A couple of weeks ago we told you of Julius Hodge’s solid workout for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Last week we told you of Hodge’s workout in New York City.
Today, we turn your attention to DraftCity.com and ask that you scroll down to see some of the following comments regarding Julius:
“Eric Lichter: Julius Hodge is the hardest worker I have ever had the pleasure of working with. This kid…his approach is that he’ll outwork anyone. I spent a good 5 or 6 days writing a program for Julius at NC State. I set the bar for Julius very high. I was told by his agent and by Julius’ group that he wanted to condition and prepare for individual workouts like he never has in his life. When I built Julius’ exercise and conditioning program, I questioned if he would be able to maintain that type of regimen. From the on court work to the weight room to the conditioning, Julius finished it and he finished it well. Julius was incredible. The theme through Julius’ workouts has been that the guy is in incredible shape and is just the hardest worker they’ve seen. The Knicks…Isaiah loved him. Loved his effort, that’s what I can comment on. I know that for a fact. Loved his effort, intensity. Loved his motor, its just nonstop. Julius’ heart…its as big as this gym we are standing in. His effort and his intensity through his workouts is that large too. He was just a pleasure to work with. Julius…very good leaper, very quick. Long arms, good footwork, good elevation on his jumpshot. Physically, Julius is above average in everything. I would say that he has the total package. That kid as well, it will be interesting to see where he ends up.”
Don’t be mistaken by thinking that only NC State fans are following Jules’ recent performance in draft workouts — Just last week The Sporting News featured Julius on the front of their “Insider” section and commented that some NBA teams would be very sorry that they didn’t draft him.
Mike DeCourcy listed Julius as #1 on his list of “Paging Chris Duhon” — the list of college seniors who will be sort of second round steal that Duhon has proved to be for the Chicago Bulls:
“(1) Julius Hodge, G, NC State. He doesn’t do one thing exceptionally well. Except play basketball.”
I love it!!
Maybe there is one good thing about Hodge’s projected position in June’s NBA Draft — perhaps we can get lucky and he can be picked by a large market or nationally popular teams. Historically, NC State alums have not played for teams that make large national splashes or teams that are easy for Wolfpackers to follow:
* Nate McMillan in Seattle. As great of a career as Mr. Sonic put together…how much did you hear about it? Is there a market in the NBA further from Raleigh than Seattle?
* Tom Gugliotta primarily in Minnesota, Washington and Phoenix.
* The Hawks had Lorenzo Charles and Rodney Monroe.
* Vinny Del Negro was in Sacremento and San Antonio.
* Chucky Brown was, of course, everywhere for at least a few days.
* Golden State is where both Chris Washburn and Todd Fuller spent time. At least Fuller got a year with the Hornets in between exile in places like Utah.
* Even David Thompson was in Denver and Seattle.
Heck…you could make the case that Chuck Nevitt played for the most ‘nationally prominent’ teams than any Wolfpacker when he jumped between the Rockets, Pistons, and Lakers in their glory years!
So…here’s to Jules going to a prime-time team (Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, etc) or a team that is nationally competitive or has a bright future as a complement in Miami, San Antonio, Cleveland, Houston, Phoenix, and Denver.
