Thursday, June 18, 2009

Sidney Lowe Press Conference : 6-18-09 (Part 1)


Sidney Lowe held his summer press conference this morning and we were there to get the inside scoop on what's been going on with the team this off-season. Usually you get a watered down, version of simply the highlights from the press conference. Here at WolfpackHoops.com, we want you to be as informed as possible. So, although it will be a long read, we will give you a rundown of each question asked and what Coach Lowe had to say. So without further ado, we bring you Coach Lowe's Summer Press Conference (Part 1):

Q: Coach, what is the mindset going into this season, seeing as this is your first real season with your guys?

Coach Lowe: "I see it going definitely up. I see it going in the right direction. I'm excited about the players we have coming back and the players that we have coming in and going forward because these are the guys that we were able to get in on early in the recruiting process. Now we're starting to get some of the top players and it's going to continue to be that way. I mean, I'm excited"

Q: Is this a "make or break" year for you or is this a year where you are simply looking to make progress?

Coach Lowe:
"Um, for me, as a coach you are always trying to get better. This is my fourth year and this is where a lot of coaches are their second year, as in bringing in such a big class. Of course, these are going to be all my guys, guys I had the opportunity to watch as high school players. So instead of being young our second year, we're going to be young our fourth year. I think the thing to watch this year is the progress. We'll have 6 freshmen and then some sophomores logging some major minutes. I think throughout the nation when you see a team this young, you're looking for progress. I think we're going to be better. We'll be more versatile in some positions and be able to play a little different style at times. As far as I'm concerned when you look at a young team, you look for growth, you look to get better. The guys coming back, you'll see improvement in them, but I think as a team we'll do some things well."

Q: Coach, have to talked with Lee Fowler about expectations for this coming year?

Coach Lowe: "I talk with Lee all the time. I know his expectations and he knows mine and they haven't changed. The thing is the reality of where we are, and of who we are. We're a young team and obviously winning is the most important thing, but you have to look for progress, you have to look for development and sometimes that can translate into winning. I feel very comfortable and very confident. I think the guys coming back have had great experiences playing, I think they feel better. This is the first time we've had guys coming in at 6:30 in the morning doing their own thing. To hear the conversations they are having, it's encouraging. As far as expectations it's always to win. You have to be realistic but sometimes special things happen. But, you have to look for progress and we have 6 young guys coming in, but I feel confident in those guys and the guys coming back."

Q: So Duke wins the ACC last year and Carolina wins a National Championship. Do feel that will make the expectations rise?

Coach Lowe:
"I think that happened when I walked in the door. That's just the way it is. It's no different than I've always thought. I expect us to win and that's why I was so disappointed at times in the past. I felt we should have won games and we didn't do everything we had to do. So yeah, I am fully aware of that and I knew that coming in and taking this job. I also know though, that we can get that done but you've got to have the right people in place. Sometimes time is a factor. Time for us to develop and get our players. In the conference, time for the older guys, the top players to graduate."

Q: As far as coaching and recruiting, where do you feel you are now compared to where you were when you first arrived?

Coach Lowe: "I definitely know I'm more aware of the dynamics of this job. The most important thing, and I probably should have known this coming in here, the most important thing is that you go out and get the players. You've got to get good players, good people, players that are committed. I think you look at the top programs, they find the guys that are committed. It's got to be 1 to 13, not just five guys, everyone committed and that's what it takes. The great coaches, if you look at their personnel, it wasn't until they got their personnel there that they started to take off. A lot of great coaches, even ones in the hall of fame, some of them struggled their first three years. You've got to make sure that you have everyone on the same page just striving to win."

Q: (WPH) Coach, with Ben and Courtney gone, who are you looking for to step up as a leader?

Coach Lowe:
"You know, it's interesting. I think I said this some last year. I talked about CJ Williams and Julius Mays, just how they approach the game and their demeanor. Those two guys have stepped up this summer and are leading this thing about working out and also Johnny at times. They're in the gym working out until 10 at night. They're working individually and talking to guys about winning and what we have to do to win. So, CJ and Julius are two guys that I feel will step up and step up in the right way. That's what's important."

Q: Could Lorenzo also be a leader next year?

Coach Lowe: "Yeah, he could, but Lorenzo is a little quiet. He may not vocally but certainly in his play. I don't think he's afraid to tell a guy in his way "Hey, you're not getting it done, you have to do something." I think, he too might be a little hesitant coming in as a freshman, something I don't agree with, but young men are who they are. I think CJ, if guys are willing to accept and I think they will, he and Julius will be our leaders."

