Thursday, September 24, 2009

Open Thread: 9-24-09


We don't usually have a midweek open thread, but today there seems to be quite a bit of new news out there that we feel should be discussed.

1.) The Fayetteville Observer is making claims that there is reason to believe Luke Cothron will not be playing in the ACC or any other NCAA school, due to his "overall situation", which seems to be hinting at eligibility concerns. It's a shame that this type of thing would make a public newspaper, seeing as it is way off base (even thought it is ,for the most part, an opinion piece). As of last week, the word was that Luke Cothron was on course to graduate. Talking about grades gets sticky because you have to respect the kid's privacy, but we'll just say this; The coaching staff knows what they are doing. They check these types of things, and they are still recruiting Luke as hard as ever. Take it for what it's worth, but we wanted to just clear this all up before people ran with a erroneous rumor. I can't say for sure whether Luke will end up at NC State, but he will certainly have the option to play college ball next year, if nothing changes.

2.) Recruits at the football game. There have been reports floating around that this weekend's football game against Pitt will be stocked full of big time basketball recruits. We have confirmed those reports that Ryan Harrow, Luke Cothron and Lorenzo Brown will all be on hand to catch the game. We've also heard some whispers that another local big time recruit could be making a visit, but that is not yet confirmed. There will also, possibly, be a few other underclassmen recruits there checking out the game. We'll keep you updated on the situation.

3.) Red Rally at Reynolds. Your thoughts on this event? Personally, I think it's a good idea. The red/white game was always fun, but always seem like a spectacle built around the football game that never really gave the basketball team the publicity it deserved. The next day, all the news was about the football game.

comments

93 Responses to "Open Thread: 9-24-09"
  1. Realwolfpacker said...
    September 24, 2009 at 11:29 AM

    Somebody should just get it over with and blow Fayetteville off the map. That place is an embarassment to our great state (similar to Chapel Hill).

    Good to hear all the big time recruits are going to be on campus. Would be great if the "big time local recruit" (aka CJ Leslie) would be at the game with Harrow, Brown & Cothron. It can't hurt to have those 4 hanging out together.

    Good job WPH

  2. mike said...
    September 24, 2009 at 11:35 AM

    1- It's in vogue to write recruiting pieces these days, and it looks like just about anyone, will run with just about anything to get some attention.

    2- great great news! I hope Cj (if thats in fact who you are referring to) gets out there an gets to hand out with guys that could be future teammates. This makes me want a Pack win EVEN MORE!!

    3- I'm always busy, and work a lot of nights with my job, so the Red/white game was always good for me. I could kill 2 birds with one stone, on one day. Its probably better for hte basketball team to do it this way, creates more buzz.

  3. Anonymous said...
    September 24, 2009 at 11:58 AM

    First off...

    I'm from Fayetteville, Marcus Melvin is from Fayetteville, and CJ is from Fayetteville. So back off on the Fayetteville bashing comments.

    Second...I didn't see them mention grades anywhere. Just because the first guy to jump ship and go to Europe had eligibility problems doesn't mean that's always the situation. The kid skipping his Senior year and going overseas is a bright student from what I've heard.

    Tank04

  4. Anonymous said...
    September 24, 2009 at 11:59 AM

    the article mentions UNC getting Jones if they miss on Barnes. Your take?

    *I guess they are ruling Leslie out?

  5. Werewolf in Franklinton said...
    September 24, 2009 at 12:00 PM

    I believe that the staff feels they still have a better than average shot at Leslie. How else can you explain us not going after D. Harris?
    If Sidney truly thought CJ was out of the picture he would have been all over Harris and probaly would have offered Mychael Parker as well.
    We really could see a Harrow,Brown,Leslie,Cothron class in 2010.

  6. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 24, 2009 at 12:04 PM

    ^ Again, I'm not sure where this article gets it's information but from what we've heard UNC has cooled considerably on Leslie.

    Barnes is a great player. We saw him at Pangos and he certainly would be a big pick up. Jones on the other hand did not impress us. I'm not saying he's not a good player, but he's certainly someone I would pass on if I were a coach trying to build a program. He's got a good shot but plays very slowly and he's too predictable. Not a great passer or real team player. It actually would really shock me if UNC took a guy like Jones.

  7. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 24, 2009 at 12:09 PM

    Werewolf in Franklinton-

    getting warmer.

  8. TheUNCFan said...
    September 24, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    Well, I have to admit that there's one area (and only one) where NC State has a clear win over UNC... Emili Tasler.

  9. ppack3 said...
    September 24, 2009 at 12:52 PM

    On the Fayette-nam Observer thing (and I was born there, so I can use that term) is a dated puff piece, at best. This guy is obviously throwing crap at the wall hoping that something sticks. He's laid out three scenarios that are possibilities, and that touch on Hot Button Topics, such as the "Skip college and go to Europe for a year" issue. He picked the most local recruit to which he could apply this theory and then "predicted" it. No more, no less. That this is the third football game Luke has been to (at least), this year, speaks louder than that article ever could.

