Young Julius is back
Hi everybody!
I wanna give big props to my guy Kiki Vandeweghe, who helped me to change my shot. I feel like a young kid again! When I was young all I did was shoot the J each and every time I had the opportunity.
After being named the National Basketball League’s Player of the Week for the second time this season, I’m definitely back to that now. My shot is feeling and looking very good. It has definitely improved.
Just wanna thank Kiki for taking that time for me. Like two or three days before Summer League started in July he told me it would take like five or six months to feel my shot. Then I came here to the NBL and now I feel very confident and very comfortable shooting the pull-ups from anywhere. Now I’m the young Julius knocking down jumpers all day long!
Although I played a good game against the Gold Coast Blaze (29 points, 4 assists) we lost on New Years’ Eve. I can tell you, Shane Heal still can play.
The game before we won against a tough team, the Melbourne Tigers, and coach Scott Ninnis lauded my efforts. What a start I had! 9-9 FGs, 20 points and by half-time the match was as good as over with a commanding 62-38 lead.
I was feeling it. I had some player on me, Rod Grizzard, who went to school in Alabama, and Ebi Ere. Whenever I had Ebi on me I knew he was a smaller guard so I was just shooting right over the top. I got it going early… And once my outside game is going, it really helps me to get to the basket and finish strongly or get my teammates open shots. It was a big game for us.
So I think I’ve beeng making a very strong case for the MVP in terms of what I brought to the team. When I first came here, we were in the last place and now we are one or two wins away from being in third place. So I think I’ve been very valuable to the team.
If I get a call from an NBA team, it might take about 15-20 hours of flight time for me to get there but I’ll be able to play right away. No Stephon Marbury’s buyout! Actually, no buyout.
I hear that some NBA teams are looking for a guard… It is a difficult spot to get adjusted to, but once you’ve got the opportunity… I know for me personally that it’s a spot in which I can definitely play very well and help the team.
Obviously, I saw the Lakers-Celtics on Christmas day. The Lakers are for real! You could say it’s a regular season game, but when those two teams play against each other it’s a special game. Right now the Lakers are the best team in the NBA.
Christmas Day in Australia was a little different for me. It was about 90 degrees and humid as a summer day in New York. I hit the beach in the morning for my mile-run as I usually do, and then I went to my house and watched some cricket and played a little tennis, so it was all good.
Here they have an early dinner, like 4.30 in the afternoon. Then, like I said, I played some tennis. Later in the day I was on the phone with my family because Christmas was just starting for them.
Happy New Year everybody!
Ray Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 3:05 pm
Hey Julius, im 15 and have always been a big fan of you since NC St. I’m really glad you feel like the Julius we all loved to watch ball it up. Keep it goin!
Billy!!! Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
Good work jules, we love your game over here in Adelaide…i will be at that game tonight vs Perth…keep it up
Tom Crawford Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
Julius,
I have been following you through the blog. NC State graduate of 2006 here. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy life overseas, but best of luck with everything and hope to see you back here in the States playing soon.
J Lyles Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
An update! Yippee! Glad to hear that you’re doing so well in Australia. I’ve been looking at your stats after every game and you have been putting up unreal numbers. I can’t wait to see you back in the NBA, as we know you’re getting closer and closer to it every single day.
Gary aka JYG Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
Hey Julias,
Good to hear your doing well down in Australia and I know for sure your going to be in the NBA soon enough!!! Happy New Year and all the best in 2009!!
Jeramey Jannene Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
Congrats man, glad to hear things are working out for you now. Take it easy on Kirk Penney though.
Adam Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
Julius:
Glad to hear things are picking up for you. Sounds like you adjusted quickly to life in Australia. As a guy in Atlanta that loves the NBA, I hope you continue to do well and get back here shortly. Best of luck and keep up the hard work.
Adam
cam Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
hello from perth. love what your doing down under even if its not for the wildcats!
Nets Fan Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
Julius please come back to the Nets. They were wrong to waive you. They need your versatility, talent, and intelligence. Happy New Years.
Jim Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 9:08 pm
No one in the NBA needs a third option at point guard than the New Jersey Nets. We’d love you to come back…Devin and Keyon have had some small injuries and have been day-to-day for the past week or so. We need you as a third option after Devin and Keyon. The Nets, if Brook Lopez doesn’t hit the rookie wall too hard, are definitely going to make the playoffs…imagine that? Julius Hodge in the 1st round of the NBA playoffs tipping off against the Boston Celtics or Cleveland Cavaliers. Would be interesting. Nets fans want you Julius!
Ace Said,
January 6, 2009 @ 10:26 pm
Man just watching some of the guards getting minutes in the league right now its a wonder your not in a NBA rotation right now. Keep it up and I hope to see you making it rain in the L soon.
brett Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 3:51 am
just watching nbl adelaide v wollongong at start of coverage said julius has left is he in the nba anyone maybe 10 day contract??
Mike Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 7:34 am
Just play the fucking game mate and stop letting down your team mates
Hodge = the bullshit artist Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 7:45 am
Hodge, on behalf of the entire adelaide population, i would like to thank you for leaving us stranded in the game today, after being paid and all.
After a crowd of 6000 plus came to see you tear it up we were all disapointed to see you not play.
Thankyou for everything you have done, and thankyou for leaving us, your loving fans and your team mates behind.
Thanks for leaving mate, especially without saying a thing, just shows how much of a team player you are.
we will miss you.
Freddy 2 loops Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 8:06 am
Jumpshot? What jumpshot? Fact is Julius has now burnt yet another team in the Adelaide 36ers and his name is now mud here in the NBL.
That’s Denver, Milwaukee, a European team and now Adelaide who have all turned on Hodge. He was one of the biggest busts of the 2005 NBA Draft.
Perhaps this guy missed the part about needing to be professional if wishing to be a professional basketball player?
HODGE A DISGRACE!!! Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 8:14 am
Reading that was like watching a commercial for McDonalds.
Stop talking yourself up Julius. Your outside jumper still resembles that of a retarted giraffe no matter how much you want to sell yourself to NBA clubs. You didn’t hear the Adelaide fans cringe everytime you fired one of those flat bricks???
This was a selfish way to leave Jules.
I’ve found a song you might appreciate: ‘Heartless’ by Kanye West
Paul Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 9:20 am
Julius, did not leave the team or the fans! He loves the fans of Adelaide, but the people upstairs were not taking care of there end. Adelaide fans, Julius loves the city and the fans……
itsmikev Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 9:23 am
Yo dun,
hate to burst your bubble, but your game is weak, you talk about getting your jump shot on, yet you can barely take a foul shot? who you fooling? you hardly ever take the jump shot in a game anyway, try to be all razzle dazzle with your streetball BS! Yo money, that’s all well and good for the cameras, but you cost your team a few games, with your BS! But it gets better….
You leave a team that gave you a chance, though it wasn’t NBA, you still got a shot to play basketball, a team who also paid you in advance (stupid move) and you don’t front for the game? Yo if some NBA scout passes by on this BS blog of your’s, I hope they can see what a loyal team player you are! Seriously, didn’t they teach you how to use a phone in college? What did you major in? get aways? Escaped a drive by shooting now escaped a basketball league, man you better then whodini himself….
Brad Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 9:59 am
Either jules was playing to an “unacceptable level and was kicked off the team” or he was NOT PAID.. one or the other?? from his numbers he totally was groovy on the court and as of last week their was a story in the newspaper about how jules wasnt getting paid on time (supposedly 3weeks late as the story goes).. so looks like he was another American baller for the Adelaide 36ers getting bullied by the club and left(aka kevin brooks, Rick Brunson).. I would of done the same!! ^^Heartless lol!
Ace Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 10:59 am
Rumor has it you got paid in advance and did not show up for a game. Why would anyh NBA team want that?
FORREST CRUNK Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
LOL @ this “outrage”. You guys need to remember - your league is a bush league, a minor league stop for players trying to make it to the Big Show, and each of you would leave your minor league team in an instant to be able to return to the NBA…. that said if he just left you high and dry to go play tennis and watch cricket (wtf) then I think you have something to complain about.
Miles Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 1:34 pm
“Heartless” is right. There is no way you love the game! We thought you were different mate but it’s all about more money. The 36er’s told you before you came they weren’t going to mortgage the dome to get you here! You let your fans down! BOOOOOOOOOO!! These blogs are just to get back in the nba! But they aren’t reading them jules…. U stink!!