Q: Guard play has been spurratic the past couple seasons. Who do you think will step up and take that guard role for you?

Coach Lowe:
"I think it's going to be a competition. I can't say who is going to do that. Our point guards are different personalities. Javi is a go-getter, but Javi isn't going to verbalize much, he's not going to talk much to guys. Now, he'll get mad at a guy, but he's a little different in his way of leading. Julius is more of a leader. Farnold is similar to Javi. Farnold is "on Farnold." Julius is more in tune with the entire dynamic of playing the position. Part of that could be that Javi was a scorer in high school so he really didn't have that strong mentality of the whole position, but certainly he's capable of running a team and he's looking outstanding right now. So, again, I'm not sure which one is going to step up and take that position.

Q: How important is it for you to find a consistent rotation coming into the season?

Coach Lowe: " It's very important, but once again it's consistency in play. I think a coach likes to go into the season with a rotation, but if that person coming off the bench first at that position is not playing well, then you have to go back with your starter and go with somebody else. Even teams that win a national championship, if you're not playing well you get them out of there and have to give somebody else a try. So it's very important that our guys are consistent in their play which will enable us to have a solid rotation.

Q: A lot of older fans know the history of NC State, but the younger guys weren't born yet. How do you go about recruiting when the kids aren't educated on the history and tradition of the University?


Coach Lowe: "We still have to try to educate them on it and make them aware. You're right, they don't remember even when I played, so certainly they don't remember the best college basketball player to ever play the game, David Thompson. We still have to show them the history of this university, our facilities and the opprotunity. That's the thing, opportunity to play in this conference. See, I want players that want to make a name for themselves. It's an interesting dynamic now, where players want to play for schools that have other All-American players so they can win a national championship...and a lot of times that still doesn't happen. A lot of times, when I came out, you wanted to go somewhere where you could do something special, where you'd get an opportunity to play and either put that team on the map or back on the map. That's something I talk to the guys about, and if you find those type of guys, you know they are here for a reason, they're here to get something done. I think we're going in the right direction with the guys coming in next year and after that. They all understand and have said things like that, about coming in and doing something special."

Q: Do you see the incoming class having a big impact on the court this coming season?

Coach Lowe: "Impact wise I don't know, but they're all going to play, they're going to have to, but I'm comfortable with that. I think they all have a certain thing right now that they do well and from Lorenzo's ability to handle the ball at the 2 guard position and run ball screen, make passes, defend and run the floor. That's who he is and yes he's going to make some mistakes, but when pressure is on I think he'll revert back to what he's most comfortable with. Scott Wood...making shots, and handling the ball at times and just knowing how to play. What I feel comfortable with these guys is the basketball IQ. It's really pretty good."




(Keep checking back as we'll be posting the rest of the press conference later today.)

comments

30 Responses to "Sidney Lowe Press Conference : 6-18-09 (Part 1)"
  1. Anonymous said...
    June 18, 2009 at 12:04 PM

    nice read.

    i hate to throw this topic in another direction but with the highschoolhoop interview with cj leslie, does it seem like the guy asking the questions seems to load the question with negativity toward nc state? seemed like this was the case with the ryan harrow interview as well. Looks to me as if the guy has some bias toward us

  2. Anonymous said...
    June 18, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    AWESOME! thanks so much for not just giving us a few quote!

    Looks like we are on the right track!

  3. Anonymous said...
    June 18, 2009 at 12:58 PM

    anon 1

    That guy definitely was asking some leading questions. You should confront him wph.

    JerseyWolf

  4. Pack Leader said...
    June 18, 2009 at 1:05 PM

    Great intervew! Sid is always one of the better speakers in our league and he really understands the game. A big difference to me from his first year to now is his total understanding on what it takes to put a team together. He talks about needing the top players first of all and second to get the type of players that WANT to win and are willing to put in the sacrafices needed to become a champion. Clearly Lowe understands the point guard postion and he is finally able to utilize his guards strengths.

    I know we talk about Lorenzo and Wood alot, and rightfully so, but I have yet to hear him talk about the big men that we will need next year. Obviously Tracy is a given starting but other than him Im not sure who Lowe is looking for to step up. Will horner be his PF even though he technicly isnt one of Lowes "players" or will he look to throw Howell and Painter in there and let them learn on the fly.

