By Louis Fernandez, WRAL Sports

From Wolfpack to Lions – former NC State star Julius Hodge is the new head coach at Lincoln University. Hodge has spent the past three seasons as an assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This is his first head coaching position.

“Julius brings an extensive and decorated career to Lincoln highlighted by his stellar collegiate career at NC State, his NBA and overseas experiences as well as over 10 years of coaching at the collegiate level,” Lincoln University Director of Athletics Harry Stinson III said. “His ability to lead young men, passion for being a father, husband, educator and coach coupled with his experiences will aid our student athletes reach their ultimate goals.”

Lincoln University finished 17-14 this past season, beating Fayetteville State in the CIAA Tournament, but losing to Gannon University in the NCAA Atlantic Region Playoffs.

Before taking over the Division II HBCU in Pennsylvania, Hodge also coached at San Jose State for three seasons as an assistant under former NC State head coach Herb Sendek. He also worked as the director of player development at the University of Buffalo in 2015.

“I am thrilled to lead this Lincoln University MBB program as the new head coach, with eagerness to establish a team culture based in Discipline, Hard Work, Accountability, Respect, and Perseverance.,” Hodge said. “These core values will be the cornerstones of our approach, guiding us through every practice, game, and off-court challenge we encounter. Our appetite for excellence will never subside.”

Hodge averaged 15.8 points, 6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in his career at NC State. The Wolfpack made the NCAA tournament every year with Hodge, going to the Sweet 16 in his senior campaign, which included an upset of No. 2 seed Connecticut.

Source: wralsportsfan.com