Duke Basketball will kick off the 2024-2025 season as it often has over the years — facing an HBCU squad coached by Julius Hodge.
Lincoln University, the reigning CIAA basketball champion, is set to play Duke on Saturday, Oct. 19 in an exhibition game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Division II HBCU is led by a man very familiar with Duke in Hodge.
Hodge is set to make his head coaching debut against the Duke basketball program that he battled in the early 2000s. He was hired in the offseason after Lincoln — one of two schools that claim to be the oldest HBCU — parted ways with former head coach Jason Armstrong just months after he led the program to the conference tournament title and a bid to the Division II playoffs.
Known for his versatile scoring and playmaking, Julius Hodge faced off against the Blue Devils multiple times during his college career, often in highly anticipated ACC matchups. One of his most memorable moments came in 2004, when he led the Wolfpack to a dramatic 78-74 upset over Duke, scoring 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Hodge’s ability to rise to the occasion against the storied program showcased his competitive nature and basketball IQ.
While Duke, under Mike Krzyzewski, was often a dominant force in the ACC, Hodge was never intimidated, frequently filling the stat sheet in games against them. His performances against Duke helped solidify his legacy as one of NC State’s all-time greats and a fan favorite, earning respect from both Wolfpack and ACC basketball fans.
Now Julius Hodge will start his career as a head coach against Duke basketball. Duke has played small schools in exhibitions on a yearly basis, particularly HBCUs and many times, the CIAA champion.