    Speaking of the football game...Anyone who sees this group roaming around CF needs to make sure that you show a lot of love for Harrow, Brown, Leslie (if in attendance) and Luke. I would love to be able to get a crowd chant going, or have some signs made up. We sit in the North End Zone, well away from the seating for most of the recruiting visits, in the North End Zone. It's tough to get noticed from that far away. The students are right there, however, and could put something together. God, I hope Sid can pull this off.

    And as I said before about the Red Rally, they did have this event two years ago, and they may have had it last year. I think they still did the Red/White game at the RBC during a football game, too. This was a separate deal. It was a good "Midnight Madness" type of event. Two years ago Sid spoke, Kay spoke and there was a lay-up line that turned into a dunk line during drills. The 'scrimmage' was more like an all-star game, with no defense. And they did a three point competition involving two people from the audience who 'drafted' one Men's and one Women's player to be on their team. Sounds like the exact same event to me. But, it was fun.

    I, too would love to see some Alumni players at events like these. I guess we always see Thompson and Corciani, and sometimes Tommy Burleson. But it would be nice to see some of the guys that went on to have great success as players and coaches, from the past and the present. How about Nate McMillin, Vinny Del Negro, Josh Powell, Julius Hodge, Terry Gannon, Tom Gugliotta, Spud Webb, and the list could go on forever. Now I know that the logistics behind getting a bunch of these guys at the same event would be hairy , at best. But, UNC just did something similar. It can't be impossible. They have had some of the Alum at different events before, within the past couple of years, but never a promoted and star-studded event. That would be great for the University. Hey, maybe Luke, Leslie, Ryan and LoBro could come. :)

  10. Anonymous said...
    September 24, 2009 at 12:57 PM

    Let's just hope the staff stays on Luke regarding his academics and monitors him closely. They dropped the ball bigtime on Lo Brown. These type of careless mistakes are not acceptable for a big time college basketball program.

  11. ppack3 said...
    September 24, 2009 at 1:01 PM

    Also want to mention the fact that newspapers, no matter what city they are in, are fading fast. A lot of them are running 'juicier' articles to attract/maintain readership. Many of the sports sections have become tabloid-like in their writing. It's just a product of being 24 hours behind the 24 hour news cycle. I wouldn't subscribe to anything this article says.

    TheUNCFan, Thanks for the props.

  12. Anonymous said...
    September 24, 2009 at 1:06 PM

    anyone know anything about Dan Wiederer, the man who wrote the article about Cothron. i am not looking for derogatory "stuff". it just that his name is vaguely familiar and i wonder where i have seen it before. thanks for any help from anyone. sbas2

  13. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 24, 2009 at 1:13 PM

    ^^^
    Anon,
    There is a lot more to the Lo.Brown situation than what has been made public. These are kids and their life in the classroom is their business, not the media's and not the fan's. What can be said is that there were a lot of gray areas with the way things happened. The staff was on the situation the whole time, as was Lorenzo. Not sure if anyone can take all the blame for how things happened, but the good news is that Lorenzo will be year older, a year stronger, and is still extremely committed to attending NC State.

  14. ppack3 said...
    September 24, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    "Let's just hope the staff stays on Luke regarding his academics and monitors him closely. They dropped the ball bigtime on Lo Brown. These type of careless mistakes are not acceptable for a big time college basketball program."

    Anony - There's only so much that a college staff can do to insure that a recruit maintains their grades and gets their passing test scores. They aren't allowed to "assist' them with tutors or practice test courses, or anything like that. All they can do is talk to the player and school administration, pull transcripts periodically and keep them motivated. Every college has recruits that don't make it to their respective programs for their first year, sometimes. The situation wasn't handled carelessly, and it certainly wasn't unacceptable unless you refuse to accept it. I think it is a good thing that LoBro is still committed to NC State, verbally. Let's think of this as a Red-Shirt year and consider ourselves lucky to get him in at the same time as Harrow. Hopefully, this class will include one or two other Blue-Chippers, too.

  15. Eric said...
    September 24, 2009 at 1:47 PM

    Any word on Quincy Miller in the crowd? It's never to early to start planning for 2011.

  16. Anonymous said...
    September 24, 2009 at 2:05 PM

    The staff and other "insiders" confirmed that Lo Brown would be ok and be at campus this fall. However, there was no proper follow up from our staff. That is a fact. It was the North Carolina State University basketball staff's responsibility to keep up with Lorenzo and insure that he was on track to graduate. Which he didn't. I know for a fact that the staff dropped the ball on this. WPH can reject me all the want, but it is the NC State basketball staff who is responsible for Lo Brown not being here this year.

    Like I said, hopefully our staff will learn from the mistake they made with Lo Brown and keep a close eye on Luke and his grades.

  17. Anonymous said...
    September 24, 2009 at 2:06 PM

    Let's get a Ryan Harrow chant at the football game

  18. Lynda Sadler said...
    September 24, 2009 at 2:10 PM

    I realize that I'm way in the minority here with respect to the Red & White (now Red Rally) game because I loved that it took place on the same day as a football game. It's difficult for us to drive 2 hours for this type of event, especially if it's late on a weeknight. I also thought that it tied in well with the whole carnival atmosphere of NC State football, and made it easy for parents to bring their kids into a free Wolfpack event.

    I also recognize that from State student's perspective, holding this at Reynolds during the week is a great idea.