    Either way I love the coverage guys!!!

  5. ppack3 said...
    June 18, 2009 at 1:10 PM

    Thanks for the transcript, WPH's. You guys always seem to be at the right place at the right time.
    Anon, I just went to said site and read the CJ article. I think that you're right. The author certainly has a negative State slant and a bait the hook interview style. Some might say that CJ 'fell' for it. I say that, generally, these guys don't have filters. When I say 'these guys,' I mean AAU High School Super Preps. Most of them have their own 'agents' already, in the form of their summer league coaches. They are told where they should go. Their heads get filled with hot air and empty promises.
    This is why so many kids that went straight to the NBA never made it.
    That's what I love so much about Ryan Harrow. His family is helping him make decisions. That's old school responsibility, right there.
    CJ has been led to believe that Raleigh is too small for his talent? If he actually made his own decisions, objectively, he would see the opportunities that lie in Raleigh with the 09 and 10 classes. If he were added to the mix, the possibilities would be endless.
    WPH's, I know you have said that CJ and his family read this site's post periodically. I have a message for them to pass along to CJ. Please, keep your feet on the ground and your head out of the clouds. No matter where you end up, make sure that you make those decisions for yourself. I could make the argument that those who say that Raleigh doesn't deserve you, just want you for themselves, but then again I could argue on behalf of NC State Universtity, all day long. Memphis wasn't Memphis until Cal got there and brought in the talent. NC State has already been to the top, and we intend to get back there real soon, regardless of what UNC and Duke fans think of us. You can be a part of it, or you can be a victim of it. Either way, Sid is the deal and he won't rest until he sees NCSU rise to national prominence. Put that in the bank. Go Pack!

  6. Unknown said...
    June 18, 2009 at 1:14 PM

    Regardless of what you think of him, you have credit Lowe for saying the right things. He openly admits that the program is "behind the curve" so to speak, and that it took him time to understand the dynamics around building a program. I like that. He's humble, but also confident. At times I can feel the pride & optimism he has with the incoming class.

    I find it interesting to see last year's class pegged as the team's leaders too. That's huge b/c the team will need both to step up this year. A lack of leadership has been the Achilles heal for State ever since Atsur left. Hopefully that's about to change.

    FWIW, Mays to me is the odds on favorite to start at the point, with Javi backing him up. Lowe can't say enough good things about him. No way he praises him that regularly if he didn't expect him to be the starter.

  7. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    June 18, 2009 at 1:14 PM

    Coach will address the 'bigs' in Part 2 later today.
    Also, I would bet that Lowe looks at Horner like he is one of his guys. He was the only one that decided to stick with his commitment when Lowe came in and Lowe has always spoken highly of him.

  8. Werewolf in Franklinton said...
    June 18, 2009 at 1:18 PM

    I dont know if the guy at HSH was being malicious against NC State or not. His comments seem to be just typical of the lack of respect out there for our program.
    Sid did not come into an ideal situation, he started too late in the season to do any recruiting his first year. 2 out of 3 from Sendeks 06 recruiting class left.
    There were some players that sidney inherited that never fully committed to his program. The point is we have not finished better than 10th in the ACC in three years so there are going to be those that don't respect us.

    Sidney has done an amazing job recruiting from finding two solid underrated guys in CJ Williams and Julius Mays to landing top 100 guys Lo Brown, Howell, and Painter.
    Sid and staff have a great abilility to find those under the radar players other schools miss.Given our record the last three seasons it's unbelievable Sid had us in the running for Cousins, Wall, and other top 10 players.

    We are on the way to winning games and making the NCAAT's. Once this happens we will be respected again and players like CJ Leslie will be beating down the doors to play here.

  9. Unknown said...
    June 18, 2009 at 1:31 PM

    I agree with you that Horner is probably considered one of Lowe's guys. I think he has shown that he is willing to do what it takes, and he has shown a lot of improvement over his time here. As for where he will end up next year i'm not quite sure, I would guess that he will rotate in between the 3 & 4 depending on how the game is going.

  10. Anonymous said...
    June 18, 2009 at 1:36 PM

    I'm really looking forward to a solid season from Horner. He's a very effecient player when he gets confidence, it just seems that his confidence is easily shaken. Hopefully that won't be the case for his senior year.

