Coach Sidney Lowe has created a pipeline to the Atlanta prep scene that is starting to pay off big time. One of the players that has made his way to Raleigh by way of this pipeline is freshman PF Richard Howell. Howell played his high school ball at Wheeler high school, the same school that former Wolfpacker and current Cleveland Cavalier JJ Hickson attended, where he shined as a four star PF forward. Howell is currently injured, however, the staff is hoping he'll be ready to go by the regular season. If he is, he will surely be one to watch on the block for the Wolfpack. We caught up with Richard recently about his transition to NC State and college basketball. Here is what he had to say:
On transitioning from high school to college:
"It's completely different from high school I can definitely tell you that. It's a hard adjustment but as you're making it you start to get the feel of things and it gets easier. Basketball wise, it's different from high school because you're basically playing with grown men. They're bigger, stronger and smarter. School wise it's different because you need to learn how to manage your time. It's really a maturing stage and you need to learn what to do in different situations."
On how the young guys have adapted:
"It's been smooth for everyone. Nobody is having trouble in the classroom and everyone is handling their business on the court. We're working hard as a team and I think the chemistry is outstanding, I really do."
On what has the team been working the hardest on:
"We push the ball every day in practice. That's one thing the coaches are really stressing this year, and I can understand why, because everybody on the team is fast enough and we can get out and just run and push the ball up the court. I think its really going to benefit us. No one is trying to slow it down and just dribble down the court. We want to get out and create breaks, keep it exciting."
On his goals for the season:
"My goal is for NC State to be successful. I want our team to be successful. I don't really care about how many points I'm scoring or how much playing time I get this season, I just want our team to have success."
comments
28 Responses to "Howell Making The Transition"Outstanding comments by Mr. Howell. Sounds like a future leader of our team. Can't wait to see what he can do on the court as well.
Sir Rich! I can't wait to see him in action! he sounds like a mature young man. He seems to have a good grasp on the team concept and adjusting well. Richard could be a HUGE addition to the team, literally and figuratively.
Get well soon, Sir Rich. and, thanks for running with the Pack!
Go State!
Get well...we are going to need you this year. Look forward to watching how dangerous you can be with a little dribble penatration, and the threat of the outside shot from Wood.
You got to love the attitude that Richard & all of the new recruits have. Team first.Themselves second.Richard I wish you a speedy recovery with your knee & can't wait to see you take the court in the red & white.
C.C. - I couldn't get my Googgle aaccount to work .
"I don't really care about how many points I'm scoring or how much playing time I get this season, I just want our team to have success."
LOVE this quote. Exactly the things I want to hear from Pack players. Team players build successful teams, and I'm glad that he recognizes this. We're rooting for you Howell.
Quality comments from a quality young man. So proud to have you in the Red and White, Richard.
Great response to his goals this year. It is Great to see young ones who understand that your successes comes with the teams successses.
Please let basketball season get here soon. And, PLEASE let us know how to play defense.
I feel ya WolfCop.
I have been really impressed with the interviews of both the BB and FB players lately. I don't know if it's just me, but it seems like Richard Howell kind of faded off of my radar screen since his signing.
He seems like another good kid who understands that there's no "I" in TEAM.
Good luck with the rehab Richard, looking forward to seeing you out on the BB court soon!!!
wolfcop, I have been reading some quotes from the coaches and players recently, and they're always emphasizing "pushing" the ball up court. Now, that's all well and good, but I agree with you, there needs to be a HUGE emphasis placed on what takes place on the other end of the court as well!!!
Redfred,
Yes, the comment i made was mainly out of frustration from our pathetic D on the football field. But, there does need to be more of an emphasis on defense on the court, too. I do feel that we are starting to get the kind of guys on that can be successful on D. Ben and Brandon were good scorers, but they were not very good at all on D. Guys like Painter, Davis, Howell...heck even JV and Wood have the tools to be good defenders. I know that it is important to Sid. Was he not the defensive coach for the Pistons?
go pack!!!
^There's something missing from today's game, where kids just want to light up the scoreboard and do nothing else. I don't know, but when I played BB, denying my man any opportunities and going up and rejecting his shot felt BETTER than just simply putting the ball in the hole??? When you start seeing frustration building the eyes of the guy that you are assigned to guard, then your confidence on the offensive end benefits as well, as his drops.
Why no emphasis, and where have all of the INTIMIDATING and NASTY defenders gone to these days???!!!
I saw Richard on Hillsborough St. last night. He was walking around with Deshawn Painter. From what I saw, his leg must be doing better because he had no visible limp.
redfred,
Can you please clarify the argument you are trying to make with regard to drinking koolaid. I am trying to follow you, but your last post was not the easiest to understand in terms of who you are addressing. If you are making a point that Wolfpack fans are too negative, then I agree. I also, think we have had a rough time over the past 5 or so years in both fball and bball. Anyway, I was just curious to see if you are calling out WPH or addressing WP fans. I'm just asking, not trying to instigate anything.
