Maybe we should cool the talk about Julius Hodge becoming Herb Sendek’s first player (to leave the NC State program on good terms) to play in the National Basketball Association until it actually happens.
Although it is sure to happen at some point, the rookie drafted twentieth overall by the Denver Nuggets has failed to earn a roster spot for the start of the 2005-2006 NBA Season.
The Nuggets will put rookies Julius Hodge and Linas Kleiza, along with injured swingman Bryon Russell, on the inactive list for their opener in San Antonio tonight.
Despite Hodge’s bumps in the road, the Rocky Mountain News tells us that he has kept his confidence, even if he is learning to adjust to how to speak without the NC State spin-machine writing his statements:
“I learned a lot of stuff – more stuff in this training camp than in four years of college, and it’s helped me.”
Since Julius does not start the season on an active roster, he is not listed on the NBA.com’s player index. (I bet Rashad McCants loves this). Ironically, both Damien Wilkins and Josh Powell have secured opening night roster spots (after leaving the NC State program prematurely).
We are looking forward to Julius’ debut.
Related: The Impact of the Wolfpack’s loss of Julius Hodge is being discussed here.