Oh well, we still won, go 36er’s!! didn’t need you after all
cb4 Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
How about everyone keeps there opinion to themselves before they actually find out what happened to him last night?
not saying he was right but u’ll all look like fools if something happened out of his control where he wasnt able to make it. No one has contacted him yet, and everyones got an opinion…
Fact of the matter is this guy can play ball better then all of you… everyones a critic but when you put the ball on the floor then what?
absolute joke
Rob Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
Haha GO JULIUS HODGE!
I respect him. I also find it funny how all the comments were very positive and everyone supported him until he left adelaide then everyone just turns on him.very very fickle ey?
JR Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
paid in advance.. sounds like jules from harlem let the lil bit of stardom in adelaide go to his head
Reality Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
The way I see it:
* Hodge doesn’t get paid for 2 weeks due to some sort of mix up (full details and people responsible unknown)
* Hodge sees potential for 10 day contract in NBA, and pay dispute is perfect reason to get out of his contract to give it a go.
* By the time (Adelaide) Sixers pay him (and advance payments) he is already chasing NBA contract and thus doesn’t show up to game.
* That’s fair enough, only really dodgy thing I see in this is if as reported he told the Sixers he would play last night then decided not to show up and is uncontactable.
Very sad state of affairs, lots of emotional dissapointed fans in Adelaide. Would have to lay the blame initially with Sixers management for pay bungle, then Hodge could have handled things better following that. I agree tho, this blog reads like a McDonalds commercial. Yes Hodge is brilliant at cutting and driving, but there is still NO WAY he has any sort of jump shot.
I await my comment to be deleted Julius
Dave Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
On behalf of a 36ers supporter, I’m feeling pretty let down. I recognize there were some issues in regards to the international banking and all, but you were paid in advance for the game. There is no doubt you helped to turn our season around and contrary to what other angry commenters are saying, your game is brilliant.
But it was the biggest crowd I’ve seen in 10 years, and they were there to watch you play, and you didn’t show up. You didn’t even say why. I hope there was a good reason.
Kent Brockman Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
You told people that you where the hardest working, hardest training player in the NBL.
Then you dont turn up to trainings or you turned up late or you did not go because you had a toothache
Yes you are a great player in the NBL but you have smashed your reputation, for your sake i do hope you are on a plane back to the NBA because if you had thoughts of playing professionally ever again in any other league you are done.
Live by the internet and you die by the internet, people will be able to know what you have done in Adelaide FOREVER, you will not escape this. A player who did far less than this suffered the wrath of the Adelaide fans for the next 20 years.
The stunt you and your agent have pulled is disgusting and completley dishonourable. You showed no respect to your team mates or the fans, no class what so ever.
When you are flipping burgers telling everyone how great you could have been remember January 7 2009 the day you chose to kill your career.
Joel Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 5:32 pm
Hey Forrest, this bush league doesn’t do too bad in producing tidy players. I think your $500b team only just beat us at the olympics. Also, isn’t a number one pick from this bush league(Bogut if you’re wondering). Any player who this they can treat a team like this is either very stupid or getting some very bad advice (his agent isn’t Scott Boras is it?). Needless to say, we won’t miss you Julius.
Facts Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 6:00 pm
You took the team from last place to within 1 or 2 wins of 3rd place? Another way of looking at that would be, the team was 8th place when you arrived, then 6th place when you left…please quit the bulls@#t
Dave Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 6:14 pm
“* That’s fair enough, only really dodgy thing I see in this is if as reported he told the Sixers he would play last night then decided not to show up and is uncontactable.”
I agree. I have no problem with him pursuing his dream in the NBA; just the no-show and the fact that he wouldn’t even talk to anyone from the club, and wouldn’t answer his mobile, makes it very disappointing.
But to all my fellow supporters, seriously, stop the hate. We loved him until last night. If there was no good reason for it, then it’s very unprofessional, but it doesn’t make him a less skilled ball-player.
Forcey Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
Jules,
I think reading your blog above makes it easy to put two and two together. Looks like you’ve got both eyes on the NBA and a 10day contract waiting (and didn’t play for injury concerns?????). Was my first 36ers home game in 5 years as I moved interstate and this has been my first chance to see the 36ers in Adelaide. I was pumped to see how you were going as the reports were pretty damn good. Going on what we know, it stinks you didn’t play. If you have got the offer on the table, you could have gone on-court and announced it pre-game, not played and we would have cheered for you. Now there’s a bad taste.
Having said all that, love your game, hope all gets sorted,that this all just a “misunderstanding” and you can lead the 36ers to the title and be remembered as fondly as Pud, Mean Al Green, KB, Mee and Willie who all led us to titles.
All the best Julius
Forcey
wartz Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
Julius we weren’t in last place before you came here, cut the crap. You’re a great player in our league, but a lesser person it seems. Bye.
Mike Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 7:13 pm
this will look good on a resume for NBA clubs…great works Jules…….
Ps..jumpshot? BAhaha…
Ms Jane Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 7:27 pm
Perhaps as Julius’s Australian fans, we could all have some patience please and let Julius tell his side of the story before we condemn him and feed him to the Big Kangaroos in the Great Victoria Desert. In this country, someone is innocent until proven guilty. And really, basketball is just a game, however much we love it, the 36ers and especially Julius out there on that Homes Dome Court turning the whole stadium to magic, playing like the champion he is. And, so what if Julius has his eye on the NBA, maybe he misses his home and his family too! Perhaps having more respect on this site for Julius as a person and not just a basketball asset would be helpful…there is definitely more to life than winning and basketball…like respect, friendship, loyalty…clean beaches, proper 5 day test match cricket…And even tho Adelaide may be a little hick city by American standards people aren’t shot in their cars in daylight in the middle of King William Street. We miss you Julius and thank you for turning basketball in South Australia/Australia into an interesting magical mystery tour…Ms Jane, Torrens Park SA (8/01/09)
Andrew O'Grady Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 8:37 pm
Hey man, did you go to the summer break music festival in the park where Public Enemy were headlining in Adeliade over the Christmas New Year break?, coz I reckon I had a chat to you about basketball and stuff, but I was oblivious to the fact of who you were, I actually thought you were one of the dudes from Public Enemy, do you remember that?.
If it was you, nice way to keep a low profile, you should be a spy or something, or maybe i should lay off the vodka!!
Anyway you missed a good game last night against the Gong but we got it W without you…. the crowd was as big as it has been in ages, and dudes sitting around me were all like “Wheres Hodge?”, even the Woolongong fans were asking about you so obviously you have pulled some new heads throught the turnstyles this season.
Well done that you have had an impact on the fair weather followers of basketball in Oz in your short time here, shame it couldn’t have been longer!
For me (as a long time fan of the sport) its like everyone is just now jumping on the J.Hodge bandwagon which you are driving, and then all of a sudden… you decide to jump off!! (if i may use a witty analogy), But it is It is what it is, and if you have left the sixers for greener (green back) pastures, you got to look out for number one hey mate!!
So the game last night was great atmosphere, there were the basket ball camp kids with thunder sticks, and the crowd was so big the churo cart actually ran out of churos (straight dounuts??), but they didn’t run out of sweet sweet beer… it is Australia after all…. I mean it was a nationally televised game and a chance to imortalise your playing legacy in Australia, im baffled that you wouldn’t want to play, even if you were leaving the team!, but i am sure the reasons why will all come out in due corse.
On the other hand, as the above comments from sixers fans show, you are just like that Bonnie Raitt song, coz you have given everyone in Adelaide “Something to talk about”… have you seen the movie Step Brothers by the way?.. Hillarious!!… but i digress
Anyway, good luck with the futre Champ, look forward to seeing you in the NBA when you get there, but if you go to Europe you will fall off my radar, its not very interesting basketball over there in my opinion, I’ll keep reading your blog though!!
PEACE
Ian B Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
So what actualy happen?? He did have an NBA out clause in his contract remember…
All i see is a lot of girls jumping to conclusions without knowing the full situation! Don’t get me wrong. I don’t agree with it but there is always 2 sides to a story, and if ya ask me the 36ers got their side out very, very quickly….
Hope something comes out soon, or our season is FUCKED!
kosta Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 8:53 pm
Hey Julius,
What happened to you lastnight man? You left your teammates hanging when they needed you most! It was disappointing not seeing you out there, but they seem to have done pretty well without you.
Anyways good luck with your future elsewhere mate.
J-Foxxx Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 11:05 pm
Keep doing yo thang J-Hodge, don’t listen to those GayHoopers (aka OzHoops) they have no clue on what really goes on in the real world of Basketball, they r just “fans”.
