Basketball season is officially here and NC State fans got an early preview during the "Red Rally at Reynolds.' The night started off with a women's basketball practice which gave many their first chance to meet the new Wolfpack women's coach Kellie Harper. The women's team ran through a series of drills before making way for the games. First was a 'hot shot' shootout where the players from the men's and women's teams teamed up with a fan. Dennis Horner and Julius Mays' team got hot and won the competition rather handily. THE DUNK CONTEST
Next up was the dunk contest. If there were odds on this contest, they surely would have heavily favored the high rising redshirt sophomore, Johnny Thomas. Thomas, known for his freak athleticism, took on Kaycee Obi-gwacham, Farnold Degand, and Jordan Vandenberg in what didn't look like much competition on paper. That wasn't the case. Although Degand was very impressive, throwing down a pump reverse slam, it was Thomas and freshman Jordan Vandenberg who got the crowd on their feet. Vandenberg, a 7'0 freshman who was virtually unknown when he signed with the Pack last season, didn't garner a lot of off-season hype. Maybe it was because NC State hasn't had the best of luck with 7 footers in the past few years. Jordan, however, took the crowd by surprise when he placed fellow freshman, Scott Wood in the upper deck to assist on his first dunk of the night. Wood lofted a perfect bounce pass from the rafters which Vandenberg caught near the rim and threw down with authority ( and surprisingly, some athleticism). Definitely a nice novelty dunk that drew some attention, but probably not enough to take down Thomas. Johnny Thomas was up next and threw down a nasty windmill, getting straight 8's and 9s from the judges. Vandenberg countered with a off the side of the backboard alley oop. He took off from outside the lane and put it down hard, showing off some aggressiveness and some real athleticism. Thomas came back with an impressive gliding slam that get him to the final round, where he met Vandenberg.
The crowd was already buzzing about the Australian, who many viewed as a project player coming into the season, when he pulled out the dunk of the night. Vandenberg took off from the right, elevated, went between his legs with the ball and threw down a dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy. 10's across the board gave Jordan the victory, and gave NC State fans a very pleasant surprise.
THE SCRIMMAGE
There was something a little different about the Red/White game this year. There was a feeling on the court that this team was out to prove something. From the very get go, the competition was intense. Coaches shouting instruction from the sidelines, full court defense, and players getting on the floor for loose balls. The red team was comprised of Farnold Degand, Javi Gonzalez, Thomas Painter and Tracy Smith (Josh Davis was the sub). The white team came out with Julius Mays, CJ Williams, Scott Wood, Dennis Horner and Jordan Vandenberg. The tempo started fast and stayed fast throughout, and it really looked as if the players were starting to grasp the faster paced game. When the lanes were open and they had the numbers, the Pack attacked on the break, but when nothing was there, they attacked and then pulled back. It was obvious that they wanted to get out and run the way Degand, Mays and Gonzalez pushed the ball all night. Teams are going to need to be ready to get back on defense when they play the Wolfpack this season. Here is a breakdown of each player from the scrimmage:
Farnold Degand
Degand looked as healthy as he's ever looked. Last season he was deemed 'ready to play' but still had some visible struggles with his injured knee. Last night he was in attack mode and wow was he quick. For the most part he made good decision on the break and got the ball to the right person at the right time. He was also playing some good defense and knocked down an open three from the wing.
Julius Mays
Poised and calm like always, Mays looked a little more confidence tonight than he did last season. He was pushing the ball and trying to make plays, and while his shot wasn't on this night, he showed a lot of the same positives he did last season toward the end of the year. He took care of the ball, ran the offense and went 100% to entire time.
