NC State

It would be tough to characterize Sidney Lowe’s tenure as head coach at his alma mater as successful. His best year was his first, with an improbable post season run to the ACC tournament finals and the Elite 8 of the NIT. In the two years since, his teams have posted a 31-30 record with no post season appearances. There was clearly a divide in the locker room last season which the Wolf pack could not overcome. This year will be the first where they are all Lowe’s guys and that could help the mood out greatly. However, a lot of production has graduated or left and there is a great need for people to step up.
Tracy Smith could be poised for a breakout year. He became a starter mid-season last year and averaged over 12 points a game from then on. He is a great offensive rebounder and is a man on the low block. He could be a 15-20 point scorer for Lowe. A huge problem for the Pack has been at point. While Lowe has been a little coy, it seems that Javi Gonzalez has stepped up his game and will be the starter. Farnold Degand is now healthy and should be a reliable back up. Dennis Horner might also be a source of increased scoring. He will start at power forward but is a good three point shooter who will help to spread the floor. C.J. Williams is another capable three point shooter, (36% last year), that Lowe needs to step up and play more minutes and contribute.

Recruiting took a hit last year. John Wall, a coveted local point guard, chose Kentucky. Then Lorenzo Brown didn’t qualify academically and had to attend Hargrave Military Academy. 6’8” Richard Howell will provide size inside but will miss the start of the season due to knee surgery. Deshawn Painter is another player who has length and the ability to shoot the three. 6’6” Scott Wood went to same high school as Julius Mays and may be the best pure shooter of the group. Finally, Lowe is very excited about 7’ Australian Jordan Vandenberg. He is very skilled and definitely not a project.

Sidney Lowe has been very direct in calling on his fan base to be patient with this squad. They are young and the returning players have not had a lot of time on the court. Gonzalez’ progress and production at the point will be a big key. I think Smith will step up and score in the paint but the Pack must find some perimeter production to take some pressure off him. The prospects are not great for this team to crack the upper division of the league. A.D Lee Fowler is a basketball guy and has stood behind Lowe. He and the fan base would like to see some progress with this group, but patience may be the operative word this year in Raleigh.

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