GO PACK!
Redfred, I have to speak my piece on this topic.
I do my best not to talk about the other sites. But, there are a fair amount of 'fans' at several other sites that will not stop bashing our programs until we are winning championships in FB and BB. It's easy for people to get frustrated by losing and proceed to said sites, read the 'Sky is Falling' articles that are written, and release their anger on a board. It doesn't take long to snowball. Now, there are a lot of people posting at a lot of places that truly believe that they can recruit better, coach better, play better, and even run a University better than ANYONE! Most of these people have no patience. They don't understand much about the way the process of building a program works (although they think they know it all), and they will continue to pound their chests until we start winning championships. They believe that it is our right, and they want it done yesterday. What they don't see is that the constant bashing is actually hindering the process. They are partly to blame for our setbacks.
Con't
Herb is the perfect example. I'm not saying Herb would have taken us to the promised land, but all of the bashing drove him to leave, split the lockerroom and set us back six or seven years. If they had there way today, Sid would be fired, our top 5 recruiting class would be lost, and our BB program would be set back another 7 years. Their take would be 'Hire a proven winner, then!' What proven winner wants to coach at a place where the fans only support you when your winning, and bash the shit out of you when your losing? The answer is...nobody. Unless you want to hire a crook like Calipari, and break the bank to do it. Then, eventually, we'd be hung out to dry anyway.
Redfred, people these days don't want to do things the right way. They want it, and they want it now!
To these people, WPH and everyone who subscribes to their philosophy will seem foreign to them, and subject to ridicule. That's their 'M.O.' And, it'll be interesting to see what these people are going to talk about once somebody starts winning. I doubt much will change. They'll find something to bitch about, and the world will keep spinning around. I have slowly stopped even reading the articles at these sites because of the negativity that they foster. It's like listening to Sean Hannity. I know a lot of reasonable Republicans, but I would love to reach through the radio and strangle that guy everytime I happen to hear him. That's the reaction they want, so I just don't go there anymore.
They would say we're the ones that are being brainwashed. I contend that they are the ones drinking the proverbial 'Kool-aid.'
Peace
Go Pack.
ppack and redfred.
Thank you sirs.
I'd love to up on board and add on but you boys have said what needed to be said on the subject. Impatience is the root of it all and its ridiculous.
Touche you two.
Go pack.
Good points Redfred,
Thanks for the response. I definitely agree that many State fans seem to always have something to complain about and don't ever seem to enjoy all that State has to offer in the here and now. I realize it is not fun to lose, but at the same time, it is a lot less fun to watch State sports when you can't accept that the guys playing the game are STILL JUST STUDENTS. Most of them care just as DEEPLY as WE do. My feelings on TOB and Sidney is that they both have their strengths and weaknesses, but as far putting a winning program on the field/court, it would be real easy to just go the way of people like Calipari and just cut corners here and there. I, however, agree with TOB's philosophy of "succeeding in the classroom, community, and on the field." I also believe SID can only tell the guys what they need to do to take their game to the NBA level, he CAN'T do it for them. Personally, I think SID is going to be the one that really surprises A LOT of people when he gets his two guards in here next year. Only time will tell, but in basketball, as we saw with the Memphis Tigers 2 years ago, it only takes a really good class or two in the span of two years to get really good, really quick. Sidney knows that, but he also knows that to be successful against the "two blues" in the long-term he will HAVE TO recruit well year-in year-out. Football is a whole different type of monster. Football REALLY DOES take time, but with someone steady like TOB, we'll be sure to improve year over year.
BTW, just as a sidenote, I think the one thing that sticks out in my mind about Ryan Harrow that is such a HUGE plus for our future, is that he was quoted in a video a while back as saying, "It's not even how big you are, it's about how big your heart is." This comment, even coming from a VERY YOUNG Ryan Harrow playing against the likes of Shaq at a bball camp just gives me goosebumps. His comment embodies what the Wolfpack is all about- NEVER EVER GIVE UP. He is going to be something special from the moment he walks through the door. And I know right now, our football team seems weak, but Russell is really one of the GREAT ONES too. These guys don't come around very often, so lets enjoy them while we have them!
GO PACK!
pp3, as far as "The Debate" goes, we could argue that until the cows come home. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure we ALREADY HAVE! :)
I have my strong opinions on it, and if you wanted to use the logic that you just stated up there, you could say that I, redfred, was one of the biggest perpetrators in "running the former Coach out of town". I do take objection to that line of thinking, and I have what I think are very valid points to contradict all of what you are saying. But hey, that's just my opinion, as yours is your opinion. There is no definite way to prove that either one of us is correct in our thinking at this point anyway.