    I have always loved the Red/White game, and I've gone to some fairly extraordinary efforts to attend, but midnight basketball during the week is just never going to happen for me.

    The new Friday night "rally" is a nice compromise from my viewpoint.

  19. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 24, 2009 at 2:28 PM

    ^^
    We won't argue with you as it's obvious what your opinion is. However, we certainly disagree. After hearing the facts of the story it would be hard to place blame on the staff.

  20. TheUNCFan said...
    September 24, 2009 at 2:30 PM

    And now you've got Marissa Kastanek. This is not fair.

  21. ppack3 said...
    September 24, 2009 at 2:34 PM

    If there were mistakes made by this staff that cost them a year of LoBro's eligibility, then I'm sure that they learned a valuable lesson from the situation. The only thing, outside of simply not making the grades/test scores, that Lowe and Co. could have slipped on would be a lack of credits. It's not something to get incredibly bent about, one way or the other. If Lorenzo was on top of things, he would be on campus right now. It happens.

  22. ppack3 said...
    September 24, 2009 at 2:35 PM

    BTW - TheUNCFan

    Yep. We are spoiled over here in Raleigh. The rich get richer.

  23. Anonymous said...
    September 24, 2009 at 2:53 PM

    ppack3,
    you are correct, most of the responsibility lies on Lorenzo and his family. But our staff did have a big hand in him not being here.

    However, I am pumped and excited about him coming next year. He is the real deal. I also appreciate WolfpackHoops and don't mean to stir up anything. But the fact is Sidney is still learning, he has made some public mistakes and not so public mistakes, but he is getting better.

    I doubt there is a better recruiter for these young kids growing up today.

    I am exited about the future of NC State basketball and hearing news that Luke and company will be at his third football game this season is great news!

  24. KarNCSU said...
    September 24, 2009 at 3:14 PM

    I think 1-2 players from Hargrave will be coming with Brown for the football game. And I'm guessing Luke is going to bring his friend the one who plays for Flora (forget his name) the one who has come to the last 2 games with him.


    I think the Red Rally is a great idea. However, I don't like that a volleyball game is right beforehand. I don't know if I have what it takes to watch that game just so I can get good seats..

  25. Eric said...
    September 24, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    ^KarNCSU,

    Does Luke play with any other D1 prospects? I had thought it was him and nobody else down there. Any insights, or were you asking the same thing?

  26. Anonymous said...
    September 24, 2009 at 4:03 PM

    John Wall???? lol

  27. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 24, 2009 at 4:50 PM

    Eric,
    Derrick Martin just transferred to Flora from Alabama. He is 6'9 and is starting to gain a little attention. Here is an a small tidbit from an article we released last week.

    Martin (2010) is a 6'9 big that will be attending Flora MacDonald with Cothron this season. We are told that he moved to the area from Alabama, where he had been receiving college looks from Mississippi State, Alabama, and Oklahoma State. We had the chance to catch up with Martin yesterday to talk about the visit to NC State. "It was good, real good. It was my first time there and I really liked the atmosphere. I really like NC State." Martin told us.

  28. WilliamG said...
    September 24, 2009 at 4:54 PM

    How about Shawn Kemp Jr?

  29. redfred said...
    September 24, 2009 at 5:00 PM

    Hey Anon, I realize this a BB blog, but I'm just wondering if you ever feel the need to spout off as loudly about the recruits haven't qualified for the FB program/TOB???

    I'm guessing that your answer is a big...NO. And that is very strange, because the percentages of BB players who have had some difficulty qualifying under the ACC's academic standards is pretty damn close to the percentage of FB players who have THE SAME PROBLEMS. You know, kinda like the overall win/loss percentages of those two programs are also pretty close as well.

    I don't mind criticism, but it needs to have enough thought put into it to where it at least hints at being fair.

  30. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 24, 2009 at 5:05 PM

    ^ He's not really a target for the Pack right now since they are so focused on Luke and CJ, but Martin is a guy to watch. This will be a big season for him and he'll get a lot of exposure playing with Luke.

    He and Luke are close and very close from what we've heard and this very thing may be a factor in how long Luke waits to make a college decision.

  31. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 24, 2009 at 5:12 PM

    ^I'm talking about Martin here.

  32. Eric said...
    September 24, 2009 at 5:13 PM

    I have recently made plans to go watch the Flora/Oak Hill game on November 11th. I look forward to watching Cothron and all the Oak Hill standouts. I don't know who else Flora plays this season, but playing well at that game would go a long way in getting noticed.

  33. Eric said...
    September 24, 2009 at 5:14 PM

    PS - I tried to find a Flora roster and saw a Marquez Cothron...brother of Luke? Couldn't find any stats, year, etc.

  34. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 24, 2009 at 5:27 PM

    Shawn Kemp Jr. (son of the NBA star...although he didn't have much contact with his father growing up) is an Alabama commit who, like Brown, is spending a prep year at Hargrave to figure things out. He was ranked somewhere in the top 80 last year.

    Kemp has said he is sticking with his Alabama committment but the question has become, is Alabama sticking with him. Alabama's coach Mark Gottfried was forced to resign, so the staff that was so actively recruiting Kemp may not have the same vision as the one that just arrived. This leaves a question in the Kemp recruitment.

