Warrick, Hodge Show Versatility to Knicks
by Tom Kertes


GREENBURGH, NY, May 5, 2005 -- Time after time, Knicks President, Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas expresses an open admiration for versatility. And the first thing that comes into hoop insiders’ minds when thinking of Julius Hodge and Hakim Warrick -- the duo of topnotch talents who worked out for the team on Thursday at the Knicks’ Madison Square Garden Training Center -- has to be “versatile”.

“I think I am mainly a point guard in the NBA,” the 6-8 Hodge, who played FOUR positions regularly at N.C. State, said. “Or maybe a ‘two’. Either way, I know how to run a team. Let’s put it this way, I want to be known as a guy who does whatever it takes -- and plays whatever position -- to help his team win.”

The 6-9 Warrick has been a terrific “tweener” at Syracuse – stylishly swinging back and forth between small and power forward -- a characteristic that doesn’t always translate optimally to the NBA. But don’t tell that to the player who won the NCAA Title two years ago with the Orange: ”To me, that’s helpful,” he stressed with obvious emotion. “The fact that I can play the ‘three’ or the ‘four’ means that I have more ways to help the team. AND that I get more time on the floor.”

The championship experience can’t hurt much either. “I’ve been through the grinder under the greatest possible pressure,” he nods. “I know what the spotlight feels like and it doesn’t faze me one bit. And I know how to win.”

Besides their winning versatility, both players own a certain lanky awkwardness on the floor that they’ve managed to turn to an advantage. “I think I’m real good in all areas of basketball,” smiled Hodge. “But I feel I must improve my game in all areas as well. Look, I know I’m not the quickest, or fastest guy out there, or the highest jumper. But I’ll be the hardest worker for sure.”

Hodge, a native New Yorker who attended St. Raymond’s High School, grew up both “a huge Knicks fan” and an avid admirer of Stephon Marbury. “I’ve been following his career since he was in high school and playing with the Gauchos,” said Hodge. “The dude is great. And you know what? He works so-o-o-o-o hard.”

“Life is full of challenges,” added Hodge. “This NBA thing is just another one in a series of many. But the way I look at it, it’s a great opportunity, another new beginning. Even though I’m totally torturing my body to overcome this particular challenge, this process right now is the most fun time you can imagine. I just love playing basketball.”

Warrick loved to play COLLEGE basketball so much that, in spite of his top-level talent, he stayed the full four years. “Best decision I ever made,” he says. “I am graduating with a degree next week. That’s very important. And I am also much more polished and prepared now that I would have been a couple of years ago, both as a person and as a player.”

“He is a wonderful gentleman,” Thomas said about Warrick.

The feeling is mutual: in fact, the fully prepared Hakim can just about see himself on the Garden floor doing his thing. “Myself with Stephon out on the transition in the open court along with all those other young guys, how cool would that be?” he said. “Being a lifelong Big East person, I follow the Knicks. I love their style and I know their needs. I could definitely help.”

see May 5th workouts thread...