Trojans assistant continues his climb

Perhaps Julius Hodge thought this was the time he'd avoid a question about Chris Paul.

Hodge, a first-year University of Arkansas-Little Rock men's basketball assistant coach, has been inextricably linked with the 11-time NBA All-Star and seven-time first-team All-NBA Defense honoree ever since March 6, 2005.

Just as Hodge's interview with a reporter inside the Trojans' offices at the Jack Stephens Center was about to wrap up, he was asked if he'd talked to Paul since.

Hodge, 38, leaned back in his chair and let out the heartiest of chuckles. "Everyone is always ribbing me about that."

Hodge was referring to an incident few Atlantic Coast Conference fans forget. Paul, then a 6-foot, 175-pound…