    That all being said, I don't feel like State will be a major player with him, just because of the scholorship situation. There is one known 'ship floating around and two top 25 guys that the staff feels like they have a shot at landing. Now, and we keep saying this because it's true, things can change. Right now though, I wouldn't think of Kemp as a major target.

  35. j.sol said...
    September 24, 2009 at 8:09 PM

    i'd love to see some pack players from the past attending the red rally. one thing that has separated unc from us in years past is that emphasis on unc being a family. coach smith always made sure his players know that being a part of unc was being part of a family. i feel like that family atmosphere was lost during herb's years and i feel like coach lowe is trying to bring that connection back. one thing i'd love to see is thurl bailey coming to talk to the team or at this event. i think he'd have some very inspiring words for all of us to hear.

  36. Mr. Duprey said...
    September 24, 2009 at 8:44 PM

    Anybody want to throw down thoughts of the Pack playing more zone this year? Thought crossed my mind that for one year Lowe could play nasty zone until Zo, Harrow and the likes of Leslie/Cothron make it here.

  37. redfred said...
    September 24, 2009 at 8:54 PM

    j. sol, I couldn't agree more with everything that you just typed!

    By now, I'm pretty sure that everyone already knows how I feel about that certain TEN YEAR period that served mostly to separate the entire NC State BB program further and further from it's past as well as everything that it once stood for, so I'll just drop that topic.

    I do believe that Lowe will remedy those issues, that is, if he is successful enough, and soon enough, to quieten some loud critics. Call me a "homer" if you will, but that is also THE MAIN reason I have been in Sidney Lowe's corner since the first day that he signed on to return to NC State as it's new HC. Speaking only for myself, and in my humble opinion, I believe that the NC State University needs to remember first, and then try hard to recapture a little of what it once was. To me, that's maybe even much more important than racking up a bunch wins in a hurry on the BB court.

    If Lowe is successful in communicating NC State's past while creating a new "family atmosphere" around his program, then there is no doubt in my mind that winning will soon follow.

    Beyond that, I also would love to hear that Thurl Bailey was coming back to NC State. I think maybe some of these current kids could really benefit from hearing from a guy like Thurl Bailey.

  38. redfred said...
    September 24, 2009 at 9:15 PM

    This is an "Open Thread" and I may have already commented on this before, but it's strange to me how on this particular NCSU blog, people don't go back to previous threads and continue commenting on the different topics. They are still relevant topics, but it's like whenever WPH posts a new topic, that other topic is declared dead for all intents and purposes. ???

    I only comment on here and one other site, so that may be normal behavior elsewhere in the blogosphere, I don't really know??? Just asking.

  39. glock said...
    September 24, 2009 at 9:52 PM

    Flora Mcdonald is a very small school that has never been known for their athletics. Their new coach brought in Luke last year and gave the school a lot of hope, they play a very good schedule that includes WOG and some other big private schools. Luke by far was the heart of the team last year, besides him their next tallest player was maybe 6'4. They had a pretty good point guard last season but I think he graduated, but they have a good coach and i'm sure he has brought in more for this season. The first thing his coach told me about Luke is that he was good enough to go pro after high school if he could which makes me almost beleive the comments in the paper today. I watched Luke a couple times last season and he is a great ball player but I feel like at least a year in college in the acc in red and white with state across his chest would help him be great on the next level. I can't wait to see him play this year especially with mr. martin joining him, but whatever he decides I wish him the best of luck. Hope all the recruits have fun watching state flex their muscles against th big east.

  40. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 24, 2009 at 9:53 PM

    ^ Not really sure redfred. I noticed that too. I just figured that is the way news goes. It's relevant for a few hours then it's dead when something new comes along.

    We'll have forums soon enough so that won't be a problem anymore.

  41. ppack3 said...
    September 24, 2009 at 9:58 PM

    Redfred - Your not crazy, if that's what you're thinking. There is so much information coming out these days, that people hardly take the time to scroll past the first page of a website. To me, some of the first WPH articles (and WPP) are still some of the best. Nobody commented on them, but they were great posts. I don't know how many others do this, but when I post on an article, I also sign up to be e-mailed all of the follow-up posts. Those go straight to my Inbox and my phone. So, even if you go back and post on an article written in July, as long as I posted on it too, I'll get that sent to me, and I can reply.

  42. redfred said...
    September 24, 2009 at 10:13 PM

    Thanks the reply WPH and pp3, and the tip about the e-mail follow ups. I don't know if I'll do that though.

    Anyway, everybody knows how I like to pick out a single topic and absolutely run it into the ground for days and weeks on end, until there is no life left in it whatsoever, so I was just wondering? :)

  43. wolfranger said...
    September 24, 2009 at 10:34 PM

    redfred, hopefully we'll be able to have better conversations that last longer on here once WPH rolls out their forums. I'm really looking forward to them.

  44. wolfranger said...
    September 24, 2009 at 10:36 PM

    Also, like pp3, I've been a reader since the very beginning last year. This site has become a daily visit for me, most of the time, multiple times a day. Though I mainly lurk and don't post much, I really enjoy the comments and the great conversation that goes on here. Thanks to all the regular posters and mostly WPH for such a great site!