Javi Gonzalez
There has been a huge difference in the Javi Gonzalez we saw at the beginning of last year to the Javi we saw at the end of last season and tonight in the scrimmage. He's stronger with the ball, attacking the rim and looking to shoot off the dribble when he can free himself. Javi saw a few open shots and knocked them down. It seems as if it will be he and Degand fighting for that lead guard spot all season (although Degand seemed to play a lot of the '2' tonight)
CJ Williams
CJ is going to have to score this season for the Pack to be successful and he knows that. Williams, sporting what he calls a "fro-hawk" and a bulked up body did not disappoint. He played hard every minute he was on the court, constantly looking for his shot. He knocked down a few short jumpers in traffic and definitely will be a go-to guy for the Pack this year.
Scott Wood
Definitely one of my favorites out there last night, Wood was everywhere. He played with a confidence I haven't seen from a freshman since Julius Hodge stepped foot on campus years ago. Wood was always hustling and actually was very impressive on defense, staying in front of his man and providing help side defense when he was supposed to. On offense, you can tell, he just gets it. He knows where the ball is supposed to be and what is a good shot. For Scott, any time he's open it's a good shot. He showed off a very pretty, very soft shot that is Steph Curry-esque in terms of quick release. He also showed that he isn't scared of the big boys as he challenge Johnny Thomas one on one, on the break. Wood threw is body into Thomas for the layup attempt, and although he was blocked, he picked up the foul and the respect of all in attendance.
Josh Davis
"Josh Davis is going to be hard to keep off the floor this season" said Sidney Lowe in his press conference on Friday, and you could see why in the scrimmage. Davis never stops moving. He is definitely a defenders nightmare the way he is constantly cutting and screening. He is also a battler on the boards. He stands at 6'6 but rebounds like he's 6'8. The guy obviously cherishes the fact that he's wearing the red and white and is going to give you everything he's got, every time he steps on the floor. His defense is textbook and he even showed the fans a little of his offensive game when he caught a swing pass, drove baseline and finished over all the bigs with a little tear drop. Davis is that energy guy, or that glue guy that the team will look too when in a funk. Davis looks like he'll be seeing a lot of 6th man time this year if he keeps this up.
DeShawn Painter
For us, Painter was one of the more impressive guys out there in terms of upside. Now, he didn't shine in a way that makes you think that he'll be a star from day one, but at some point Painter is going to be a key piece to this Wolfpack team. With very long arms and some very quick springs, Painter is a real scrapper in the paint. If there's a rebound up for grabs, he's going to do whatever he can to bring it down. He also is a match up nightmare. At 6'9, Painter was banging in the post for position, and a lot of the time he got it. What makes him so dangerous though is his ability to swing out to the wing an attack. When he brings a 6'9 guy to the perimeter, they're toast. Painters' got a great first step for a big and very accurate jumper that looks very smooth. Don't be surprised if Painter becomes a real force once he gets acclimated to the ACC.
Johnny Thomas
The Pack fans finally got to see a healthy Johnny Thomas, and it was a sight for sore eyes. Thomas was aggressive as usual and looking to score. The staff were careful with him and gave him some him a lot of rest, but he looked good overall. He was hustling, locking down on defense and attacking the boards. Thomas showed off the jumpshot he's been talking about as he knocked down two long 2's. If he can stay healthy, Thomas will be a key part of this team.
Dennis Horner
Dennis has definitely added some weight this season, something that will do him good now that he's strictly a 4. Horner was going up against Painter a lot of the night and looked like the veteran that he is. He, for the most part, made the right plays at the right times throughout the game. While his three ball wasn't falling tonight, you can see how big of a mismatch he'll cause with big, lumbering forwards who can't guard the perimeter, as it seems he hasn't lost any quickness with the added muscle. All night, Dennis mixed it up in the paint showing the fans that he's not afraid to throw his body around. He has definitely bought into the fact that he is 4 now and will be looked to for rebounding.
