North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State
Wisconsin
NC State Falls To Wisconsin In NCAA Tournament
3/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 25, 2005
BY TIM PEELER
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Herb Sendek said both thank you and good-bye to a player that changed the fortunes of Wolfpack basketball.
As they sat together at the podium following NC State's 65-56 loss to Wisconsin in the NCAA Syracuse Region semifinal Friday night, both Sendek and Julius Hodge had a hard time keeping their emotions in check, as they realized Hodge, who played an integral role in leading Sendek's team to four straight NCAA Tournaments, wouldn't put on his red No. 24 jersey again.
"I don't know what to say other than he personifies everything that is good about college basketball, and he had an amazing career," Sendek said. "I certainly thank him for all that he's done for the program, and all that he's meant to each of us on a personal basis."
Hodge had a difficult night in his final game for the Wolfpack. He made four of his 16 shots from the floor, the final 14 of the 2,040 points he scored in his NC State career. It wasn't the story-book ending for someone who has gotten so much praise over the last week for his game-winning three-point play against Connecticut that put the Wolfpack in the Sweet 16 for the first time in 16 years.
But it probably won't be the way anyone remembers his career.
"It wasn't his best game, but it certainly should not in any way diminish from what should be one of the best stories in college basketball," Sendek said of Hodge, who opted to return for his final season after winning the 2004 ACC Player of the Year honors. "We clamor for all these right things in college basketball, and I think Julius personifies so many of them, and he just deserves tremendous credit for what he has brought to the college game."
Hodge was disappointed, but defiant about his final game and his final season with the Wolfpack, which finished with a 21-14 record.
"There is no reason to let my head hang," Hodge said. "I did all I possibly could for four years at NC State. It has been great for me: great learning experiences, good times, bad times. But throughout it all, we were always together as a team. We continued to fight, so there is no reason for anyone to hold their heads down.
"We gave it our all. We played until our jerseys were soaked, our legs were sore and we were exhausted. We played hard, and that is all you can do in the end."
That exhaustion came in the second half, as Hodge and his teammate tried to find a way to slow down the Badgers, who scored 44 points in the second half after scoring only 21 in the first. They opened up the inside with three quick 3-pointers in the first five minutes after halftime.
Then Alando Tucker took control, scoring eight straight points in one stretch to give Wisconsin a 10-point lead.
"He got himself in position to score, and he scored," said Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan. "I think that gave a lot of confidence to the rest of the team."
The Wolfpack managed to get within four points, after Hodge stole the ball at midcourt and scored with a layup 4:51 remaining. He hit a layup ith 1:50 remaining to get it back down to five after Wisconsin went back up by eight.
But sophomore Engin Atsur's 3-pointer with a minute and a half remaining bounced off the front of the rim and the Wolfpack was never able to get any closer.
As he finished his career, Hodge emphasized what he has been saying throughout the post-season: This has been the most challenging season of his career, and the most rewarding.
"Hard work pays off," he said. "Throughout my career, I continued to work and work and persevere, and it felt great to be here on this stage and playing in the Sweet 16. Guys have worked hard and everyone fought. There is not much else you can do other than give it 110 percent, play with passion and heart, show some pride out there, and whatever happens is going to happen."
Now, Hodge's career is over, but he leaves behind a legacy of success unprecedented for the last 15 years, which should make for a bright future for Sendek's program.
"There are still great things to come," Hodge said. "We have a core of experienced players returning. We have some young players and if they continue to work hard, I know they can avenge this feeling right now. Better things are for the future because I know the are going to continue to work hard."
Just like Hodge taught them.
Contact Tim Peeler at tim_peeler@ncsu.edu.