    Go Pack!

  45. Pack Leader said...
    September 25, 2009 at 11:38 AM

    wolfranger welcome to the convrersation dont be such a stranger feel free to post more often!!! In my opinion the more people who voice their opinion/thoughts the more interesting this site becomes!!!

  46. Pack Leader said...
    September 25, 2009 at 11:47 AM

    By the way guys.... Ill be at the Pitt game tommarow, if anybody knows what section/area Sid,CJ,Cothron,Hardgrave,other recruits are staying I will try and get a picture of the group to post so everyone can see the top talent attending the game!!!

    PS im hearing rumors out of WOG that the 'holes arnt showing near enough intrest to please leslie... Just word through the grapevine though, so take it for what it is...

  47. Werewolf in Franklinton said...
    September 25, 2009 at 11:52 AM

    Just saw that Poole commited to Kentucky. What's your take on how this affects their recruitment of CJ Leslie?

  48. Realwolfpacker said...
    September 25, 2009 at 12:04 PM

    ^ Yeah, I saw that Poole commited to UK as well. It can only help us.

    What would really help is CJ realizing that Cal is complete slimeball cheat and that Sid is more respected and has more NBA connections. CJ would be the 3rd or 4th option on a UK team as a freshman. Hopefully he sees the light and runs with the Pack again.

  49. ppack3 said...
    September 25, 2009 at 12:06 PM

    Wolfranger - Thanks for the kind words. And I echo PackLeader.

    More posts = Better WPH/WPP!

  50. Werewolf in Franklinton said...
    September 25, 2009 at 12:16 PM

    I just cheked the UK forums on Scout and there isn't much talk of CJ Leslie on their boards. Most of the fans seem higher on T. Harris than Leslie. Maybe UK's staff has cooled on Leslie or maybe the UK fans just feel like they can pick and choose the best recruits because of the coup they pulled off in their 09 class

  51. ppack3 said...
    September 25, 2009 at 12:16 PM

    Yeah, the stars could align for Sid and Pack Fans. With all of the talent pouring into Raleigh with this class, we could set up to be a national contender for the '10-'11 seasons and then lose a bunch of guys to the draft. I would be hurt by that scenario. That's how major contenders work these days. We would regain instant credibility and name recognition.

    We want Leslie and Luke. We need Leslie and Luke. How many big games are they going to play in at a Kentucky? Or at a Florida? In Raleigh, they will play the cream of the crop, night in and night out. And the TV exposure would rival that of SEC Football! To be the best, you have to beat the best. And the 'best' play in the ACC. Whoo! Sorry. I got a bit charge up there for a second.

    Go State!

  52. ppack3 said...
    September 25, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    Correction, "I wouldn't be Hurt by this scenario..."

  53. WolfCamel said...
    September 25, 2009 at 12:28 PM

    Pack Leader, the Basketball team sits at the top of the endzone in front of the Murphy Center.

  54. Dof87 said...
    September 25, 2009 at 12:37 PM

    A perspective: Lots can change in a year.

    With the guys coming in to UK, they can only achieve or under-achieve. Fans and media expectations will place a lot of pressure on them, and if they don't get to the final four this year, and win next year, then you'll hear grumblings, which could turn the recruiting tide.

    On the other hand, State can over-achieve and then in turn get some positive press. Who knows, but add in the bonus of significant playing time then the scales could tilt our way for a top recruit.

  55. Pack Leader said...
    September 25, 2009 at 12:57 PM

    Thanks WolfCamel...

    Ill try to get a shot of all those guys and share w/ Everyone...

  56. Anonymous said...
    September 25, 2009 at 1:18 PM

    I play basketball with one of the Word of God coaches. He coached Wall and Leslie. According to him, Leslie isn't going to State. Of course noone knows what Leslie is thinking, but this is based on what CJ told him. I personally hope the staff can change CJ's mind if this is indeed what he is thinking. They at least seem to be putting in the work to do so and if he's at the game this weekend that could only help!

  57. ppack3 said...
    September 25, 2009 at 1:49 PM

    Anony - It seems that the Coaches have a pretty good beat on this stuff, but you're right, anything can happen. If CJ expressly told anyone that "I'm not going to NCSU" then that means a couple of things are possible here; Sid has his work cut out for him with CJ, Sid has no shot with CJ and/or CJ is taking in as many free sporting events and playing as many pick up games, against high caliber opponents, as he can, locally, until he can jettison to another school. Either way, just like with Wall's recruitment, it is good to be on the short list. Nothing beats getting that signature, though.

  58. Anonymous said...
    September 25, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    they call you "buzz kill"

  59. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 25, 2009 at 3:13 PM

    Werewolf in Franklinton,

    A few weeks ago I read a Kentucky blog article (and I'll try to find it again) talking about how Cal has cooled off on his reruitment of Leslie. I wrote it off as false since he was planning an in home visit with Cal, and since it was from a small blog that I had never heard of, however, it just struck me as odd that someone would say that. So really I'm not sure, we are trying to find out everything we can, but like the John Wall situation, no one really knows anything concrete.

  60. Realwolfpacker said...
    September 25, 2009 at 3:13 PM

    First of all.......