  11. ppack3 said...
    June 18, 2009 at 1:36 PM

    Too true, WPH's. Horner is a workhorse. He stayed when others left. I hate the "His guys vs. Not his guys" thing, but I have to believe that Horner falls more into the "his guys" category. I don't know if he can be physical enough to play the four, but who knows, right?

    Starters:
    Smith - C
    Horner - PF

    Back 'em ups:
    Painter
    Howell
    Vandenburg

    We won't be the tallest team every night, but almost every one of these guys play tall. Maybe there is some 'surprise factor' in there somewhere.

  12. Anonymous said...
    June 18, 2009 at 1:41 PM

    The word you're looking for is "sporadic"

  13. Werewolf in Franklinton said...
    June 18, 2009 at 2:29 PM

    ppack3

    I believe i have seen an interview where Sidney said Smith was going to get most of his minutes at the 4
    and Painter will be playing the 5.

    I dont see Horner beign a starter at least not when we get into the ACC schedule. I do think he will play more minutes and contribute more than last season though.

    A lot depends on how quickly Howell and Wood are ready to play. I guess we'll find out more when WPH lets us know about the big's section of the interview

  14. Pack Leader said...
    June 18, 2009 at 2:31 PM

    True stuff WPH Horner did keep his promis and attend the school he had commited to so I can see Lowe considering him one of his own.

    About CJ, If he is so swayed by an interviewer of a high school basketball website then honestly we dont want him here. Lowe said multiple times about the need for top teir players and a need for players who Want to win. We dont need top tier players who want (or are use to) everything handed on a silver platter. If CJ feels like Raleigh cant house his enormous talent, then by all means move on. NC State needs players who want to win and are willing to work hard to get there.

    I have to agree Mays seems like the deadfast starter with everything lowe talks about him.


    word verification of the day:

    CockSock

  15. thedenistystartsnow said...
    June 18, 2009 at 2:45 PM

    It seems like Coach Sidney lowe loves what he sees and mays. I would love to see this lineup
    pg-mays---javier
    sg-williams--Lorenzo
    sf- Scott wood--horner
    Pf- Tracy smith--horner--Howell
    C- Deshawn painter-Richard howell

  16. Werewolf in Franklinton said...
    June 18, 2009 at 2:48 PM

    I think it was very telling that Leslie failed to mention State in the schools that would end up at the top of his list.

    I have complete faith in Sid and staff to find another great player to go along with Ryan Harrow. It's still early to speculate who will be here in 2010, we may end up landing someone who isn't even on the radar now.

  17. ppack3 said...
    June 18, 2009 at 2:53 PM

    Pack Leader - Word Varification of the day. This one needs no definition, and will be placed in the WV Dictionary immediately!

    Werewolf, I think I heard the same thing about Smith playing the 4, but something tells me that he isn't going to be able to throw Painter in there against other top flight Centers, and it turn out alright. Maybe he can sub in at Center periodically, but starting? I'll believe that when I see it.
    Overall, Horner's size and style of play make him an odd fit at the 3 or the 4. But, the experience and the gusto go a long way, and will get him on the floor this year. That'll be part of the rotation situation that Lowe talks about trying to figure out.
    OT, but I heard some radio 'personalities' talking the other day, about Sid's substitution patterns. They were trying to say that Sid still has a NBA mentality, in that he just puts the five 'best' guys on the floor, regardless of the chemistry between the players. This stuff irks me, and it is bullsh!t. It's like the notion that Sid is still 'learning the college game!' That's a load of crap! This man has been around the game all of his life. He may be adjusting to the administrative part of the game, but X's and O's? Sid has the X's and o's in spades. When he gets some solid PG play, this team is going to be nasty!
    I agree, I think that all indications are that Mays will probably step into that PG position this year. CJ Williams will probably land at 2, so that leaves a battle for the bigs! Go Pack!

  18. Pack Leader said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:02 PM

    If we dont get leslie (and things dont look good down that road) then it really puts an emphesis on Cothron. Although less athletic, He plays on the block more and has the body to beable to bang with the big men in the elite confrences. AND HE LIKES SID!!!

    There are plenty of top talent recruits who WANT to play with ryan!! I have FULL confidence Sid will land someone = or greater value than CJ. He decommited for a reason lets move on.....

