Expectations for N.C. State are overwhelmingly high this year, and nobody recognizes it better than Julius Hodge.
After being named to the ACC preseason all-conference first team, Hodge, a 6-foot-6, 180 pound swingman, knows that even though he is only a sophomore, he will be the focal point of the N.C. State offense this season.
"One adjustment in [Julius Hodges'] role this year will be simply that he has the responsibility of more guys other than himself," Wolfpack head coach Herb Sendek said.
Hodge will look to build on a successful freshman season which saw him average 10.7 points per game--tops among ACC freshmen--and finish second in the voting for ACC rookie of the year. His 12.3 points per game in the ACC tournament landed him a spot on the all-tournament team, and his 16 points against Michigan State tied for the team-high in the Wolfpack's victory over the Spartans in the opening round of last season's NCAA tournament.
"Last year, Archie and Anthony were able to take that kind of responsibility, and it allowed Julius to be a freshman and benefit from their experience and presence," Sendek said, adding that Hodge will be leading a rotation that goes at least eight deep. "I have felt comfortable throughout preseason practice [that Julius will take to this role], and even watching Julius in high school, he clearly demonstrated that ability."
Hodge came to N.C. State as one of Sendek's most prominent recruits of all-time. He was named a McDonalds' All-American during his senior year at St. Raymond's High School in Harlem, N.Y., and scored 17 points in the 2000 McDonalds' game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
While the pressure of living up to his initial billing is now removed, Hodge knows that he must continue to perform well if he hopes to lead N.C. State-- team picked to finish third in the ACC by the media--to success during his sophomore campaign.
However, despite all the media hype, the sophomore sensation knows that there is one place he won't have to worry about pressure and tough expectations.
"I'm not really worried [about the fans expecting too much]," Hodge told the N.C. State Technician. "Wolfpack fans are the best fans in the country. I expect to play a lot next year."
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