    Anyone that comes on a blog that goes by "anonymous" and claims to play basketball with the coach at WOG (the old one or the new one???) I just have a hard time believing. Not saying CJ will come to NC State. But, if you are gonna come on here and claim crap like that at least put your name or alias at the bottom.

  61. Anonymous said...
    September 25, 2009 at 3:36 PM

    He wasn't the head coach, Beckwith. He was one of the assistant coaches. I don't think he coaches there anymore since Beckwith left. I didn't even realize he coached there until recently and I only spoke with him for about a minute or so. I'll talk with him more in the coming weeks. I don't see what putting my name or alias out here would accomplish. I'm just relaying information that I was told by one of the assistant coaches over there. This doesn't mean CJ is or is not coming here, as I don't think anyone knows except for CJ himself.

    Would it change your opinion if I put my real name and/or alias? I don't even have an alias for this site as this is the first time I've posted anything here. I usually just read the info posted and enjoy the site.

  62. Werewolf in Franklinton said...
    September 25, 2009 at 3:48 PM

    Hey WPH

    I haven't read anything that said for sure what Cal's opinion of Leslie is. I just thought it was odd that he wasn't generating the excitement on the Kent. boards that he does on ours. If Cal isn't going after him hard usually fans have a way of finding out. Just speculating that the lack of love on the message boards = lack of love from UK staff. Maybe wishful thinking but maybe not!
    If UK and UNC are both out of the game I don't know who else CJ Leslie would want to sign with but us.

  63. redfred said...
    September 25, 2009 at 4:32 PM

    CJ Leslie can come to NC State, and I certainly hope that he does, but if he is only yanking our chains while dragging the first coach that showed interest in him along for no good reason, and screwing up Lowe's chances at other good prospects while doing so, then I don't really need to hear anything else about him.

    C'mon CJ, be a man, make a decision, and stick with it.

  64. Dof87 said...
    September 25, 2009 at 5:04 PM

    Wow,

    Lots of comments. You never know what will spark a lively thread.

    Anon,

    The reason it helps to post an alias is so that readers can judge over time which posters they consider credible based on their posting history. Claims like you made are particularly suspect and often are from someone who gets their jollies posting crap. The way information gains credibility is by surviving the critical eye of the posting community.. Get it? Thanks for your contribution to the discussion, we certainly want the information.

  65. ppack3 said...
    September 25, 2009 at 5:08 PM

    RedFred, I couldn't have said it better myself.

    Dof87, I couldn't have said it better myself.

  66. 74Doug said...
    September 25, 2009 at 9:02 PM

    CJ or Leslie would be nice but I'm not worried. We've got some pieces that we thought we had 2 years ago before the injuries. I can't wait for the national press to witness the agressive defense we're going to play this year. Esp when we finish better than the UNC fans favorite ex State coach.

  67. 74Doug said...
    September 25, 2009 at 9:05 PM

    Sorry, I meant aggressive.

  68. 74Doug said...
    September 25, 2009 at 9:18 PM

    Sorry, I meant CJ or Cothron. Goodnight.

  69. ppack3 said...
    September 25, 2009 at 9:55 PM

    I just wanted to interject with one more thing on the Leslie (I played ball with one of his coaches) comment. If this coach is no longer at WOG, since Beckwith left, and Beckwith (from what I read during the Wall recruitment) had some beef with either State or Sid, then doesn't it make sense that Anony heard some old information. I mean to say that CJ has been MUCH more visible around the NC State program in the past few months, since Ryan Harrow's Brother-in-law took over as Head Coach? A favorable influence can mean everything. Beckwith could have restricted Sid and Co.'s contact with CJ while pushing him to open up his recruitment. These are hypothetical situations, but entirely plausible ones, too. The chance to join a #1 recruiting class in the country and garner a starting role at the same time, is enough to sway a player like CJ back to our side.

    Sorry, I just don't think that the kid is a lost cause, or that Sid is wasting his time. Any amount of time that CJ spends around Ryan Harrow, LoBro, Luke and Sid is quality time! IMO

  70. Anonymous said...
    September 25, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    Fair enough. I don't feel comfortable posting my real name (I don't know many people that do) and I haven't created an alias b/c like I said, I usually just read this blog and have never actually posted anything until today. I do understand your point about people posting things just to get a rise out of people as I think we have all witnessed that first hand.

  71. Afterglow said...
    September 25, 2009 at 10:31 PM

    How about you go by: ANONYMOUS, Or, Any Mouse, or, anonymice, or mickymouse, or... anyone else. Come on, let's help a brothersister out.

  72. ppack3 said...
    September 25, 2009 at 10:42 PM

    Anony - I don't take your original comment to stir the pot. There are fair points made about creating a handle for yourself to be a known entity. Just call yourself Poindexter or something, to differentiate yourself from all of the other Anonys that are running around here. But that is a personal decision. Regardless, I would have to say, if someone told me the things that were told to you, I would want to share that information too, in a big way. But you have to expect folks to respond. But, I would rather hear what you have to say, and discuss it, rather than have you not posting. For sure.