  19. thedenistystartsnow said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:06 PM

    To tell you the truth I wouldnt mind not getting Cj leslie. If he want to leave just let him leave. I love our bigs tracy a junior,painter,howell,jordan are freshmens right now. I would love to get get either parker or more or luke cothrane or both along with the next rondo but can shoot ryan harrow. Go pack

  20. Unknown said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:06 PM

    Leslie is likely a one and done. Those types of players can contribute to a team that already has stability. They can be that missing link. But we're rebuilding our whole program. Getting Leslie would not put us over the top, but getting players that will be around longer like Cothron and Parker can help to establish a tradition and foundation of success that will both invite and take full advantage of a CJ Leslie type character. That's not to say we wouldn't love to see him in the red and white, but I love Coach Lowe's approach and very clear game plan.

  21. Wolfcop said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:12 PM

    Unfortunately the journalists ask those nasty questions because that's what sells. Also, a lot of the negativity has come directly from Wolfpack fans themselves. So, it looks a little silly to blame the media for asking the queations. I support Sid 100%, but I know for a fact that there are many Pack "fans" who are ready to run him off if he does not win this year. Sad, but true! However, I think that Fowler will give Sid at least 2 more years to get it on track...which is fair.

  22. thedenistystartsnow said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:16 PM

    I seen a ton of Ryan harrow video clips. He is a fast past type of point guards that makes some awesome passes. Ryan need a big man that can run with him which favors cj or luke. Luke is more of a old school post guy cj more athletic. If we dont get Cj we need to get a athletic big man or parker

  23. Anonymous said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:19 PM

    Give me Parker all day long. That's who I want. He really seems like he wants to be here, we will be a bit short on swing players by the time he gets here, and it seems like he and Ryan are close. Seems like a no brainer to me. Have confidence in your 7 foot project, and Sr. Tracy Smith who should be an All-ACC type forward by then if his progression continues. Trust we are fine in the post and offer a great kid in Parker.

    Tank04

  24. Pack Leader said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:20 PM

    Interesting to note that Sid said that Degands knee is still bothering him and he has taken the offseason off to rest and try and get the knee feeling better. (sorry WPH I read that on WRAL) To me this means he wont be able to contribute much next year, esp with the people we already have working hard at G. Sid was quoted as saying next year degand would be moved from the point to a 2 guard to take the pressure off. Im no doctor but if in 2 years of rehabing a knee and it isnt better, it isnt going to get any better. Sounds like Degand is nothing more than a back up to Lo Brown and CJ.

  25. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:27 PM

    Pack Leader...you know we've never had a problem 'Sharing The Wealth.'

  26. Pack Leader said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:28 PM

    Oh i know i was just giving WRAL their "props". I rarley worry about offending you....

  27. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:31 PM

    Degand will be a Senior this year, so his scholly wouldn't open one for '10.

  28. Werewolf in Franklinton said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:34 PM

    Packleader

    I hadn't seen that article on Degand, I doubt if he sees the court at all, too bad he was really starting to develop nicely before the injury. I will be glad to see Mays get the minutes. I was in the RBC the night he hit the three against Miami and he was one of my favorite players on that team ever since. I could never figure why he didn't get to play the last 8 games of the season.

  29. thedenistystartsnow said...
    June 18, 2009 at 3:38 PM

    I love what I see and scott Wood..Scott wood, Julius Mays, Cj williams,Lorenzo brown, Gonzalez is going to light up the score board with the 3's. Tracy smith will be a force in the middle..If painter and howell and dennis can atleast put up 8-15 ppg you looking at a pretty nice squad. O yea dennis can shoot to, And Jordan can open up offensive rebounds with his 7'0 frame.

  30. Anonymous said...
    June 18, 2009 at 4:56 PM

    -the departure of the 3 srs and emergence of CJW and JM seems to have ignited a changing of the guard and NEW WORK ETHIC for the whole team. i remember when coach used to reference JJ's work ethic. Now is sounds like the entire team is working out early and last to get better. (that is exciting (but also disappointing in that former guys did no buy in to this level...)

    -Coach really likes how D-horn is working hard and building his body to play the 4. JT is a go but will always have to deal w/ some knee issues... but he is looking to have a good year

    -would not be surprised at all to see scott wood start after hearing coach describe his IQ and game. lowe keeps referring to him as a "solid, solid, solid" player

    -coach acknowledges that this his year to put a stamp on the team and make it his own. he is definitely excited and confident

    -we will be young, but we should see progress (especially on D i hope) maybe that will translate to more Ws which would be great

    -sf59

 

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