from Georgia Tech), Aaron Bruce and Adam Ballinger.
We have a new coach, Scott Ninnis, who is a very good guy, very easy-going and very intense on the sideline. He stresses defense… I love to play defense, so I think everything will go well.
Obviously I’m following the NBA season, especially the Nets. I think that Devin Harris is playing tremendous, and if he continues playing this good they will win a lot of games. You didn’t see that coming, huh?
Vince Carter is playing well too, but that’s the type of player he is… He can knock down shots and be a great leader. The sky’s the limit for them.
I’ve been really impressed with Rudy Fernandez so far. He’s such a young player and he’s doing crazy moves! I saw him in the Olympic finals against the USA… He was killing!
We play Friday on the road in Sydney and we come back and play on Saturday against the South Dragons, which are run by the Australian National Team coach (Brian Goorjian). They have a really good young player, Joe Ingles, who played against the U.S. in Beijing. I believe he can be a high pick in the NBA Draft next June.
Well, I must keep practicing.
Bye!
Andrew O'Grady Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 6:21 am
Welcome back to Adelaide Julius, or as some of us call it Radelaide!!. I will be at the home game Saturday night vs the South Dragons cheering you, and the rest of the sixers on from the stands…. By what is being written in the local papers (which you have happend to be featured in basically every day since you got here earlier in the week, not to mention tv!!) it should be a near capacity crowd, so the atmosphere will be, dare i say it…. as electric as your game play!!. I know from your blogs that you are a man on a mission to get back to the NBA, but make sure you enjoy Adelaide/Australia the second time around and have some fun, coz good memories last a lifetime. My mate said he is going to buy your sixers jersey, maybe i will also… might be a collectors item when you are tearing sh!t up in the NBA in the near future!!!. Go Hodge!!
swim Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 7:26 am
julius…
i must say that i see a resemblance of your college game in the current play of stephen curry from Davidson. I see a parrallel in his desire and ability that I witnessed from watching your great battles with north carolina state. You both come from a bit different skill sets as untraditional guards, although share pure overwhelming exuberance, heart, and passion for the game to help your undermanned team overcome and compete with blue chip opponents.
it was impossible to count out a julius hodge team, no matter the opponent. With your hard work, hopefully we will again see those battles in the pros…i know their are a lot of teams that could use that kind of weapon in the NBA.
Good luck man.
XztatiK Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 8:41 am
“the loyalty from the Adelaide 36ers‘ staff and the fans was tremendous”
I’m an Adelaide 36ers‘ staff and the fans!!!
lol great to have you back in ADL Jules!
tear it up man
Mark Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
You must hate the discrimination here in Australia, well im ashamed of this country (ofcourse there is about 50% who aren’t racists, but id say most)
Both Teams Played Hard » Blog Archive » Like a Mad Doctor in His Lab, I Stay in the Gym Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 1:09 pm
[...] for the headline, that’s a quote from the blog Aussie League extraordinaire Julius Hodge, who was one of the last cuts from the Nets camp in the pre-season, about his commitment to return [...]
Derek Boerner Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
Julis, I was a big fan of yours when you played for NC State. I don’t watch much college ball, so coming from me this is quite the compliment for me to take notice. I thought you possessed the all-around skills to be a great NBA player, similiar to Paul Pierce in the sense that you could create plays for yourself, get to the foul-line when needed, and pass out of a play when the opportunity to score shuts down. I made a call to all of my friends that J. Hodge would be, in the least, an above average NBA player. I tell ya that coming from Minnesota where we have terrible guard play game-in and game-out, I would absolutely be ecstatic to have you spawn a Timberwolves jersey. I’d much rather have you playing for us than McCants or Foye. I hope that someday you find yourself back in the NBA, and ideally with the Timberwolves, though I realize that the latter is unlikely to happen. Good luck to you Julius, it seems like you are truly working hard to accomplish your goals and that says something about ones’ self.
Braydon Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
Schenscher played for a couple of teams in the NBA as well.
Philford Freeman Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
ALLEN Green use to play for the Adelaide 36ers back in the day the 1980’s .Allen Green from nyc & LSU .He played with Bernard King and New york city all stars they beat everybody in the world in basketball . I wonder if he is one of the coaches there in australia pro basketball.