Jordan Vandenberg
We won't lie. We were literally shocked with Vandenberg. We've heard that he's better than advertised but really? While Vandenberg still has some work to do, this kid has the skills to get paid at the next level if he can harness his skills. Any time a 7 footer goes through his legs for a dunk, I think you should take notice. The dunk contest gave the fans a taste of what Vandenberg can bring to the table. He is no project player, that's for sure. While he has a ton of potential, he showed in the scrimmage that there is still work to be done. He's obviously not used to the contact and the physicality of the ACC game on offense, but on defense Jordan is a terror. He altered shots, blocked a shot and came down with a bunch of boards. He showed that he loves to crash the offensive glass. His jumpshot was also pretty impressive. He has a soft touch and an accurate hook shot, that just wouldn't go down tonight.
Tracy Smith
Smith was as advertised. Big, strong and talented. This season he looks like he's in tip-top shape and that he has been working on his post game. Upon receiving his first entry pass, Smith (back to the basket) faked left, spun right and hit an acrobatic reverse layup. When Smith received the ball on the blocks, he had on goal. Punishment. He just backs himself in and goes up for the slam in aggressive fashion. It is nice to know you have a guy that really invites contact in the paint and can finish with the best of them. Smith is projected to have a breakout season and tonight he showed that the hype is certainly warranted.
Overall the 'Red Rally' was a success and there was a pretty decent turnout. The excitement around the basketball program is growing and a lot of people are starting to take notice. Tonight there were some big-time recruits in the house. 2010 commit, Luke Cothron was sitting court side and seemed to be having a great time. Down one section was another 2010 prospect Tashawn Mabry who has been in contact with NC State and maybe in the plans if the Pack misses on CJ Leslie. 2011 prospect Dezmine Wells was also in the house along with 2013 phenom, Rodney Purvis. We'll have more on the impact of this event later, along with some updates on how the recruits enjoyed themselves.Stay tuned for video and more Red Rally coverage later on in the day...
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43 Responses to "Pack Provides Excitement at 'Red Rally'"Alright Alright I guess its time PACK LEADER gave his 2cents on what happened last night w/ a little player performance breakdown....
My biggest surprise of the night... JORDAN VANDENBERG. He is not the frail tall Aussie that I had imagined, he has great athleticism for his size and WPP is 100% right when they talked about his hustle and work ethic. Not even talking about the dunk contest (which was impressive), That guy SPRINTED up and down the floor on EVERY change of possession. W/ a noticeable uptempo style He was one of the first players back on Def which is key and then would still be tipping a ball away from Tracey or someone on the Offensive glass. I didnt expect him to contribute much his fresh year but I WAS WRONG, he could easily EARN significant mins at C and we wouldn't lose a beat w/ him in im confident in that.
Scott Wood has a LIGHTNING quick stroke that he showed all night long. During the "3 point contest" (which was team orientated not individual like so many fans wanted) he made ATLEAST half of his teams points from beind the arc. Watching him warm up the man next to me and I coudnt 7 straight 3s w/o hitting rim, this kid is LEGIT. Hes quick up and down the floor and even saw him knock the ball away from Thomas a couple times. It was easy to see why the coaches were so high on him... He could be our leading scorer...
I wont talk about all players but Smith clearly has lost some weight and he is moving quicker and more aggressive down low w/ a spin move than almost left Deshawn in the dust. Speaking of Deshawn he never was able to get offensively going but anyone can see the talent level w/ him is there and he can be a force when put in the right position. Josh Davis, although extremely active and hustling, was caught out of position numerous times through out the night. On offense he missed several screens called his way which made javi talk to him twice about moving to the ball and setting the pick when its called. IMHO it will take time for him to understand the Off and what is expected of him. Not rooting against him, its just obvious his skill set wasnt with the other players.
Lastly PG, My winner for the night was Javi. Although Mays did very well and Id be happy with him starting for our team, Javi was much quicker up and down the floor and ran an offense with his team several times. It was great to see Mays playing off Wood though you can tell they are comfortable w/ eachother several times wood coming off screens to pop and Julius knew exactly where he was. But Javi was Speedy quick out there and even hit 2 3s, going 2-3 from downtown (we will ignore the airball wide open from the top the key). Good first practice overall, not many turnovers for an up and down uptempo passe. My starting 5 for right now is
Javi
CJ Williams
Scott Wood
Smith
VANDENBERGGGGG
OH anddd
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE COTHRON!!!!!!!