1 comment like “they got 6500 to the game, why don’t they pay u out of that?” LMAO, the 36ers r probably running at a loss and have to PAY to host games like most other NBL clubs.
http://www.ClintDogg.com
Richard Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 11:22 pm
Hi Julius,
I have been following this saga and I must say I am very disappointed the way you have handled this all.
I have followed basketball for years, inlcuding NBA, NBL and Euroleagues. In addition to NBA most basketball teams face some delays in payments every now and then. Especially in Europe this is very common. I consider Australia to be one of the best places for players considering their security to get what has been promised.
I have also had my own experiences with money transfers. If the account number is not correct, the money will still be transfered from the payers account forward, will travel for several days, and then finally comes back. That is, if you have provided a wrong account number to Adelaide, it is natural that the money transfer will fail.
Having said all that, basketball is a team sport in which players are expected to trush each other, and work together through any challenges. In professional sports this may include a few day delays in payments, in the case that things are sorted out in good spirit, as Adelaide has done (they did pay Julius hole salary for the rest of the season in advance and shaked hands with him that everything is OK. Still Julius failed to be at the game and also failed to inform his team mates of his whereabouts.)
After reading through this and a few other blog-entries, I also would like to comment some of the ’stories’:
* Adelaide 36ers were not last when Julius arrived - they were already then very close to the last play-off spot. They have played a bit better with him, but not significantly. They actually lost to the worst team in the league with Julius, after they had won this team twice before him arriving.
* I can see that Julius’ first priority is his own stats, rather than team winning (opposite what he tries to say about bringing Championship to Adelaide - as we now see this all was just lip service)
* He has not been very effective jump shooter. 9-9 stats that are mentioned in this blog were NOT jump shots, although I still consider that game very good by Julius. Excellent game, but please keep the facts correct.
* It’s funny how in your first entry in a month you start by praising Kiki Vandeweghe, who also happens to be the GM of New Jersey Nets, who’s PGs have injury problems. What a co-incident:) Ha ha haaa. I understand that you do not have a buyout clause in your contract and its OK if you leave to NBA, as that is clearly your main goal. However, the way you leave is not professional at all. You skip the most important game so far without telling anything to your coach or team mates. Also fans were left very disappointed, as the record crowd arrived to support you and 36ers yesterday. Very disappointing.
* The hard-working man public-picture that you are developing here seems not to be very truthful based on comments by your ex-team mates, journalists, fans and team managers. They argue that you have skipped several practices and being late from many others. Not very professional either, especially if you still argue that your goal is to develop your skills to play in NBA some day and in the process to help 36ers to Australian Championship. Not very professional at all, actually very distractive behaviour that has affected the whole team.
I hope you learn from your mistakes and develop to become a better person in the future. You are already an excellent player, but true championship players also have a great character.
Richard Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 11:27 pm
Correction - I was meant to write:
I understand that you _DO HAVE_ a buyout clause in your contract and its OK if you leave to NBA, as that is clearly your main goal.
Keith Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 11:30 pm
Jules good to see your feeling your Jumpshot again! its been a while since those high school days when you lit it up at st.rays!! lol I havent seen you play in a while but I can bet its prolly 20feet and in and off the dribble hahaha:)
sweet in between game but it would be good to see you swishing three-point bombs again cant wait! later j-man!
you guys sound like my girl when she found out i was cheatin! whining and crying about spilled milk hahahaha(they luv you jules)
Richard Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 11:34 pm
PS. See the link for an Australian news article about all this:
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24887774-5006371,00.html
Pete Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 11:40 pm
On behalf of all Adelaide 36er fans - thanks for turning your back on us when we needed you.
Fortunately, the team you walked out on has players with heart - none more so than Brett Maher - that step up to the plate when their team needs them.
For a city that embraced you so warmly as one of its own, it’s a out an out shame that things ended like this - and in front of the biggest crowd of the year, all wanting to see you as part of the team.
I guess financially, it’s worth it to you.
Disgrace Hodge Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 11:52 pm
Coach Scott Ninnis says his payment was ONLY 4 or 5 days late, and as soon as the money wasn’t going through to his New York Bank Account, the club opened an Adelaide bank account that he could access immediately.
If you truly “loved the city and fans of Adelaide” you would play despite a 5 day delay in payment.
Money, Money, Money ey Julius.
I hope you make the NBA, and embarrass yourself with that ugly jump shot in the 55 seconds court time you will play each game.
Jake Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 12:30 am
Kiki Vandeweghe can have Hodge & his bad attitude. The Nets stink just like Hodge. I hope he doesn’t make it in the show & ends up playing in Europe where he can’t speak the language & gets smashed by the stronger European bodies. Hodge has no jumpshot so won’t succeed in the European Leagues.
Zakk Wylde Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 12:32 am
Hey Julius…. Yeah you could ball and get to the rim but you now have a jump shot ? puh-lease…
Seriously mate… Yep, there was a payment bungle in which you gave the incorrect account number (4 digits short) and then bitched about not getting paid. The problem was then sorted, you were paid in advance and shook hands with the Sixers owner and then didn’t even show up to play….and became uncontactable ? WTF ?
You aint bigger than this league mate and thats a fact. You have shown no class. I hope for your sake you make it to the NBA but seriously….if you are convinced you have a jump shot, then you wont ever see the court in “the show”.
Good riddance from an extremely disappointed Adelaide fan.
LC Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 12:34 am
Julius took the money and ran….he was paid his money in advance to play, then didn’t show up to the game - didn’t even call the coach, manager or anyeone to let them know.
Really poor form from someone who just cares about themselves. this is further highlighted through reading your blog. For gods sake they don’t even play cricket on Christmas day in Australia!
You have done Adelaide and yourself a great disservice in your actions.
Good luck in getting that next contract now! Your name and reputation are in tatters…I can only hope the NBL does not grant you an international clearance until you repay the money.
Capital Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 2:04 am
Man… maybe you should “drink the poison”
Firstly, U got about as much arc on ur Jumpshot as U do on a bounce pass. Talkin up your jump shot. Pahlease.
Secondly - Talkin about the MJ’s and Kobes of the world, what do they do, that you clearly dont… THRU ADVERSITY, show up night in night out, ON THE COURT.. U dont even make it to the gym?
Thirdly - You think NBA teams gonna put up with a basketcase like u sitting 9 - 12 deep on an NBA bench? Its one thing havin NO outside game as a guard gettin ya numbers in the NBL on white guys in the paint, its another gettin ya shot off with Ron Artest Guardin you and Yao Ming comin over to help.
I had “some player” Rod Grizzard… disrespectful to opponents and to administrators as well as teammates as well as fans, the Basketball WORLD owes you nothing man….
N you guys backin him up talkin about its a bush league.. u dont NEED em they are skippies 6500 ppl? what a lame joke etc etc… Hey its the LEAGUE and the CONTRACT and the LIFESTYLE he SIGNED on for, Its a city that embraced this guy 110% a community that spent their hard earned money GETTING TO THE GAME to see this guy play when average Wed Night attendances prior to Julius being here barely hitting 4000 ppl… its a franchise that bent over backwards for him its a league that talked about Julius Hodge… its the league he can shine in, its a league that this has happened many a times with players goin to the NBA or Europe in which explained to the fans is taken well and understood, but done this way… man… Basketball owes u nothing.
Forcey Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 2:09 am
Here’s the 36′ers Press Conference. Seems he’s talking a lot of rubbish.
http://player.video.news.com.au/adelaidenow/#szDy8OB_FiZx_7Se3tSSwiddEHc8j4vx
Richard Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 2:10 am
There are always two sides of a story. I would definitely like to hear Julius’ side, now when more and more info comes out about the situation.
The lastest in Adelaide newspapers:
“The Club had been working tirelessly to locate a payment to Hodge’s US bank account and had informed Hodge’s agent that the payment was held up in the US banking system, clearing the 36ers bank account weeks ago.
Despite proving this to both Hodge and his agent, the threat to sit out practices and games came daily with no communication to the players and coaching staff.
The 36ers opened an Australian bank account for Hodge yesterday and paid in full the money owed, with Hodge confirming to Hemmerling that this would resolve the issue.”
As I mentioned earlier, if the account number is given wrong, even by one digit, the money will travel around the world for some time before it comes back to the payers’ account. The payer cannot do anything to the issue if this is the case. In spite of this Adelaide 36ers did more than was required: they opened a bank account to Julius, paid money in advance for the whole season, and confirmed with the player that everything is OK.
I would definitely like to hear Julius’ side of the story.