    Here's a news flash! State fans are paranoid! That's another reason to write in a nickname, it lends credibility. That way everyone knows that you aren't sitting aound a shrine to Coach K, texting comments from your black helicopter, :)

    Go Pack!

  73. Bigzone said...
    September 25, 2009 at 11:06 PM

    ppack3 I like the black helicopter comment.Thats a good one right there.

  74. Anonymous said...
    September 25, 2009 at 11:27 PM

    I've been reading this thread all day and I must say it has been interesting to say the least.
    CJ once felt comfortable with NC State but like alot of big time recruits, he has had everyone and their brother telling him what he should do. CJ needs to go with the school he feels at home. I would love for that school to be State but as with Wall, I wish him luck whatever his choice (except maybe UNC). We need to relax and concentrate on this years team. When I think of this years team, the feeling is like that one you had as a kid just before opening a Christmas present from your Grandma; could be the best new toy or it could be a sweater. You are full of excitement and dred at the same time. I truely hope they exceed all expectations.

  75. Anonymous said...
    September 26, 2009 at 8:44 AM

    You guys would be stunned to know how much "negative recruiting" goes on against NC State. It is just second nature for UNC fans and it goes on at school, and everywhere else. I believe it is more difficult for the local kids than it is for kids outside of North Carolina.

    We had a local kid who was an invited walk-on get PHONE CALLS from Carolina fans telling him NOT to go to State.

    His family were life long State fans too.

    Let's give CJ the benefit of the doubt. When a local kid gives an early commitment to NC State, he just puts a target on his back. I am hoping that CJ is "tough enough" to stick with it. Believe me...it takes some toughness.

  76. redfred said...
    September 26, 2009 at 9:07 AM

    Good thread!!!

    Good to see some new names on here, as well as some familiar ones that don't comment on WPH very often. Well, at least not as often as ppack3 and Pack Leader do, those two guys, man!!!

    J/K!!! :)

    Uh, pot...kettle...black

  77. redfred said...
    September 26, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    ^Anon, well said.

    I said something similar earlier, and believe me, I toned it waaAAAaay down from what I really wanted to say. I guess I forget that being a kid is tough, especially when you're as sought after as these kids are. I wasn't really "sought after" as a kid. Hell, let's just face the facts, I'm not really "sought after" as an adult either.

    But seriously, it's the kid himself who is going to make whatever it is he gets out of his collegiate experience. A kid like Ryan Harrow has his eyes already set on the horizon, he is comfortable and determined that Ryan Harrow himself, can and will make a difference anywhere he goes. That kind of confidence comes from within, and I'd say it comes from having VERY good influences along the way. Some kids understandably haven't yet developed that confidence in themselves, they are afraid to commit, and they'll continued to be swayed to and fro by what the crowd is telling them. Kids like that are much more likely to play it safe, and they'll jump at the first bandwagon that offers a ride.

    We'll soon know what CJ Leslie is really made of.

  78. didntgotostatebutluvthewolfpackandcoachlowe said...
    September 26, 2009 at 10:36 AM

    a few of my opinions, luke is no where near ready to go pro,he has the build,thats it. he has a lot of work to do with his jump shot,as well as his ball handling skills.his conditioning needs to be polished up as well,but that will certainly happen when he signs with coach lowe this fall.thats not a misprint. luke loves coach lowe and the way the fans in raleigh are treating him. as far as cj goes,at this point he is a much better player than luke. cj will not be coming to raleigh, he believes hes to good to play at state,he wants to be in a bigger spotlight,and like a previous blogger wrote he's just milking sid and crew for all he can get.at the end of his senior yr ryan will be the #1 pt guard in the country,not just in our eyes but in all the recruiting gurus eyes as well. when he arrives on campus there will be a buzz that hasnt been here since jules blessed us. as everyone knows ryan is a special player that has a lot to offer this program.not only is he a great player,he is a good decent person,that has had a strong family upbringing.as far as this years team goes, i dont see us making the dance,but i do see us playing in the nit.i believe dennis is going to have a blow up year and going to open quite a few eyes,this kid has worked his ass off this offseason preparing for his final yr. we will finally get to see why herb went after him so hard. scott will be in the starting lineup before acc play starts,you cant keep a kid with his kind of shooting ability from the outside on the bench long,he poses a huge problems for teams when they try to double down on tracy and deshawn(yeah i said it)cause if you leave him unguarded hell light the nets up like jj did at duke.i dont think state fans know what they got with painter,he's going to blow your minds. this kid is going to put a smile on sids face, and make a lot of opposing coaches sick,thank you deshawn for choosing to run with the pack.

  79. redfred said...
    September 26, 2009 at 11:17 AM

    didn't go to state..., I like the name!!! That name definitely identifies who I'm speaking to.

    Nice post, and some good thoughts in there. What I'm looking for mainly this season, is the start of seeing kids playing inspired BB like I'd be seeing from the first minute that I heard
    that Sidney Lowe had signed on.

    If not, then I'll bow out, and admit that we do a have a very serious problem on our hands. I do not think that will be the case in any way though.

    Anon #2647, or whoever you are.

    I don't think anyone around here would be shocked in the least about the way the unc fans think they're God's gift to the universe. All you have to speak to one of them for thirty seconds or so.

