From Wolfpack Star to Coaching Rival: Julius Hodge's Unexpected Reunion with Duke's Jon Scheyer

Julius Hodge, the former NC State basketball standout, is set to embark on a new chapter in his career as the head coach of the Division II Lincoln (Pa.) Lions. However, his first game in this role will come with a twist – a matchup against Jon Scheyer's Duke Blue Devils, a team he faced as a player over 15 years ago.

A Clash of Coaching Titans: Hodge and Scheyer's Unexpected Reunion

A Blast from the Past: Hodge's Last Encounter with Duke

The year was 2005, and Julius Hodge was the star of the NC State Wolfpack, with his 2,040 points ranking him third on the program's all-time scoring list. On March 12 of that year, Hodge faced off against the Duke Blue Devils in the ACC Tournament semifinals in Washington, D.C. Despite his impressive scoring prowess, the Blue Devils held Hodge to just 11 points, ultimately defeating the Wolfpack 76-69.At the time, the current Duke head coach, Jon Scheyer, was just a high school junior in Illinois, two months away from committing to play for Mike Krzyzewski and the Blue Devils. Now, the tables have turned, and Hodge, the 40-year-old former player, will lead his Lincoln (Pa.) Lions against Scheyer's 37-year-old Blue Devils squad in an exhibition game at Duke's famed Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday, October 28th.

A Clash of Coaching Styles: Hodge and Scheyer's Contrasting Paths

Hodge's journey to the coaching ranks has been a winding one. After being selected 20th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, he saw limited action in the league, playing in just 23 games over two seasons. However, he found success overseas, shining in various leagues for nearly a decade before transitioning into coaching.In contrast, Scheyer's path to the Duke head coaching position has been more direct. The former All-ACC guard was a key member of the Blue Devils' 2009-10 national championship team and has been an integral part of the program's coaching staff since 2013, eventually taking over as the head coach in 2022 after Krzyzewski's retirement.

A Clash of Talent: Hodge's Lincoln Lions vs. Scheyer's Blue Devils

As Hodge prepares to lead his Lincoln (Pa.) Lions against Scheyer's Blue Devils, the task at hand is a daunting one. Duke's squad is ranked 7th in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 Poll and features projected one-and-done NBA draft prospect Cooper Flagg.Hodge, however, is no stranger to facing top-tier talent. During his playing days, he was named the 2003-04 ACC Player of the Year and established himself as one of the conference's most dominant players. Now, as a first-time head coach, he will have the opportunity to showcase his coaching acumen against one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball.

A Clash of Legacies: Hodge's Homecoming and Scheyer's Ascension

For Hodge, this exhibition game against Duke represents a homecoming of sorts. The New York native, who spent his collegiate career at NC State, will now have the chance to lead his own team against the Blue Devils, the longtime rival of the Wolfpack.Meanwhile, Scheyer's rise to the Duke head coaching position has been a testament to his dedication and basketball IQ. After a successful playing career with the Blue Devils, he has steadily climbed the coaching ranks, eventually taking over the reins of the program from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski.As these two coaching titans prepare to face off, the exhibition game promises to be a captivating clash of styles, strategies, and legacies. It will be a unique opportunity for Hodge to showcase his coaching prowess against one of the most respected programs in college basketball, while Scheyer will look to continue Duke's tradition of excellence under his leadership.