George K Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 2:14 am
Hey Julius,
You know everyone here in Adelaide is sad your gone, but me and a few other knowledgeable guys from this city know that the 36ers are losing nothing more than an NBA bust. Honestly dude, your nothing in the world of basketball, thats why I laughed every time you talked yourself up to the Australian media. Do you understand some of the names that have had better NBA careers than you? I will give you some names…. Mark Madsen, Rafael Araujo, Ryan Bowen, Tamar Slay.. heck Shawn Kemp was 150 lbs overweight and was still thought of higher than you. You are small time, get over yourself. Who is your agent anyway??? For his sake I hope your not his number 1 client. George Karl was 100% right on his assessment of you. And I dont think dominating 5th rate players in the NBL changes what type of player you are. In the real league you are a 6′7 bust with no position and no jumpshot. Have fun somewhere in europe, cause WE ALL KNOW you will never ever be in the NBA.
Kristy Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 2:37 am
Julius u averaged 25ppg in the NBL on about 30 shot attempts. I didn’t see you hit one jumper the whole time u were out here.
Still you enjoyed the crowd interaction which made u an entertaining player to watch whilst at the same time filling the stats sheet. My fav memory of ur time in the NBL was u giving it to the Syndey Spirit crowd as u helped Adelaide build a 20 point half time lead. Only to see them jump all over u in the 2nd half as u sooked off at full time into the dressing room. It was the first time u went missing in Aus but not the last. Good riddance u cat! There’s now 30 shots available for other players.
tom Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 2:38 am
good work julius, hope ya get int0 the nba!
dont listen to the bad comments,
adelaide fans are very bias
hahahaha adelaide!
love julius!
commonSENSE Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 2:41 am
you blokes are just madd he decided to leave your terrible team that will for sure lose in the 1st round of the playoffs now ha! Why isnt no one saying “WHY YOU DIDNT PAY HIM ON TIME”?? ISNT HE THE BEST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE AND SELLING OUT YOUR GYM??if it was christmas and your pay was delayed a three weeks to a month in a foreign country how would you react?? you have a family depending on that pay and christmas presents to buy..how do you tell you the people depending on that payment of yours? basketball would then be secondary right?? if not your a damn moron..you people would have split too! anyway, good job on your jumpshot and good luck jules..
sincerely, Wolfpack Fans
EGO TRIPIN' Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 3:17 am
God, where do I even begin?????
Julius, like so many other 6ers fans, I was stoked to hear that you were coming back to play for us this season. I think you called yourself “Our saviour.” Well, MATE, you ain’t no saviour, you’re a damn fool!
No doubt the 6ers had some problems paying you, but you didn’t exactly help them by giving them the wrong bank account details. Then when the Owner, as a sign of good faith, advances you your pay FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON, you cut and run like a little biatch, after giving him YOUR WORD that everything was sorted. Meanwhile other players in the league are taking 45% pay cuts to help their teams stay afloat! Guess you’re all about the money, money, money, hey. Julius Hodge - show me the money!
Oh and what’s this bs about you having a jumpshot? Who you playing with fool, the only shot you ever make with any sort of consistency is called a lay-up. No doubt you have some serious skills, but talk yourself up much?
Oh, and disrespecting Rod Grizzard much mate? Surely you can do better than “some player.” Geez, no wonder Brett, Scottie and the boys are glad to get rid of the drama-queen girl.
I, and all Adelaide 36ers fan, will be happy to see you take your self-centered, egotistical backside and get the hell out of OUR country.
Yours sincerely,
Eagerly awaiting my post to be deleted because I speak the truth.
Ann Schwartz Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 3:22 am
Hi Julius,
I would like to say thank you for the excitement you brought back to the game here in Adelaide for me.
To me people are saying that you are not a team player but I would like to disagree, I was there the night that our coach decided to put the young players on the court with 1.38 left on the clock. I was screaming for him to call a time out to enable them to get on but no, it was you who called it, that to me was a highlight of the night.
While I do not personally know you, I do wish you and your family all the best in whatever you decide to do.
Stephen Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 3:43 am
Man you left the Aussie league. Is your other name Stephone Marbury? Disruption man.
You were doing so well a fan favourite. it is not like an NBA team is in a rush to sign you. And if they were you could have at least told your fans what was happening.
Im sure you will tell your side of the story but at this point it is not looking good.
Mike Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 5:58 am
I have no respect for you anymore Hodge…none
Richard Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 6:06 am
More media updates. Still waiting for Julius to give his version of the story:
…………………….
Coach Scott Ninnis said if the team were to recruit they would have to move quickly before the tough upcoming road trip, featuring games against the Cairns Taipans and the Townsville Crocodiles, starting January 16.
Ninnis said people shouldn’t overplay the input of Hodge.
“He had a fairly serious impact in his time here. But I think to keep it in perspective, the games that Julius Hodge has played for this club over the last two years, the club has only won half of them so it wasn’t like he was coming in and winning every game,” he said.
“I’m really comfortable with the guys we’ve got.”
“We certainly look at every option, no question, we don’t want to leave any stone unturned. We’ve won six of our last eight games I think it is and we are on the verge … of doing some real damage this year so we’ll make the decision that’s best for the team.”
“If that’s to bring in someone else great, if it’s not we’ll go with what we’ve got.”
Skipper Brett Maher admitted Hodge’s departure was a blow to the side.
“I think we can compete with all the other teams out there with what we’ve got. I think what Julius brings is the X-factor, enough for us to get over the other teams and certainly challenge for the championship,” he said.
Maher said Hodge had been a disruptive member of the team, even before the pay dispute.
“I guess right from day one, as days keep going past we are getting let down, day in day out by Julius unfortunately because he comes late to training, he doesn’t show up to training and that’s very unsettling for players,” he said.
http://sportal.com.au/basketball-news-display/36ers-still-believe-63059
“He’s come in with a lot of fanfare which is rightfully so, he’s a great player, but I think it might have got to him a little bit and he’s decided he’s a bit, from our perspective, bigger than the team.”
Phil Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 6:32 am
I am a season ticket holder at the 36ers and have seen virtually all of your games. I just don’t understand how you could do this to the fans of Adelaide who adore you everytime you step on the floor. Its even more puzzling as to how you could do this to your team mates. What about Maher, Ballinger, big Luke - all these guys who welcomed you back so warmly and you do this to them?!
You may be an excellent player but this scenario shows that you are a disgraceful and disgusting human being. I hope no professional team touches you after what you have done to the 36ers.
Dave Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 6:42 am
I do believe that in my 16 years as a 36ers season ticket holder, that’s the first time I’ve heard Maher talk badly of a teammate. That’s saying something, I think, considering some of the idiots he’s played with before.
Talk up... Man with no jumpshot. Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 6:42 am
hey.. a man averaging..
I work hard baby, I wont drink the poison, ill miss practises, but I dont drink the poison, I will miss games but i wont drink the poison, I will bail out on teammates when i am integral to the teams success, BUT I WONT DRINK THE POISON….. yeah man…
25 ppg
8 rpg
6apg
and
15 look into the crowd wave ya hands getting some sort of crowd recognition for self worth that hes the man and we all love him.. even tho the the team is losing the game… PER GAME.
live in the Julius world baby… we will live in reality, good thing u didnt see AFL football… those guys make u look like a pussy.
XztatiK Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 6:57 am
ANNOUNCEMENT:
List of idiots:
J-Foxxxxxx (so many x’s, is that your porn name?)
Clint Dogggggg
commonSENSE
tom
Rob
cb4
FORREST CRUNK
You are all dickheads.
Thankyou for your time.
Matt Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 7:52 am
man J-dog…the talk 20 min before the game was where u were man. The biggest crowd we have seen since 2002 championship to see you man… you brought hope to the fans who were all about you man!!! just ask Mark Bradtke and Shane Heal , Adelaide fans never forget and rarely forgive for disloyalty. We actually thought you were a great guy. Im not going to bag the Sh*t out of you cos i think thats been done by some other fans who are bitterly disappointed by whats gone down.
2 last things!
1st For a guy as well respected as Brett Maher to ‘dis’ you man is saying something!
2nd What goes around comes around!!!
24 Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 8:36 am
Disappointing man, very disappointing.
I was one of the few fans who didn’t see you as a king, but still, to see you quit like this?! I mean, sure, go if you’re not happy, go if you felt cheated with the pay problem, go if you get a better deal somewhere. But f-ing well tell someone.
You let down not only thousands of adoring fans but more importantly, your team’mates’. Those teammates who put up with the inordinate amount of crap and selfishness you seemed to enjoy putting them through, and who you claim to be good friends with, and with whom you spent time when you were the other side of the planet from your family.