Great coverage. I'm getting really excited for the season to start!
What's going on with the new site?
Any word on whether or not Leslie was at BBM?
Thanks. We found a glitch in the framework of the new site at the very last second. We'll be moving to it soon, but we need to make sure things are 100% working correctly. No time table for it right now. We're just going to continue on as we have been for the time being.
Nice write up...lets get those videos rolling!!!
We spoke with someone in the Leslie camp that was in attendance last night and he even said that Leslie was on his way up to Kentucky to check it out.
I'm not real sure what happened. We'll see what we can find out.
I'll try to keep this short, but I wanted to fill in some holes in your player evaluations. So, here it goes...
Farnold - Started at the '2.' This was more telling, to me, than WPH's has let on. I believe that CJ Williams and Farnold will be taking on SG by committee.
CJ Williams - He looked good. He has put on some muscle and looked smooth with his dribbling, his shot and his defense. He's not as quick as Farnold, but his ability to create his own shot is his 'leg up.' Reference the winning shot of the game, to lift the less experienced White teams comeback win over the Reds. He was clutch.
Javi - Javi is as quick as Farnold, in my eyes. He showed his shooting skills, hitting a long three with some pressure. He pushed the tempo and looked confident. I do wish he would look to pass on the break earlier and more often. He tends to take it himself, and although that draws some fouls, he could produce assists even easier.
Julius Mays - Mays looks like he knows what he's doing out there. You know, you don't have to be the quickest guy on the floor if you're in the right place. And Julius looks like he knows where he, and everyone else, is supposed to be on the court. He shot looks good. He makes good decisions on the break, and he keeps his head on a swivel and his arms up on defense. All are good traits. I think that he will handle PG duties with Javi this year.
Scott Wood - What can you say about this guy? He looked composed and sure. He carried his team in the 3-point contest and proceeded to score 8 of the first 11 points for the white team! He is tall enough to get his shot off with little space. He is long enough and quick enough to create problems as a defender (had at least one steal last night) and he is a sharp passer, just ask the Aussie! Now, this guy is going to be hard to keep off the court this year, I don't care what Sid Says!
Josh Davis - You could feel his high energy on the floor! WPH's is right, he never stops. Some of his screens were lose, but he never stopped setting them. He looked 'Farnold quick' on defense and again, he plays long. He'll add that presence as well as some rebounding help from the SF position. He definitely bleeds Red.
Richard Howell - I hate that we didn't get to see him work, but the good part about that is that our opponents will have less film on him. He looked every bit as big as advertised.
DeShawn Painter - This guy was impressive, IMO. I'll bet he gives Howell, Jordan and Tracey fits everyday. He plays 'high-energy' and is a great rebounder. He has the 'want to' that it takes to clean up the boards. He looks a lot like a leaner Tracey Smith. Painter, Howell and Smith...that's a good frontcourt. Young, but good. Add Luke into the mix next year, and a good frontcourt becomes a formidable frontcourt.
Jordan Vandenberg - Where does the Aussie fit into all of this? Right in the middle of the Defense! Jordan surprised everybody with his coordination and leaping ability (though he doesn't HAVE to leap very far, he does anyway) during the dunk contest. Anyone who says that he is a 'Luke Schensure-type' (Sp?) is not giving Jordan credit. His offensive game will take some work, but he is not some long term project. No way.
Tracey Smith - Tracey was relatively quiet during the scrimmage. He started off with the nice spin move to a reverse lay-up. But, he seemed to struggle to get his shot off over the Aussie, for most of the game. Granted, he didn't force the issue but a couple of times, credit the defense for limiting his touches. He's still a beast. We all know it!
