The question’s been asked, is Julius Hodge the best player in the NBL at the moment? Since returning to the league he’s been in scintillating form, already taking out a player of the week award.
Saturday night saw the exciting import take the court for the 36ers against the Tigers at the Cage.
In a brilliant first quarter he scored 14 points, helping the Sixers to an eventual 109-91 victory.
His athleticism and sheer ability inspired his team throughout the game.
Every time he took the court the crowd seemed to sense something was about to happen, whether from his own hand or one of his team mates.
He finished the game with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, joined by Luke Schensher on 21, 15 and 2.
Veteran Brett Maher had a good night out with 19 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists as did Adam Ballinger with 18 points and 7 rebounds.
In a lack luster performance Melbourne’s top scorers were Grizzard with 25 points and Ere with 20 however prime movers Anstey and Barlow could only manage 12 and 6 respectively.
There’s no doubt the Tigers have been struggling to string wins together but with Hodge in such devastating form you’d have to say the 36ers are looking good going into the last half of the season against any opponent.
Trevor
Roar Pro
And for his efforts he takes another player of the week award!
Kazama
Roar Guru
On the 20th I went to a Sixers game for the first time in about two years to see the magic of Julius Hodge. After the fantastic match I saw that night, I will be going again on the 7th and maybe the 10th as well.
Trevor
Roar Pro
Michael, After watching the man play on Saturday might I can see what all the hype is about. He's an excitement machine! After Grizzard's game Saturday night it was sad to see him dropped but then the Tigers have been the under performers of the season really given their pre season status as possibly the best team ever assembled. Can Kendall and Thomas help to revive their season? That remains to be seen. It wasn't long ago I would've bet on the Breakers and the Dragons to battle it out for the flag but with the injection of Hodge, and the changes at the Tigers, it doesn't look so cut and dried.
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Good lord, he's back to his 30-points-or-more form! Can a player who was signed in November win MVP? (Seems impossible, but then again, I have no idea how MVPs are decided...) It also looks like the Tigers are shaking things up a little bit now (bringing in Dave Thomas and Luke Kendall). The trio of the Dragons, Breakers and Tigers -- plus the roughie in the form of the 36ers -- makes for an exciting playoffs indeed.