North Carolina State University Athletics
Behind The Scenes With Tony Haynes: Jules Of The Bronx
10/22/2001 12:00:00 AM | Pack Athletics
Oct. 22, 2001
By Tony Haynes
He hails from the Bronx, New York, a place that is as well known for its tough neighborhoods as it is for the famous baseball team that has played there since 1923. The Yankees and their cathedral-like stadium seem so out of place in the Bronx. Here is the most glamorous team in sports history residing in a community whose residents often live in the shadows of destitution, drug abuse and economic despair.
Emerging from this tangled web of concrete is a young fellow named Julius Hodge. Basketball is his game, and by the time his work is finished at NC State, 'Jules' hopes to return the Wolfpack to the Promised Land of college hoops.
"I've heard of Jim Valvano and David Thompson," Hodge said. "They are examples of the great people that have passed through this program throughout the years. I'm just trying to bring the success back with this recruiting class. We want to win. That's what we came here to do and that's why we practice so hard every day. I came to North Carolina State University not only to get a four-year academic degree, but to win the national championship."
Jules has only heard stories of Thompson's heroics in '74 and Jimmy V's miracle in '83. At the tender age of 17, his mind's eye doesn't allow him to conjure up images of DT soaring high above the rim or of Valvano running around the court searching for someone to hug.
Others have come to NC State with dreams of restoring the school's rich basketball tradition. Just three short years ago, Damien Wilkins came to town with a famous name and pedigree. But in the end, Wilkins' broad shoulders were unable to withstand the burden that was placed upon him.
Like Wilkins, Julius Hodge was a high school All-American. And like Wilkins, Hodge was the subject of an intense recruiting battle that was eventually won by Herb Sendek. Named the New York Prep Player of the Year by the Daily News, Hodge averaged 21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in his senior season at St. Raymond's of the Bronx.
And while he'll be saddled with the weight of high expectations, perhaps Hodge will avoid some of the pitfalls that eventually led to Wilkins' departure.
"Damien was a great guy and he came in here with a lot of hype, obviously," said NC State senior guard Archie Miller. "But I think a lot of his hype came as a result of his family name. Julius is coming solely on his game. He is the real deal. If from game one to game 10 he doesn't produce the way he should, I don't think there will be as much of a damper put on him like there was on Damien. When Damien didn't produce it was like he was failing the university. If Julius doesn't do well, I don't think the hype will effect him as much."
Hodge is one of those special guys who can score only four points and still be the best player on the floor. His calling cards are his versatility and the ability to make those around him better. It's no accident that Hodge's basketball idol, Magic Johnson, was probably the greatest playmaker the game has ever seen.
"Magic could pass, score and rebound," Hodge said. "He's just a great guy. He always had that big smile on his face. That's who I model my game after."
Although he carries a very slender 6-6 frame, Hodge, like Magic, also wears a smile that's as wide as the Harlem River. Though he hasn't even played a college game yet, Hodge's personality and work ethic are becoming legendary within the inner sanctum of the basketball program.
"He is one of those magical people that every once in a while you're blessed to be around," Sendek said. "He is a terrific person. He has an aura and an engaging nature that makes you want to be on his team. That speaks to the winning qualities that he has."
Winning is what it's all about. It's also what Julius Hodge plans on doing a lot of during his NC State career.