Johnny Thomas - I really thought that Johnny was holding his back and walking a bit funny after the second set of dunks in the dunk contest. But he showed no signs of slowing during the rest of the contest and during the scrimmage. He is log and athletic. He plays good defense. I hope we can keep him healthy. Although we haven't seen him much, he still brings a RS-Jr.'s experience to the table. We need that this year.
Overall, these are the things that stood out for me:
The young team won. That says a lot about the poise of the younger guys. Wood is going to be very good. Very Good. Jordan will, to a lesser extent, surprise a lot of people. Javi and Farnold running together is a sign of how positions are shaping up. Some have suggested moving Mays to SG, I say, 'not after what I saw at the Red Rally. Painter is working hard to help immediately, and he will. Our Bigs are going to be much better this year. Even Horner is becoming the PF that he is bulking up to be! I don't know if this team is going to make any miracle runs (though it is always possible in Raleigh), but I know that this team will not be last in the league, as some have predicted.
I would have a hard time not starting this line-up, if I were coaching:
PG - Julius Mays
SG - CJ Williams
SF - Scott Wood
PF - Dennis Horner
C - Tracey Smith
Team Two would be:
PG - Javi Gonzalez
SG - Farnold DeGand
SF - Johnny Thomas
PF - Painter/Howell
C - Jordan Vandenberg
From there, if you want to go big or small, the options are virtually unlimited!
Oh, and the dance team looks good, again. And I loved Mark Thomas as the emcee. That worked, somehow. Oh, and I think that, if my wife ever decides to leave me, I am going after Coach Harper! Her accent is just the icing on that cake! ;)
Go Pack!
Pack Leader - It seems like that's what you get with Javi. He could be on, he might jack up something crazy! You don't know. I love his speed and his fire. But he's a bit of a loose cannon at times. Whatever line-up Wood goes on, IMO, Mays goes on. They are already comfortable with each other, and you can tell.
Also, I can't see starting the Aussie over Smith just yet. But, is Jordan going to gather splinters on the bench? Hell no.
I did see A LOT of turnovers on outlet passes, trying to get out on the break. Otherwise, you're right. There weren't a lot of errant passes or dribbles of the foot and out-of-bounds. That's a good sign.
Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!!!!!
Go State!
BTW, I'm glad I could keep it short for you guys! :) Your welcome.
Thanks for "Keeping it short" PPack!!!! hahaha I kid
I agree Wood should be on w/ Julius and to be 100% I'm totally fine w/ those two starting. Really the only reason I gave Javi the nod after last night was he looked a little more focused (minus the open airball)
and really pushed the ball which our team needs to establish. Even when Julius did push it he would just stop and set up the half court (and even pick up his dribble 35 ft from the basket and have to burn a TO) which kinda defeats the purpose of fast break IMO.
Maybe I was too quick to jump big V in the starting lineup from day 1 considering he has some mistakes (like holding the ball real low allowing javi to steal the ball) but he will be a huge boost of energy nomatter when he plays.
Degand did have his speed back your right about that
If we could combine Javi's speed and passion, with Mays' good decision making and clutch shooting, and mix in some serious assist vision, then you would have yourself, well, Ryan Harrow. Until then, this team is going to have to utilize the strengths of the wolves that have uniforms, as of this year. Possible, certainly.
Scott Wood. Get used to hearing his name. Scott Wood. There.
i hope you cant fix the glitch,and decide to scrap the new plan,i know,thats kind of messed up,thats just how i feel,i believe that the 495 will eventually become 895,all to soon
I posted a long recap of my own in the story below this one, but I just wanted to say that I agree with all of whats been said. And like everyone else, Big Jordan was the surprise of the night.
I can't wait for him to give opponents fits out there. He will be great. Not to mention Scott Wood and Ryan Harrow feeding him pinpoint passes down low...its gonna be sweet!
Get over it Anonymous!
Nice work Wolpackhoops! I love the site.