I'll just say this, I'm pretty certain that enough time had elapsed so that we pretty much fully knew what was to be expected from season to season. As well as what direction the former coach was leading the program. It was a consistent diet of not so bad showings, but not too good showings as well.
As a matter of fact, a huge portion of the NC State fan
base seemed to be perfectly content with those results year in, and year out. I'll just admit to it right now, that was what completely drove me over the edge more than anything!!! Sure the robotic "system" and the coaching were major contributors in my thinking back them, of course, but just knowing that there was an entire generation being brought up to fully believe that NC State University is worse than second best, nothing more than third rate at best, and seeing them openly accept it without so much as whimper, that my friend, is what drove me bonkers and tore me up inside.
And it still does, very much so.
It may be today's reality, but that does not make it the truth.
I am trying to be brief, and I know, I'm doing it again, but I personally do not get too much more upset about being at the bottom of the conference in BB, then I do finishing in third or fourth place. I mean seriously, when you're not a contender either way what soes it really matter? Also, anyone who gets off on NCAA "appearances", really needs to get a life. You are either a legitimate player, and in REAL contention for some kind of a championship, or you're a wannabe. There are no consolation prizes for third place in YOUR OWN CONFERENCE in MAJOR college athletics.
We reached a certain point many years ago, and for some reason many of our fans began to accept that "certain point" as NC State's high water mark, and it's ultimate level of competence. They were lulled into thinking that there is no possible way that a University like NC State can overtake the likes of it's two closest rivals.
Once again, that may be today's reality, and those unfortunate fan's reality, but that still does not make it the absolute truth.
Ask Coach K, or Dean Smith, if they would have survived by thinking that way. Hell no! They wouldn't have, and we would be sitting here laughing our asses off!!! Also with about twenty some odd more ACCT Championships under our belt, as well as who knows how many more National Championship banners hanging in the rafters as well.
They simply borrowed our thunder, and for an over extended period of time. We CAN get it back!
I know we're down, I'm not blind, or stupid, well, stupid maybe. But for the first time in about ten years, I see a BB program that is on the rise. (I know, I know, it can't go down any further) But it's a program that is regaining the missing in tangibles and that has the signs of considering itself as a currently experienced, and possibly outmanned to a certain extent, but nonetheless an equal who is hungry to get back up on top. One that is seeking out and gathering the personnel that are necessary to break through the status quo of today's mundane reality, and trying regain that unlimited ceiling that this University once bestowed upon many of it's student-athletes.
^continued from above
Speaking just for myself and no one else, that is so much more exciting to me, than knowing that you're destined to be a little more than acceptable, that you'll most likely make it to "that certain point" once again, but that that's about all that you and the rest of the "perfectly content" with the status quo buddies and NC State fans have to reasonably look forward to year after year.
I believe that whatever the final prognosis is, that Sidney Lowe is injecting a whole new definition of where NC State's ceiling is really meant to be. He is slowly but SURELY improving this BB program into something that will be much more desireable to other coaches when the proper time arrives for that change to take place. Whether or not it all comes to fruition on Sidney Lowe's watch, only time will tell.
All of said, Sidney Lowe should know that his job security is very much hinging on a quick and very undeniable change in player attitudes, as well as a swift and noticeable upgrade in the effort and intensity departments as well. He should be fully prepared for that eventuality when the very first second ticks off the clock in the very first game of the...
2009-2010 NC STATE WOLFPACK BB SEASON!!!
Change the name of the site to redfred ramblings
Alright Ill give my 2 cents since everyone has been emailing me asking me what I think lol.
With any team or sport there are fair weather fans. NC State has them, UNC has them, the yanks have them, every team has them. When UNC went through the Daughtery cry baby blue was hard to find handing outside of homes and on redneck tshirts (but when they get a good year all of the sudden it comes in focks). Im not sure why, but it seems more than any other team ive seen, NC State fans like to attack eachother as much as if not more than other schools. Its almost like people get so mad with recent results that they cant yell anymore and throwing a temper tantrum will break things so the ONLY logical solution left is to attack fellow fans who have a different idea on how to have success. Truthfully NONE of us know exactly how to fix the situations some sports are in but all fans like to THINK they have the solution. Ive long decided that if your going to root for a college team, you HAVE to take the highs with the lows. Most fans on a forum or board, well not most but a large portion, just want to argue and rant and curse about anything. And thats fine thats what a open forum is for but what we as positive, knowledgable, level headed fans must remember is joeblow9387 is obviously angry way beyond his point of no return and wants to throw a hissyfit so if you disagree with his incoherent bashings he will turn against you. Not because he hates you or because he really disagrees with you that much, but because he can hide beind a fake name and not be held accountable in the real world for whatever nonsence he says.
