North Carolina State University Athletics
Hodge Stuffs Stats Stocking
11/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 24, 2003
By Tony Haynes
Raleigh, N.C.-NC State's Julius Hodge may not lead the ACC in scoring, rebounding or assists by the end of the year, but he's probably the best bet to finish high in the rankings in all three categories. The lanky 6-7 junior will put his versatile skills on display once again on Tuesday night when the 25th ranked Wolfpack (1-0) hosts Howard at the RBC Center (7:30). Hodge, the only men's basketball player in school history to post a triple-double, had 24 points and 11 rebounds in the Pack's opening night, 71-46 victory over UNC Asheville on Friday.
And while he enjoys scoring points and grabbing big rebounds, nothing excites the Harlem, N.Y. more than setting one of his teammates up for a score. But then again, what would you expect from a player who has patterned his game after his idle, Magic Johnson?
With the many quality 3-point shooters NC State will put on the floor this season, Hodge figures his assist numbers will be better than ever.
"The first thing about our team that stands out is our shooting ability," Hodge said. "Everyone on the court can shoot. For a player like me who penetrates a lot, it's really like a basketball heaven because I get in the middle and I can kick it out to any of the guys. That's going to be a big plus for us this year."
The biggest plus for NC State could be Hodge himself, a first-team All-ACC player last season. Along with leading the Wolfpack in scoring (17.7 ppg.) and rebounds (6.1), he also made school history when he collected 11 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in a game against North Carolina A&T last December.
Effective on both the offensive and defensive boards, Hodge usually gets his points in a variety of ways. While not noted for his 3-point shooting, Hodge was a perfect 3-of-3 from long range last Friday. He's especially good around the basket, where he can score with either hand. Perhaps the first sentence opposing coaches put next to his name on their scouting reports is "keep him off the foul line."
That's easier said than done. With his slashing moves into the lane, Hodge makes himself very difficult to guard and forces defenders to move their feet in an effort to keep him in front of them. When that doesn't happen, they usually reach and get called for fouls. A career 79 percent free throw shooter, Hodge toed the line 219 last season, a figure that topped ACC.
NC State's opponent on Tuesday, Howard, is 1-1 following a pair of games in the Florida International Tournament over the weekend. After knocking off Florida International in the opener 67-55, the Bison was tripped up by Montana on Sunday, 57-54.
Howard was led by 6-9 forward James "Mac" Wilkinson, who averaged 18 points and eight rebounds in the two games.