I'm getting real excited for this season to start and can't wait to see the video.
Any word on Harrow being there?
Ryan was unable to make it last night due to a family obligation.
Well, tell Ryan we missed him and we look forward to seeing him play in the Glaxo in December.
So, I'm taking from all of this that...
Scott Wood is as I thought, and as advertized, and he will add a solid and confident presence on the court.
Jordan Vandenberg does have something to offer immediately, and he will be getting an opportunity sooner than most of the naysayers ever thought he would.
I need a little more info on Josh Davis though, I didn't get a real feel for him from the reports on here. He is apparently a hustler who gives the necessary effort, but how about his size and athleticism?
All summaries are accurate. I was most impressed by scott wood and jordan vandenburg. Farnold still had turnover issues in the begining of the scrimmage but seemed to settle down. As a previous poster suggested javi is a bit of a lose cannon and you dont really know what your gonna get with him. I looked all over for ryan harrow but could not find him. My highlight of the night was getting a david thompson autograph!!
RedFred - Josh plays bigger than his athletic 6'6" frame. He looks like a leaper. He drove baseline for his only score (I think) got fouled, and ended up in the air behind the backboard. I was sitting directly in line with the side of said backboard, and though, "there's no way he's going to TRY to get this shot off." Not only did he try, he made the little dipsy do, in traffic. Like I said before, he is all energy. He'll have to learn how to direct it, but it is there and it is infectious. He is still kind of a tweener. Is he a SF? I guess by his size, yes. I don't think he has all of the skills to play at SG, and he plays big, but PF big? nope.
Goodbye Simon Harris, hello (upgraded) Josh Davis!
Also, I was wondering...The other two kids that nobody has really heard of...are they walk-ons? I'm guessing, yes. I can't even remember their names.
BTW RedFred, nobody here thinks you're an ass. Well, I don't think you're an ass. Times have hit some people hard. I see it everyday. My wife and I have been lucky to be able to maintain income this year. Your children ALWAYS come first, period. Save up those rants and pop for $5.95 twice a year and bust loose for a month at a time! It wouldn't be the same without you, fella. I hope the ship rights itself soon for you, my friend.
Go State!
Word Verification: Scout
ppack:
Both Kufour and Obi-Gwachum (sp?) were on the team last year as walk ons. I assume they are also walking on this year.
This is really great to here and u guys did a great job of covering the event. I was really curious about Richard Howell and as to why he wasnt mentioned at all. Any word on that WPH?
He's got a knee problem, meniscus. Word is, he'll be ok once the sesion starts.
I think the expectation is that he will be cleared by the season opener, but that doesn't mean he will be back in game shape by then. Just something to remember.
anyone who was in attendance, which of the 3 pg's(Javi,Degand, Mays) was most impressive?
Anon - Farnold played at SG, so it's hard to say how he would've run the show. Javi and Mays have their srengths and weaknesses. If they were one guy, and the best of both, they would be very impressive. As it stands, IMO, Javi is a burner who makes some questionable decisions at times, and too often takes his own shot rather than making the extra pass on the break. Mays is very steady, has a good stroke, but pulls back the reigns more often than he pushes the tempo. The Coaches are going to have to decide which situations are best suited for which player. Neither is head and shoulders above the other, IMO.
Uh, ppack3, I don't really think you'd better be speaking for everyone else like that :), but I do thank you very much for the kind words!!!
Also, thanks for your report on Josh Davis, that one does give me a feel for him.
I've been looking around some today, and it's really strange to me how the positive NC State fans sitback and let the negative nancys rule the internet 99% of the time. Then, you see just one media source saying that the coaching staff may actually be gaining ground, and suddenly the positive fans start popping up on the blogs to state their case.
Why??? Why not state your POSITIVE case ALL OF THE TIME???!!! I mean, if you're afraid or intimidated to go up against negative majority of NC State BB fans, just turn on the TV and watch what their blind hype is producing on the grid iron RIGHT NOW, and AGAIN.
