July 21, 2003

Just in case anyone had any doubts, NC State's Julius Hodge is now officially a "Prime Time Performer." The 6-6 Hodge, who was selected First Team All-ACC last season, is getting some love from ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale, who has named the rising junior to his Preseason All-America Team. Of course, Vitale refers to his elite squad as the "All-Rolls Royce Team." Congratulations to Julius Hodge on an honor that can only be described as "Awesome Baby!"

Before he flashes the Red&White of NC State this upcoming season, Hodge hopes to don the Red, White and Blue for the USA Men's Basketball Team that will compete in next month's Pan-American Games in the Dominican Republic. After surviving the first cut back in May, the Harlem, New York native is now in Orlando for the team's final round of trials. The final 12-man roster is scheduled to be announced on July 29.

Last season, Hodge led the Pack in scoring (17.6 ppg.) and rebounding (6.1).