Oh, and this entire blog is a load of s#!t. Your jumpshot’s dropping? What, one game out of the 21 you spent here where you actually hit some shots means it’s improved? It’s still ugly as hell, and you still struggle to shoot anything other than turn around J’s from inside the paint. Even those, improved as much as you may want to believe, don’t drop at a great rate. And, despite getting there so often and so easily, you still can’t finish strong at the hoop. Hell, you would’ve averaged some ridonkulous FG% in the high 60’s that would never have been seen before if you could….
It’s funny how, now that no one has to be nice to you, we start to hear of all the crap you pulled, how lazy you were, how selfish you were. I thought you weren’t drinking the poison? I guess running along the beach for ten minutes a day satisfies whatever goals you set yourself…..
insider Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 9:44 am
BRETT MAHER leaked the information to the media about Hodge not getting paid, and was THE SAME GUY who had HODGE on the cover of the newspaper PROMOTING HIS CAMP, now he’s JUST BEING AN AUSSIE…bad-mouthing a guy who was good enough to endorse his camp and stand up for a week ago about not getting paid but now is FLIPPING THE SCRIPT! Cant wait til’ Hodge tells his side of the story..
Jamie Stefanidis Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 10:02 am
Hey Julius, thanks for shafting us! (adelaide)
Our city embraced you and loved you. You fed us all these lies that you loved the city and that you would do anything to bring us a championship. It has now become very apparent you only had one thing in mind. padding up your stats to find a more lucrative offer.
What youve done here is clearly using your little payment misunderstanding as an excuse to break your contract! I can now see quite clearly through your blogs you dont care about anything else but getting yourself to the big show. Thing is your game will never make it in USA, your jump shots poor, you cant even drain free throws consistantly, and in the states you suddenly become a very average height. your nothing more then a bench warmer over there mate.
thanks for ripping the heart out of the 36ers are this crucial time of the season, I dearly hope you make nothing of your career now! which is very sad as I followed your progress quite keenly after your first stint here.
Hopefully I dont see you play in this country again, your a disgrace!
Tim Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 10:46 am
“Insider” … How does Hodge endorsing a camp (probably got paid for the photo, loved the publicity, and took 30 minutes of his “hectic” schedule), compare with not turning up to trainings, and then not turning up to a crucial game, before going AWAL.
I’m gonna go ahead and say one doesn’t make up for the other.
XztatiK Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
Add ‘insider’ to my idiot list and make him an honourary member.
You’re an absolute Julius! (that’s my new insult for anything bad)
JR Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
“You’re an absolute Julius” I love it!!
JR Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
Oh yeah Richard he spoke out. Now, what do you think?
http://www.asternwarning.com/2009010864/articles/nbl/julius-hodge-speaks-out-on-his-controversial-adelaide-departure.html
J Lyles Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
The backlash is only upset fans that know that their team is now doomed. They praised you as a god when you were playing, but now that you’re gone, you’ve been thrown under the bus: you’re “garbage” and “can’t shoot”. Don’t listen to these sour fans, Julius. These guys are now having to make excuses as to how you aren’t that good [fe: we only won half of our games wih him, blah blah blah].
Stay positive, Julius, just remember you have plenty of people still behind you.
Good luck, sir.
John Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
I want to tell all the 36ers fan….to listen to Julius on youtube….Julius is my idol and is a nice kid….Listen
http://www.asternwarning.com/2009010864/articles/nbl/julius-hodge-speaks-out-on-his-controversial-adelaide-departure.html
John Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
All the readers click on the left below, this is Julius side of the story and its honesty true…..I have heard that the 36ers were not paying him and do not have the money to pay him….I think Julius decsion to terminate the contract was a good one…this is a job and if your not paid you wont show up to work.
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/sierra/2009/01/08/hodge-done-in-australia/
A-Team Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
Yes we are sour fans. We are sour he dumped the team on the run to the playoffs. Of course we aren’t going to bag him and his jumper when he’s doing other things well for the team, but when you screw people over, some home truths inevitably come out.
I really like Julius’s vibrant personality, but I’m not in the market at the moment to buy any bulls#*t….so quit selling it!
wartz Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
JUDAS Hodge, you sold us out big time. It was always only ever about you, wasn’t it?
gav Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
36ers season ticket holder.
Love all these posts….guess we may really never know whether Julius has just cut and run, or if the sixers and more specifically, Mal has done the dirty on him financially.
All I can say is for a guy with no jumper, Julius is a hell of a player. He will be hugely missed, simply because Adelaide have no one on their roster that can get to the rim off the dribble. In a bad year for the league, this is yet another downer. I hope we can find a 3 man to come in quickly who has some skills.
Dave Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 6:34 pm
“The backlash is only upset fans that know that their team is now doomed. They praised you as a god when you were playing, but now that you’re gone, you’ve been thrown under the bus: you’re “garbage” and “can’t shoot”. Don’t listen to these sour fans, Julius. These guys are now having to make excuses as to how you aren’t that good [fe: we only won half of our games wih him, blah blah blah].”
Well, I wouldn’t say doomed. But yeah, I guess people are pretty pissed off about this. All of us understood Hodge wouldn’t be here for long, that his skills meant he had greener pastures to go to. And all of us would have understood if he’d actually told anyone about this. Like he says in the video clip, his teammates were behind him for the Gold Coast game, when he almost sat it out. Why did they then turn on him for this last game?
Because he told no-one and didn’t rock up.
In the video clip as well, Julius doesn’t deny that he was paid for the rest of the season. This, for me, is the clincher - if he wasn’t paid at all and the club was saying he had been paid, then the club is clearly lying and I’d back Hodge to the hilt. If the club had in fact paid him for the rest of the season, then he doesn’t really have any excuse for his actions.
Like others have said, Julius, I hope things work out for you. Life’s too short to stay angry about these things. I wish this could have worked out, we would have loved to have had you around for a bit longer.
Marcus Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
Theres no doubt if your not getting paid theres an issue - and that you have the right to refuse to work until its settled. I’m fine with that - but WHYY - after saying you kept playing, you stuck with it because you loved Adelaide, and then finally it was resolved, with bonuses to say sorry, and THEN you bail? Doesn’t make ANY sense to me that you’d sit through it all until it was resolved and leave. You’ve let down a lot of people.
FORREST CRUNK Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
looks like Australian Rules Basketball needs to draft a new rule about paying players on time.
why don’t you disgruntled fans get some money together to help pay your guy?
Zakk Wylde Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 7:13 pm
Why doesn’t he provide the correct bank account number ? He failed to mention that in his secluded interview doesn’t he ?
stafford Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 9:20 pm
Julius, dont listen to all these idiot 36ers fans. You have a family and its a job, the sixers screwed you around with money etc which they had no right to do
I can see through the BS being said in the media and know you are not the lazy player that our stupid coaches are saying you are
you were the best import to play for this club and the club ruined it and i am disgusted in the 36ers for doing that and making you have to make that tough decision
i thank you for all your efforts and entertainment and wish you nothing but the best for the future
sausages Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
J Lyles - whatever the case may be, Hodge could NEVER shoot, at least during his tenure with the 36ers. He was certainly a great slasher, and could get to the hoop almost at will, but his jump shots were terrible from day one. Mercifully, he didn’t take too many of them.
His statement in this blog about “shooting the pull-ups from everywhere” is pure sycophantic fantasy.
David Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 9:57 pm
My list of champion posters:
XztatiK
Sounds like Julius and his agent took the chance to grab some quick cash at the expense of their reputations. Karma will have him ending up with some team in Greece who won’t end up paying him.
I wonder if he is hanging out with Sonny Bill Williams and Mundine in France at the moment?
Will Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
Julius ,
You were the best and most entertaining 36er I had ever seen. Have a good time where ever u go.
Scottie Miller Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 10:08 pm
Yeh Crunk eat that!
Julius the interview makes me ill!
I cant stand fake people who use a smile or a laugh to smooth things over.
You should get into sales with the way your talking,maybe then you could afford to pay your morgage or buy Christmas gifts?
You talk about it not being about money ,you said its about friends ,family and relationships.
So whats not answering your phone ,is that what you do to your friends?
I know the club had stuffed your pay due to the account problems,but you carry on like it was 100% the clubs fault .
Richard Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 10:52 pm
JR wrote:
“Oh yeah Richard he spoke out. Now, what do you think?
http://www.asternwarning.com/2009010864/articles/nbl/julius-hodge-speaks-out-on-his-controversial-adelaide-departure.html”
……….
JR,
Yes, he did spoke out. Was very smiley after letting down his team mates, coaches and fans.
Talked about all this being business. So for Julius its all business - not team mates, loyalty, Championships - We understand all that now.
