I think this man is an absolute class act.

from GoPACK.com


Hodge Hopes to Make Final Cut
Pack junior will go to Orlando later this month for training camp.


July 7, 2003



By Tony Haynes

Raleigh, N.C.-Not that Julius Hodge would take time off from basketball anyway, but NC State's versatile swingman has been extra busy this summer. On June 2nd, the rising junior was one of 17 finalists named to the 2003 USA Basketball Men's Pan American Games Team following three grueling days at the national team trials in Colorado Springs. The next stop for Hodge and the other finalists will be Orlando, Florida, where the official 12-member team will be finalized during the squad's training camp from July 15-29.

Hodge said he "had a burst of joy" when he learned he had survived the first cut in early June. Since that time, he has spent most of his time fine-tuning his game in preparation for the Orlando camp.

"I've always wanted to represent my country and do what I can to help," Hodge said. "This is really a great opportunity. I'm honored and I'm going to do whatever I can for the gold."

In his sophomore campaign with the Pack, the 6-6 Hodge was named first-team All-ACC after leading NC State in scoring (17.6 ppg.) and rebounding (6.1 pg.).

If he is successful in making the final 12-man roster for team USA, Hodge would become just the second player from NC State to represent his country in the Pan American Games and the fourth overall to participate in major international competition. Guard Kelsey Weems played for the United States in the 1995 games. Center Tommy Burleson (1972) and Kenny Carr (1976) wore the Red, White & Blue for U.S. Olympic teams during the 1970s.

The 2003 Pan American Games will take place August 1-17 in the Dominican Republic. The U.S. team will be coached by Michigan State's Tom Izzo.

Finalists for 2003 USA Pan Am Basketball Team

Andre Barrett, Seton Hall
Josh Childress, Stanford
Ike Diogu, Arizona State
Gerald Fitch, Kentucky
Ben Gordon, Connecticut
Chuck Hayes, Kentucky
Chris Hill, Michigan State
Julius Hodge, NC State
Luke Jackson, Oregon
Arthur Johnson, Missouri
Brandon Mouton, Texas
Steve Novak, Marquette
Emeka Okafor, Connecticut
Ricky Paulding, Missouri
Lawrence Roberts, Baylor
Blake Stepp, Gonzaga
Hakim Warrick, Syracuse