    That alone, USE TO BE a huge selling point for NC State University itself, especially in athletics. Now though, it seems that many of our own fans have fallen prey to the wine and cheesers, and they think that the engineers that NC State produces need to be as just a fussy as the poets that unc turns out, if not, then NC State doesn't somehow measure up. ???

    I call BS on that. I say that NC State produces more, ALWAYS has, and when I say "produces", I mean "PRODUCES" more right now. NC State folks use to take pride in that alone, and they weren't even interested in trying to compete with the fiction writers and that bunch snobs from over on the hill. It was exactly the opposite as a matter of fact, NC State went it's own way, and nobody even cared what the liberal artsy folks were up to, except on we met them on the playing field.

    I blame a lot of it on NC State's administration, and how they've pandered over the last couple of decades, but if there is anyone out there who thinks that NC State isn't just as capable and worthwhile as any one it's closest neighbors, or there's anyone who is still beating themselves up because they think that NC State screwed up FOR REAL those many years ago, then I say, GET REAL, you are part of the problem, and just as guilty NC State's administration yourself.

    There's nothing like knowing that you're very good at what you do, not being so weak as to allow yourself to be suckered in, and simply leaving it at that.

    Man, do I ever just wish that we could get that confidence back somehow, as well the feeling that goes with it.

    I'm done for awhile.

  80. JerseyWolf said...
    September 26, 2009 at 11:40 AM

    ahah best name ever^^^^

  81. Anonymous said...
    September 26, 2009 at 12:52 PM

    redfred has blown up many sites be carefull he is hijacking your's how do I make a donation?
    The real anon ......if you talk recruits be carefull remember john wall so for us at state until the show up on campus ????????

  82. Eric said...
    September 26, 2009 at 7:37 PM

    While I got hosed and was forced to watch my computer and ESPN gamecast, it must have been a great game for the recruits to watch. Any pictures? Any word on whether they had a good time? Did anyone see them?

  83. Unknown said...
    September 26, 2009 at 8:24 PM

    Eric, I didn't see any of the recruits but I did see Davis, Vandenberg, CJ, and a couple others at the game. JV was not as thing I was expecting him to be, but could still probably use a little extra weight.

  84. Eric said...
    September 26, 2009 at 8:31 PM

    Thanks Morpheus...how did Davis look?

  85. Pack Leader said...
    September 26, 2009 at 9:43 PM

    Leave RFred alone!!! Although grumpy, he is true wolfpacker!!!

    Saw several recruits/ players at the game... see new post...

  86. Wolfpack Hoops said...
    September 26, 2009 at 9:46 PM

    Just wanted to remind everyone about our Football site WolfpackPigskin.com. Didn't know if all the WPH visitors were aware.

  87. redfred said...
    September 26, 2009 at 10:20 PM

    Pack Leader, thank you for the compliment!

    Don't worry about me and "the REAL anon" there though. I mean, being "the REAL anon" is something kind of like claiming to be "the REAL grain of sand", or the "the REAL blade of grass", isn't it? That's some pretty elite company.

    Anyway, I've only commented more than two times on ONE other site, and we all know which one that was. So, either I'm getting copied all over the internet, or "the REAL anon/grain of sand/blade of grass" or whoever he is, doesn't really know what he's talking about anyway. It's just more "blown up" information that isn't based on any facts.

    I guess he's got a point though. I'll try to be less philosophical in the future, and more about just BB.

  88. Pack Leader said...
    September 26, 2009 at 11:01 PM

    maybe your just so popular, other people just WANT to be you fred....

  89. redfred said...
    September 27, 2009 at 10:45 AM

    ^ So you're saying that other people would like to be "grumpy" too?

  90. Anonymous said...
    September 27, 2009 at 2:50 PM

    please dont not use my comment as a fire starter we are grown people here so just laugh at this

    look how ol'herb is doing
    http://twitpic.com/illml
    lucky dog

  91. redfred said...
    September 27, 2009 at 4:46 PM

    Hey, would you look at the Herbster!!!

    Pictures and all...and on twitter no less!!!

    Hell, he was even smiling and looking all happy on the one link that I happen to pick out at random!!!

    Good for Herb, he must like it out there.

  92. Pack Leader said...
    September 28, 2009 at 8:12 AM

    Is it bad that I wish I WAS HERB in that TWIT PIC?!?!?!?! Life must be hard out there surrounded my pretty college girls. You know they say ASU is a top party school in the nation... NOW we know the real reason behind Herbs leaving...

    Have to be honest I NEVER remember Herb going into the student section at a state football game... Hopefully his mistakes has made him a better coach and man, Glad to see things working out for him... Good find Anon

  93. redfred said...
    September 28, 2009 at 12:28 PM

    Pack Leader, Herb definitely wasn't all that warm and fuzzy while at NC State. But to be honest, I have always thought that maybe that alot of it had to do with NC State itself, and the administration's tight arse approach to everything they do. I mean, it's not like the higher ups in NCSU's administration are exactly what you would call loveable either.

    I say that if you gather up a few similar sticks, and then jamb them into the mud, that they set the tone and can bring down the disposition of an entire university.

    Wait, what did I JUST say about no more philosophical BS? Oh well.

 

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