He did not comment anything on the most interesting questions:
* Arguments that he has been late/missing practices since day one after arriving Australia, not only after the pay issues
* About giving the wrong account number being one of the main reasons that the payment was late
* About being paid in advance and shaking hands with Mal, but still not coming to the game
* About not calling anyone - not the team captain, not the coach, no one, about his now show
* About telling things like work-outs after games, hitting jump-shots, 36ers being in the last place when he arrived - all statements which do not seem to be very true.
Also, it would be now interesting to know what happened in Denver, when George Karl accused Julius about bad attitude? What happened in Milwaukee after just one month or so? What happened in Europe, when Julius left two teams during one season (the first season when he arrived to Adelaide)? Why no NBA team wants to hire him although he was 20th pick in the draft? There seems to be a pattern here - an excellent player skill-wise, but seem to have some attititude and character issues that keep coming back. Starbury is a good example of where that leads - some money, very bad reputation and no Championships (not even play-off series wins).
Julius is still young and he may be able to change the pattern if he really tries, although this episode has definitely done some serious harm to his changes to secure good deals in the future. GMs hire skills, but also character is an important part in the equation. In a team sport the sum should be greater than the parts and this only works out if the players are great characters.
Richard Said,
January 8, 2009 @ 11:22 pm
PS.
Julius, why not let media to interview you? There are many who would like to.
To have one’s friend film a YouTube video in which no important and tricky questions are made will not provide answers for the questions that people here in Adelaide still have. The videos now raised more questions rather than answered any of the existing ones.
Nic B Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 1:28 am
Another opinion from a guy from Australia:
I think Julius deserves some slack from everyone. He’s a man with an ambition to make it in the NBA. You can’t blame the guy for playing for NBL for short stints until his dream is fulfilled. In no way does he deserve to be blamed for his decision.
The NBL is falling apart anyway. Why would anyone of Hodge’s ability want to play there? Beats me.
Jamie Stefanidis Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 3:29 am
if he doesnt wanna play here then dont sign up here.
Daniel Palmer - Proud 36ers member Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 3:31 am
Thanks Julius
I remember when you came back to Adelaide that you were on the FiveAA sports show with KG and Cornsey running your mouth about how much you loved Adelaide. Sad to say it but you are full of shit!
The fans were ecstatic when you stepped out into the Dome, your then home. They came out in their masses to see you carve up the Hawks and no show. Then we hear that you are running a little low on cash only to hear that Mal Hemmerling offered to take you to the bank and show you had been paid up.
You best head back the the US, we don’t want a backstabbing money hungry self centred ass in our team.
Run your mouth on how much impact you have had on the 36ers recent form, you were merely a small part of that. If Luke Schenscher and Adam Ballinger weren’t feeding you the ball you wouldn’t have gotten anywhere near as many stats.
We don’t need you to win, Balls, the Schensch, Mahersy are in some top form and and the boys are running hot now.
I would hate to have seen you play for Sydney or Cairns, you would have just pissed them off and never thought back.
Julius = Absolute Disgrace!
mike ainsworth Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 5:33 am
Julius Dodge,
This in on behalf of all of Adelaide supporters.
This probably wont last on the site long as my last comments were deleted as quickly as you left the 6ers!! If you loved Adelaide so much, why leave because of your pay being 4 days late?? Then we pay you up in full for the rest of the season and still a now show. I have read the paper yeah and you go on about your love of Adelaide and how you don’t want to leave yet the moment your pay is late you leave. Yeah you played 2 more games and yeah we lost one of them to the bunny’s of the league due the ongoing disruption of your pay dispute. You were an inspiration and now you have turned out to be nothing more than a joke!! No one else has been paid in full for the rest of the season. before on why let down your teammates and the thousands of fans following you because of a late payment??
Once you had been paid in full why did you not just get on with things.
Bring on Grizzard because you might have aspirations of playing in the NBA but obviously you don’t have the right attitude. Why not front the media and explain yourself?? My mates and many other people have been to every game since you have arrived admiring your hard work and slick skills and it all turn out like this. Myself and a mate after reading that you planned on taking the 6ers to the championship we went and spent $100 on a bet each because we thought you were the real deal. we generally don’t go spending are hard earned money on outrages bets on teams paying $15 but we thought you were the real deal
You don’t see Brett Maher or Ballinger walking out and leaving the team because of pay disputes!! And levae the team wondering were the hell you are before the game. You always said money was not an issue and you played for the love of the game but clearly that was a crock of shit!!
It’s a sad week for basketball and just when we thought you were putting it back on the map!!
Daniel Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 5:39 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0SGdvZscfg&fmt=18
Daniel Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 5:40 am
JULIUS HODGE HIGHLIGHTS v MELBOURNE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0SGdvZscfg&fmt=18
Darryn Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 5:45 am
Har Richard don’t compare Hodge to Starbury, different calibar of player, starbury had/has major skills, different calibar of money earnt, no one wants to trade or buy out for his 20 mil for the season, hodge wont make that in a career, but same calibar of attitude…hang on… maybe you got a point…. your a joke Hodge get out of oz..
"Bush League" FAN Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 7:06 am
I think its a shame that Julius didn’t leave when he “did it for the fans and his teammates” now the sixers wouldn’t have to rush signing a LOYAL replacement. Yeah Adelaide fans are fickle, they are also the most loyal in the country if you show them some honestly and respect. Sadly Mr Hodge you have shown neither of these things and tried to disguise it as a favour for the fans. Shame.
Big Starr Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 7:53 am
Im a big 36ers fan, really just a basketball fan i love the game. I hardly get to see any NBA games so the NBL is the next best thing. I regularly get out to sixers games with my mates & when we heard that Julius Hodge was returning we were extremly happy. Julius Hodge is the best player i have seen live & one of my most favourite players & i honestly thought we had a very realistic chance of winning the championship this season with the incluson of Luke Schenscher & Aaron Bruce. What a way to go out that would be for one of the greatest Australia basketballers in Brett Maher. Then in the line up to get into the Dome on Wednesday night we overheard someone say Julius Hodge hasnt shown up, we just thought they were joking around. When we got in & seen the team warming up & Julius Hodge was no where to be seen we thought what was going on? It was very dissapointing not to see Hodge play & that i probally wont get to see him play live again. I just want all to be forgivin & Julius Hodge to return to the 36ers & continue our run to the NBL championship. Julius Hodge is an insipration he makes people around him play better because of his effort. He was leading the league in scoring & if he had been there from the start of the season to the end most probaly would of won the leagues MVP award. What i dont understand is why he didnt play Wednesday night when he had been paid but played against the Tigers & the Blaze when he hadnt?
Julius can you explian?
Im am very hurt & dissapionted in the way this has all come about but still wish Julius Hodge all the best. I said to my mates wen Julius makes it to the NBA im getting his jersey i will still do that.
rawrr Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
This is what NC State graduates do people.
No need for alarm, is common place for them.
Rod Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
Hey Julius,
you should have spoken to Goorj about playing for a real team (Dragons) in Melbourne and winning a NBL championship. Why anyone would choose to play /live in South Australia is beyond me unless you like the unwashed. Not like the city has a night life everything closes as soon as the sun looks like going down.
Hope to see you playin hoops in a real league soon.
scott Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
There are always three versions to every story. Julius has told his. The 36ers have explained theirs. Then there is the truth somewhere in between. Lets not involve ourselves in the dispute, thinking that we know something because we heard this or read that. People of moral value usually base their explanations on perceptions of the event at that time. Hodge appears upset about not being paid in a timely manner… fair enough comment. Maher & Ninnis are upset about non communication of no show… fair enough. But who are we to jump to conclusions and appear to know everything. As a basketball fan I wish Julius every success in the future and I also wish the 36ers all the best in their season. In contrast to what happens around the world on a daily basis, .tThis is small stuff to be making a noise about.
Andy Said,
January 9, 2009 @ 10:51 pm
Exactly how is J Hodge ever going to make the NBA?? A 6′7 shooting guard who can’t actually shoot….keep dreaming buddy.
Me (not a GayHooper) Said,
January 10, 2009 @ 12:52 am
Wheres this shout out by Clint Dogg?.
All you GayHoopers (aka OzHoops) r causing trouble yet again, there’s a thread at GayHoops about some shout out, LIES again proving once again they have no clue at all.
http://www.ClintDogg.com 4 LIFE.
nate dogg Said,
January 10, 2009 @ 5:40 am
36ers 107 Taipans 83
hmmm, dont seem to miss you, biggest win for a while
good luck, you will need it
Da Truth Said,
January 10, 2009 @ 8:01 am
I dont blame you for doing what you did to the 36ers Jules……………but…………i think its time you seriously think about getting a new manager. Because its likely your were only following his “advice” which has all but killed you career (and legacy) down here in Aus, and potentially hurt your chances of landing a euro contract if you are percieved as difficult to deal with.