Does anybody know. Allen Green was the MVP OF THE AUSTRALIAN PRO BASKETBALL League for ONE OR TWO YEARS . Also not Al Green the singer ,They use to say that back in the day about him.
THE BEST & MUCH SUCCESS
Peter Maravich Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 7:18 pm
Philford - Al Green plays/coaches in SA at a district level at both senior (div 3?) and junior level. He’s also got his own business here in Adelaide and very much calls Adelaide home.
Jeff Gilleland Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
Julius, I am a young new agent in the states with some good young talent looking for work. If you know of any situations there in Australia I would love to get just contact information from you! My email is gsports1@gmail.com
I wish you the best making it back to the NBA, I always liked your aggressive style of play.
Sincerely,
jeff gilleland
SDU Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 9:31 pm
hey hey, welcome back to adelaide Julius!! ill be there cheering you on on saturday night. We lost to the dragons big last week, so lets hope you can help us inthe turnaround
the buzz in adelaide basketball has been HUGE with the announcement of your return, its clear to me that you are by far the best talent to have played in our league
i hope the NBA works out for you, but if not, then i would love to continue to see you suit up for my home team sixers!
good luck JH!
Nic B Said,
November 19, 2008 @ 11:11 pm
Good luck to you julius.
-From nic in australia.
Jim Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 1:02 am
Good Luck with everything Julius! From Toronto!
Give the Toronto RAPTORS a call!
Andrew O'Grady Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 3:31 am
Hey Philford Freeman, Al Green is a sports superstar in Adelaide, not only does he hold the record for most points scored by an individual in an NBL game ever!! (71), he also won 2 NBL Championships, was MVP of the league in 1982 and All Star five selection in 81 and 85. He played a total of 340 games for various professional clubs in the NBL and had the nickname “Mean” Al Green. He is also an NBL hall of fame meber. On top of his basketball accolades, he also won the Bay Sheffield sprint race back-to-back in 83 and 84. The bay sheffield is handicapped foot race, similar to the 100m sprint at the olympics, and is the most prestigious annual athletics event held in South Australia. New York’s loss was Adeladie’s gain. Al Green hasn’t coached at NBL level, but has been involved for many years in coaching junior basketball in the state.
Joe Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 5:29 am
I know it is hard to give up of your dream, but you should stop pursuing NBA career. As it is you don`t have what it takes to be a rotational player, so why bother. Im pretty sure you will get on someone`s roster sooner or later, but is sitting on a bench or being on a inactive list all that great? Julius be honest to yourself, youre not good enough of a basketball player to succeed in the NBA. There is nothing wrong with making money in Europe or Australia.
K Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 6:34 am
Thats a little harsh, pointless post, JOE..
Good luck with being back in Australia, will be great to watch you play.. though will be booing you when you face Perth.. Be the first player to average a triple double!! Adelaide has more an improved team this year so you should be able to get those extra 4asts..
Jonno Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 7:38 am
Welcome back to Adelaide Julius, You were AWESOME and everyones favourite player last year, one of the most electric and most talented players ever seen in the NBL! everyone here in Adelaide was so excited to get you back! there has been a newspaper article everyday since you signed! i think they will have a season high crowd on the weekend to welcome you back, which ill be a part of!
Good luck with your NBA dreams, you are definatly good enough! and i hope you reach our goal of taking the 36ers to the Title!
Cant wait to see ya play again!
Jonno
Mark Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 9:11 am
I wish you good luck in beating the **** of all these racists..
Dave from NC Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 10:26 am
Here’s wishing you well down under. Man, I know you’ll stick in the NBA one day. As a State fan I remember reading once that you used to love Bojangles. I doubt they have any down there so I hope you found a worthy replacement.
Raymond Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Best of luck to you in Australia! Man I was rooting for you to make the Nets. Sooo close.. We need you right now at that third point guard slot. Hope to see you in the NBA sometime soon. Good luck man!
Raymond.
Phil Freeman Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 4:57 pm
THANKS Peter Maravich & Andrew O’Grady for the update on Al Green.
HE WAS ONLY 6′3 an can jump like he was 6′9. Earl Manigault(nyc) was 6′1 an could jump like 6′11 as well as Darryl Griffith (U of Louisville) 6′3 jump like 6′11” 50 ” Vertical inch leap /Al Green was about 46” to 48” v inch leap.