Now this red on red crime is extremly prevelent on blogs, boards, and forums as Ive said previously, but im finding that your average fan at a bar or game doesnt act like the same person on a blog ranting and cursing the school they love, EVEN IF ITS THE SAME PERSON. I met a person who was a calm rational fan who, although didnt like where his school was, still could make constructive critcism without crossing lines. Now that exact same person signs on to your average NNN blog will just lose it throwing f bombs and making assumptions and accusations that just blow my mind.
Ill stop my rambling but remember RedFred and those who get so mad about other fans on a board bashing and attacking, its easy to go with the grain on a negative blog and snowball a bad situation thus turning on their own kind once someone speaks up to defend a coach, player, or admin. Fred they arnt attack you the person Mr. Reginald Freddrick of 103 Main Street, Raleigh NC 27607 SS# 32643813 they are simply attacking your account name because of your rational ideas and views on what makes your school better. Trust me fred ive had my "name" run through the mud enough times over there because of my opinion on certin situations and it really doesnt matter!!! Your home is here!!
Let the haters hate but we ALL KNOW what is soon in store for the wolfpack nation and it will be a victory for me when those same people have to silently eat their words and cheer as the man they once called for termination actually knew what he was doing afterall....
Well said Pack Leader.
RedFred, this is why I love this blog. People can come here and have a rational discussion, whether they disagree or not. The thing is, I don't disagree with you. I never said Herb should have been allowed to stay. I just hate the way our fans are portrayed because the administration didn't have the foresight to replace Herb themselves, and let the 'lunatic fringe' run him out on a rail for them. There is a time and a place for replacing your coach, when the effects on recruiting aren't as prevalent. I never thought that the coaching search was handled correctly, but honestly, Fowler didn't have a lot of bargaining chips at his disposal to start with, by he and the administration's own doing. That is what I meant by being 'set-back.'
Trust me, My frustration level through the Herb years was nice and high too. I certainly wasn't complacent with the situation. But, as I said, I wasn't one of the guys leaning over the tunnel after Herb lost his last NCAA Tournament game, calling him a Mother F*&^%er on National TV. I think those kinds of things feed the notion that State fans are irrational fans, hungry for coaches heads when they don't win.
All of your points are valid, IMO, RedFred. I just wanted you to know that I don't walk around thinking that everything is gumdrops and roses, and wiskers on kittens. There is a point where you have to admit that your coach isn't getting you where you need to be. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on what that time frame should be, but there is a time frame. And there will be that point with our current coaches, lest they end up being legends, or retiring as heroes.
I am under no false illusions about our school's coaches or administrators. I choose to support them, not blindly, but with hope and gratitude in the job that they were brought into the NCSU family to do. The athletes and coaches deserve respect for the hours of their lives that they dedicate to our University.
I'm going to button it up, now. But make no mistake, I feel like these programs (BB and FB) have a better shot at being where we want them to be than they did just a few years ago. I have hope. I'm off to slurp some Kool-aid, now. And to eat some pie on a cloud.
Go Pack!
Packleader: college fans have highs and lows.
Please name a high for Pack fans in the last...oh... 3 years. 36 months. Baseball going to Athens for the Super Regional aside, I don't think you can.
So here at State we have the lows... no highs... that's the whole problem. We're State fans. We're as prepared for and comfortable with the lows as ANY fan out there. We're the Raiders, Cubs, Warriors fans of the ACC and likely all of college sports.
Expecting SOME highs isn't a tall order for a minimally adequate administration.
Man! I posted one or two short and simple comments, and look what happened???!!!
Nah seriously, A-L-L of you guys have reminded of some things that rarely enter my mind when I get on one of my dreaded rolls. I really do need to forget about the negative nancy's out there, nothing I can do will change their sour attitudes and they'll probably all whine themselves to death anyway. I need to get back to concentrating on the most important thing once again, which are the KIDS, and THE FUTURE of NC State as well.
I'm going to back off for a while and just lay low, because I can think of nothing worse than thinking ANYTHING that I may say would dampen a young kid's enthusiam, or dim his/her view of NC State University in any way. It has had it's problems over the years, and continues to today, but make no mistake about it, NC STATE is still a GREAT UNIVERSITY!!!
Later,
redfred
word verification: "gudridenz"
"Please name a high for Pack fans in the last...oh... 3 years. 36 months."
the run to the ACC finals was pretty fun. and the win in the old spice challenge, while not great, was pretty fun too.
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