So in short mate, it was a pleasure to see you do what you do, but i hope the way its all ended was worth it.
Cya Jules.
Da Truth
Sixers Season Ticket Holder Said,
January 10, 2009 @ 8:46 am
I don’t know where I stand on this. It just seems like there is more to the story that hasn’t come out.
Both sides are going to blame each other. Julius came here last season and took us from no where to almost scraping into the finals. To hear him coming back to the sixers gave us hope and a chance at a championship that has felt so far away for the last few years and I totally agree that IF he wasnt paid he has the right to not play. If my boss didnt pay me, I wouldn’t show up either (and I doubt I would call either BUT I would tell my workmates).
He said that IF he wasn’t paid MONDAY, he wasnt going to play on WED. Apparently he got paid WED which is after monday so he sort of had told them he wasnt going to play. BUT it depends if he told Mal on wed that he was going to play. The sixers will say it was all Julius because they don’t want the fans to doubt them, Julius will say it was all the club because he wants future contracts and the other players aren’t going to say anything because they all want to keep their positions in the club.
I believe Julius loved Adelaide and the fans, he was always so happy here. He was on his way to league MVP after all but I also believe he should have been paid as well. Looking at where he lives (multi million dollars holdfast shores) it doesnt look like he is short of money so I don’t know about this paycheck to paycheck is real.
The truth is, we all loved him when he was here, we all rose up and made noise when he waved those arms in the air. Yes he did let us all down when he left but I don’t think we will ever know what really happened and I Hope Julius goes well in the future
The downside is he can’t run back here if his NBA dream gets delayed this time.
On the money side, wouldn’t he have gone to the media and sold his interview? I’m sure he could have made a quick buck if he wanted to so maybe its not about money.
There is just too much unanswered stuff that will never come out.
To the other fans, yes we can be angry at him for turning his back on us but at the same time we all loved him a week ago and we shouldn’t forget that.
Julius, Thanks for the memories pitty they aren’t of a championship/MVP.
GO SIXERS WITH GRIZ, Show Julius what “some player” can do!
If he has an NBA contract in the next few weeks, my views will completely change but until then i’m stayin on the fence, its easy to jump on the side of a big club against one player! I doubt the full truth will ever come out though.
Reuben Said,
January 11, 2009 @ 3:49 am
Hey Julius,
My name’s Reuben and I am a 36ers season ticket holder and a massive basketball fan.
Initally I was very angry, dissapointed and confused of the mess that occured between the 36ers management and you, and that the fact that you weren’t paid forced you to quit. Initally I thought you were trying to get back at the 36ers for not paying you on time and that you were seeking revenge for the fact you had to wait so long to get paid.
I then jumped to a lot of conclusions that were very false and inaccurate. I realised that you can’t accuse someone of doing something without having evidence and knowing what the truth actually is. I started saying negative things about you, and coming to a conclusion that all you care about is money and that you have to play by your rules no matter what.
I was extremely wrong in what I said and wanted to apologise because there is always two sides to a story. The mistake I made is by believing what the media were saying and what was said in the newspaper, because truth be said the newspapers and the media will come up with anything just to have a story. I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry for jumping to a stupid and ridiculous conclusion like I did and that I really appreciate what you brought to this city and this basketball team.
I loved watching you play and the way you got the fans into the game, aswell as your love for the game. You brought such an unbelieveable energy to the court and I’m sure your teammates could feel it everytime you stepped onto the court. The thing I like the most about you is how you could bring your teammates into the game and how you’re such an unselfish player.
I can understand how you’ve got a family to provide for and that most of your family is back in the states and that you need money in order to provide things for them. Being told over and over again that your money is going to be there and it isn’t, isn’t something you should tollerate.
I’m really sad to see you go and I wish there was some way the issue between you and the 36ers management could have been resolved because it’s going to a bit depressing not seeing you on the court. But I want to thank you for all the energy you brought to the distinctive homes dome everytime you stepped on the court because I loved watching you play, and hope one day you might be back in a 36ers singlet.
Good luck for the future and I hope you achieve your dream of playing in the NBA.
All the best.
Reuben
Yoyoyo24 Said,
January 11, 2009 @ 5:24 am
Julius, we [Philippine Basketball Association] are having an import conference this upcoming February, cmmon, join us in the Philippines, you’ll look like Michael Jordan here..please, thanks
mike ainsworth Said,
January 11, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
julius in the NBA is NEVER going to happen the sooner everyone realises a shootig guard that cant shoot has no chance of the big league the better
Nathan Said,
January 11, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
It’s so funny to watch the YouTube video where Julius goes on and on about the money situation, and then says ‘it’s not about the money’. Almost as laughable as where he says he wouldn’t let his team mates down.
Julius, you let your teammates down in the WORST possible manner. In my eyes, you have proven yourself to be a selfish liar.
And OK, even if we are to believe you weren’t being paid, how can you just not turn up to a game?! Anyone with any class, once they had decided not to play, would have at least contacted the club and told them they won’t be turning up and what is going on, instead of leaving the team hanging. That’s my biggest problem with this situation, regardless of anything else just making yourself unavailable and uncontactable while leaving the club in the dark is TOTAL BULLSHIT and UNFORGIVEABLE, and no one can deny that.
I was so excited to hear you’d re-signed with the Sixers, now I just hope your career spirals down the toilet, taking your agent with you.
J-Brom Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 5:16 am
Julius,
Man you have to be one of the biggest BS artists going around…
“you were shooting over Ebe Ere?”, show me one highlight were you hit your so called jump shot (which resembles a Netballers shot)
you dominated Grizzard as the guy is a garbage defender.. Ebe stopped you, you got to the rack a few times and made some nice drives.
as For Kiki helping you with your shot……… it must have been worse then Ben Wallace’s before hand if you call what you doing now an improvement.
You were a great player in the NBL, but one thing even before all this BS with the 36ers.. your blogs are self indulgent and LIES..
If you think an NBA club is going to look at you because you say how good you are in a blog, well it goes to show you lack of intelligence..
No one likes an arrogant hero…
here is a tip for players wanting to guard Mr. Hodge… stand 5 foot off him at the 3 point line, with his shot he will be luck to make the difference…
Good bye to a self indulgent unintelligent PEANUT…
J-Brom Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 5:18 am
my apologies … i meant struggle to make the DISTANCE
Reuben Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 7:19 am
Hey Julius,
You shouldn’t have to listen to all the negative comments people are throwing at you. They obviously don’t know that there are two sides to the story, and I understand completely what you said in your youtube video.
Some people just want to believe the obvious, but I could tell in the way you presented yourself for the 36ers that you’re not the type of guy that acts out who you are. What we saw is who you are, and you had every right to do what you did.
You’re a great person and I know all these things that I have said about you because when you smile it shows who you are, and you didn’t at all pretend to be someone who you aren’t.
Go and be the best you can be because in my eyes you are a champion even if you don’t have a championship ring yet, but that will come in time.
Peace man.
Reuben
Andre Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 5:00 pm
Wow….
Australian’s are CRAZY … LOLOL…
I ask, if your place of work didnt pay you for 3 weeks of your work, would you not be pissed? If you could get a better job SOMEWHERE else, would you take your chances? OF COURSE.
But i hope he really didnt run away from the team, without saying anything, that aint right jules. I feel theres more to the story then this. the newspaper and the press conference seemed one sided, blaming jules and only him. Something more must have happened.
Just like here in Canada, when Samuel Dalembert left the Canadian Squad. Everyone thought he abandoned or did something to piss off the coaches, but it was true. Things happen, Travelling players go through alot, and have to put up with alot.
God bless the fans of the 36ers and Jules.
J-Brom Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
Reuben,
Negative comments were made about his demeanor not his ability nor the 36ers Issue.
His blogs are flat out BS and self promotion through lies and disrespecting his opponents.
I was at the tigers game and what he “Claims” to have done is completely false..
And hey if you want be a hero and self promote you have to be able to take criticism..