Very good shooter plus high field goal average.It would be great if my friends from back in the states(usa)could followup with him otherwise contact him email ,phone or just plain old mail. LET HIM KNOW Lee from Nyc now LA said hello .also the Nashville,Tenn. Tour aau team (Nyc all stars) said hello .Also some Lsu (Shaq O’Neal) ALUMNI said hello.
We go way back in the day.
TO SUCCESS ,PROSPERITY & GOD’S BLESSING
Pedro Alves (Portugal) Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 7:08 pm
Go on Hodge, next year you will be with the Nets again, play hard and everything will happen!!!
PHIL FREEMAN Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 7:19 pm
THANKS PETER MARAVICH & ANDREW O’GRADY FOR the followup on
AL GREEN .Friends back in the USA would like to followup with AL GREEN. Via email.phone or just good old mail.Especially the aau team(NYC ALL STARS )The NASHVILLE TOUR. AL Green very good shooter with a high field goal average.
Did he and Julius Hodge meet in Australia they are from the same city ,New York,New York
TO SUCCESS & PROSPERITY
Johnny Said,
November 20, 2008 @ 9:18 pm
Hey Julius,
Just bought our tickets for Saturday night. Should be a big night. Be nice to kick the shit out of Goorjon and the Dragons!
Joey V from NJ Said,
November 21, 2008 @ 2:25 am
ima big fan and i hope u do good and get ur point gaurd skills up and come bak 2 NJ.
Ryan Said,
November 21, 2008 @ 9:10 am
Hey Julius,
I was really hopeful you would get on to an NBA roster this year but the quest is not over! Just keep trying. You will be signed sooner than later.
We miss you here in Albuquerque though.
J Lyles Said,
November 22, 2008 @ 2:50 am
My messages haven’t been posting the past few blogs. Proud of you, Julius! Can’t wait to see you tear up this league!
Greg Said,
November 22, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
Hey Julius. Nice to see you blog. Just wanted to tell you to keep up the good work. I’m in Jersey and was rooting for you to make the team but things didn’t work out with the roster. It’s a shame that your over there while Eduardo/CDR have been injured, Simmons not playing well, and Yi on/off but stuff happens. Like to see you back next year, and glad to see a player still have good feelings for a team that couldn’t keep him.
Steve from st rays Said,
November 22, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
You never change, i remember seeing you in high school practicing in the gym with no lights on and drinking some green drink in patnosh’s office… maybe you can come hom and teach some of these knicks how to work hard …. Keep up the hard work cant wait to see you in the league
Barlow Said,
November 23, 2008 @ 5:20 am
Its great that your back in Adelaide! Watched you play last night and boy, was it intense, Just love the fact you poor your heart into it man. So much emotion to go with the skill!!! Hope the injury? isn’t too bad!!! So close, yet so far! Damn Dragons!!!
p.s. whats with the racial comments Mark?? You obvioously leave in a narrow minded community and don’t get out much!!
jab Said,
November 23, 2008 @ 9:03 am
Julius,
Don’t listen to “Joe the Plumber.” He understands less about basketball than Joe the Plumber knows about Obama’s tax plan.
Keep putting in the time. You can play in the NBA. Keep working, something will open up.
Regards,
JAB
Omar Aberilla Said,
November 24, 2008 @ 1:56 am
Keep doin’ what you doin’. We’ll all be looking forward to your return to the L. What about them Nets huh? You’re right Devin Harris has exceeded expectations. He seems poised to crack the East All-Star team.
Bart Said,
November 26, 2008 @ 12:11 am
Hope you brought your wife with you, Jules.
Iceman Said,
December 2, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
hey julius go back to the D-League… You will get a call up for sure.
Josh Said,
December 5, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
Jules–
NC State alum here in South Carolina. Just wanted to tell you that we’re all cheering for you, even though we don’t get to see your games. Everyone is keeping posted of what you’re up to on the Pack Pride site. We’re all proud of you!
Good luck to you and the team.
XztatiK Said,
December 6, 2008 @ 9:29 am
WTF are you on about Mark???
Kevin Said,
December 12, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
Screw the haters, you’ve always been my favorite player, Hodge. You know what you need to do — you’ve got the physical capabilities and the talent to get there.