Maybe take note of guys like, Lebron, Chris Paul, and Dwight Howard who TRULY dominate but are gracious and have respect for their opponents…
As for a championship ring….. it will NEVER!! be in the NBA
julius hodge #1 fan Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 8:57 pm
Juls,
You are right, they are looking for guards. but they aren’t gonna go to you. you gotta go to them. If you wanna get called up go back to the usa and play in the d-league. Will Conroy is about to get called up because he is tearing it up. You could do the same. In Albuquerque you could have a great coach, teamates, and will get seen everynight. PLease Juls do this for yourself and get back to the Nba. We all believe in you.
Idk if you remember me but this might give you a hint who I am.
“smell my finger”
hahaha
your the best Juls. Come back to the Abq.
Dan Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
To Rod, the Dragons fan.
You are not a real team…you’re a team that has no history at all…a reincarnation of teams that have folded. And last time I checked, Adelaide is one of the most livable cities in the world. I like having a summer unlike that cloudy cold stuff you get down there.
Oh and don’t think you’ll win the championship…you’ll choke like the Titans, Giants and Magic.
36ers have had 3 championships in the last 10 years…you’ve had?
We’ll take the title this year, mark my words…without Hodge.
To Julius, I’m very disappointed how things have turned out and hope the rumours and hype aren’t true…otherwise you did not do the team thing. We loved you here. Its such a sad state of affairs.
Dan
TheMan Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 6:09 am
Julius had a jump shot. That is laughable.
The reason you will never make the NBA is because you cant score unless its a dunk or layup, and have no defensive pressure at all.
You looked good in the NBL as it is a minor league where if you can dunk and score close to the rim you will look good. But the NBA, dont make me laugh. Most SGs in the NBA can SHOOT.
Dont worry Julius I am sure the 36ers will be with my team the Tigers in the NBL Finals Playoffs. You may be playing in the Phillipines.
Rod Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 6:42 pm
Dan i never knew fishing was this easy.
You are factually incorrect on several of your points but that’s your lot isn’t it.
“a reincarnation of teams that have folded.” - Not a reincarnation the Dragons are a completely new club started by the Cowan group after the bought the license from the NBL left by the Titans failure to continue in the league. the Cowan group were initially in the running to buy the Titans but were out bid by Peter Fiddes.
“And last time I checked, Adelaide is one of the most livable cities in the world.” - As for this comment in the 2008 listings Adelaide is listed as #30 down from 29 in 2007. Melbourne has remained at #17 since 2007. and has in fact won the tital and a coupel of occasions in the past. So i guess your wrong again.
Oh and don’t think you’ll win the championship…you’ll choke like the Titans, Giants and Magic. - Again i reiterate we have nothing to do with these clubs. Whilst we now have an ex coach of these 2 of these teams that is where the links starts and ends. Mind you we are talking about a coach that has had his team in the grand final 4 of the last 5 years and again has his team on top of the table. And on the Giants and the magic choking they both appeared in 4 grand final series and both won 2 - 50% isn’t exactly choking.
“36ers have had 3 championships in the last 10 years…you’ve had? “- In actual fact you have only won 2 championship in the last 10 years 1999, 2002. your other championships in were 86(23 years ago), 1998 (11years ago). but it is true we have had no championships but then we are only in our 3rd season in the league and have now found our feet and a decent coach with some good players. so i guess that was one statement you made that was correct mostly you post was full of factually incorrect statement.
What a joke! Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 6:57 pm
So has everyone heard the latest. Julius rang up the Dome today (for those of you that don’t know, that is the 36ers’ venue) and asked if he could come in and use the gym and weights room WHILE the team was training! I can only imagine how dumbfounded the person who answered that call must have been! I mean Julius come on, after everything that’s happened, you really thought it would be cool to come and use the team’s facilities?!
Rod, you need to chill Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 7:03 pm
Hey Rod, chill out dude. There is no need to take unnecessary shots at Adelaide as a city. How about you show some class mate? And for the record, if Adelaide is the 30th most livable city in the world, that’s pretty freaking good considering the fact that, you know, the world is a pretty big place and all. Although, being a melbournian I ’spose the world begins and ends in melbourne for you hey?
James Said,
January 14, 2009 @ 9:25 am
Julius, I have followed your career since you played at N.C. St. I’m glad your jumper is coming along and that you’re putting up big numbers. You’ll be back in “the league” soon! When you get there and have success, you’ll appreciate things much more than most of your teammates. You are such a positive guy, keep doing what you’re doing and things will work out for you!
J Lyles Said,
January 14, 2009 @ 11:51 pm
Come back to the USA.
NCStateHodgeFAN Said,
January 15, 2009 @ 12:56 am
I have been searching, for several years now, for any information I could on Julius Hodge and his efforts to re-join the NBA, as well as his successes in the NBL. I watched him play as a freshman, when he really did have a J, and even had a chance to meet him when I became a freshman at NC State. He, being one of my all time favorite college ballers, has (and still is) been my b-ball role model for his work ethic, though clearly not perfect, and style of play.
With that said, I can truly say that I am disappointed to find this, and I am upset that J-Hodge could turn his back on a team where he’s averaged over 20ppg. I feel that it is not in his character to do such a thing without some reasonable explanation. Even Kobe, Kidd, Artest, and other NBA standouts have a had hiccups, I just thought Hodge would’ve known better.
I am confident, though, that he will, when he has the chance, give some formal statement to apologize for, or at least explain, his side of the situation. I am still a huge fan, though gravely disappointed. He’s a good guy, he’s had a long and bumpy road and I believe that in the end he will justify his actions whether the Adelaide fans will accept it or not.
If you ever read this Julius, I want you to know that you are still a fantastic basketball player (the NBA needs you) and a good person to which I have a lot of respect for. While this action has damaged my image of you, I know you will do the right thing for everyone and explain yourself before you heat up the NBA!! At least with this stunt I hope you’re getting into the NBA!!
…Hope to see you on TNT during playoffs someday soon…
J Lyles Said,
January 15, 2009 @ 11:49 pm
I definitely didn’t say “Come back to the USA”, but I wouldn’t mind you coming back. Some childish hater talking ish by using my name, sigh. Again, good luck Julius and don’t listen to these haters.
- J
Ryan Said,
January 16, 2009 @ 9:34 am
Julius! Man we miss you here in Albuquerque. The Thunderbirds are struggling this year man and we could really use a guy like you. I know if you keep working the way you are working you will be in the NBA in no time.
“little homie” a.k.a. -Ryan
jr Said,
January 16, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
AND SO IT APPEARS..Julius was lying. He was paid and refunded it back. I wonder what those State fans think of their golden boy now. He lied on that you tube “press conference”. He is a great actor! out of allof that acc players, he is the only one staying in the news for negative press.
Shane Said,
January 17, 2009 @ 1:21 am
I would hope that Julius would do another you tube video explaining when the December payment hit his US account as it does not look on face value for his integrity. Throughout this whole saga I trust that both the 36ers and Julius can learn and grow from this. All the best for the future Julius.
hodge podge Said,
January 18, 2009 @ 11:49 am
everybody needs to get off julius’s back. he did the right thing leaving adelaide. Come back to albuquerque! we have just won seven in a row. Jules. I had so much fun with you last year in albuquerque.
Alex.
No more interviews with that GEEK Said,
January 18, 2009 @ 10:45 pm
Please, no more nerdy and geeky interviews.
I spoke to Julius b4 he left, and thats what he said about the guy that interviewed him b4 he left, total NERD and GEEK.
Dan Said,
January 27, 2009 @ 9:30 pm
Rod, Melbourne is the only team from Victoria thats been able to hold it together. When I said what I did, they were these teams have been turned over like soil…replacing one another when one folds - and yes I know the magic and giants were around at the same time. I know my NBL history so don’t go there. Last time I checked Adelaide’s been in the league a while and has been able sustain a team with an average crowd of 6 to 7 thousand over the last 10 years easily. The Tigers and Dragons cant even get 4,000 to a game and you have what? 3 - 4 times the population? Yeah. Lets wait another 2 years before the Dragons fold. What will your next team be?
You’re really grabbing at straws mate…fact is we’ve 4 championships (two of which were back to back - one over the choking ‘best ever record’ magic). Oh and considering you pay extra for everything in Melbourne, I’ll happily live in Adelaide. Adelaide is a far better city and with Jan-March here I’d rather stay here for the massive number of festivals we have annually than venture over there for an overpriced motor race your state has lost money on every year its had it.
Don’t get me started on Goorj…his team has always been stacked (salary cap anyone?) and clearly he’s a favourite with the league…esp the way he was put in to replace Smyth as Aussie coach. The guy is a jerk, and yes I’ve met him.
So stop grabbing at straws…although maybe you better start - considering you’ve led the league for most of the year and will fall short to the Tigers in 09.