Hey, I'm not complaining that they were being OUTRAGEOUSLY and OVERLY positive about the FB program, it's just that they took all of their infinite, AND COMPLETELY INCORRECT, wisdom involving the current state of the FB program, and they used it as counterpoint. They used their COMPLETELY INCORRECT thinking to BASH and BATTER the the BB program, and it's HC, every time the opportunity presented itself.
I've been wrong before myself, but WTH???!!! I don't think I've ever been quite that far off.
So, the next time one of those NC State fans who looked down his nose at you and thought he was so brilliant and far superior because he was on the NC State FB bandwagon from day one, offers a comment that is outrageously negative about the BB program, just tell him, "No thanks! We've already seen just how ridiculous a completely unbalanced viewpoint can make a sports fan look."
Now, now. We are all on the same team here. Just because some of us got overly excited about football should not be used against us. Coach Lowe will gain plenty of respect when he starts winning consistantly. I support him 100% and I feel confident that he will get the job done. But, you have to understand the frustration of not going to any postseason for 2 years. I think if the team plays hard and gives us hope for the future that will satisfy enough fans and journalists. Everyone knows that we have a top 5 class coming in next year to go with our our talented and young nucleus.
Wolfcop, I beg to differ. Maybe you weren't one of those folks, but when some of our own fans can't see past their own uppity noses enough to realize that NEITHER/NONE of our athletic programs deserve that much PRAISE right now. Also that NEITHER/NONE of our programs deserve to be completely dragged through the mud RIGHT NOW either.
We need BALANCE, and SUPPORT, not a bunch of fans who hold one program up on high, and look down their noses at the other. Especially when there NO BASIS WHATSOEVER to justify that bias.
You show me a majority of commentary on both the FB and BB programs, where there not so much favoritism towards just one program that in reality has NOT performed any better than the OTHER ONE, and then yes, I'll say we're all on the same team.
I'm not even attempting to guess will be the correct approach to take in regards to the coaching in the near future, I definitely don't have that answer myself. I'm just saying that if there is anyone out there who is STILL listening to these guys who have been constantly praising and pumping up the FB program/Coach, while at the same time constantly trashing the BB program/Coach, and saying the BB Coach should be fired, then those fans a little reality check, and they really need to wise up.
How about we all agree that we are super excited about basketball season to start. I feel like this season has great potential to be a stepping stone to our future. Honestly have faith in all of our programs equally and your NC State Fan hood can never be braught into question. Never favor one or the other because one is having more success and lastly love NC STATE unconditionally. Basketball season is going to be great and I really cannot wait for it to begin.
Good viewpoint there Mr Wolf! I'm hoping that just like you, but even I'm not going to go so far as to say that THIS COMING BB will be "great". I do think there will be different a attitude, and a different skillset will be starting to take hold, but there is still much work yet to be done.
You know, kinda like the FB program, where there is still much work that's yet to be done also.
word verfication- "suckporz" WTH!!!
Honestly redfred I think this basketball season can be GREAT! I say this simply because this year in my opinion will be on a different grading scale (i know you know what I mean redfred). I successful season is very much in reach this year. We have finally graduated out some underachievers and are starting to get in some great young talent. One thing I want to say is that wolfpack bball fans stay positive about this year because it is a work in progress and lets keep the rbc center PACKED to give our guys some great energy to feed off of.
On a final note I know that it is early but has anybody heard anything out of the Leslie camp. I have been searching non stop for the past hour and have not found anything, so I guess thats a good thing. Hey WPH if its possible can you let us know anything as soon as you hear something. Thanks and lets go pack.
^Yeah, Mr Wolf, I knew exactly what you were saying earlier, and I feel the same way. It's just that a lot of fans can only see fit to attach the word "great" when there are bunch of "W's" on one side of the column, and only a few "L's" on the other.
Myself, I'd love to come out of the chute in mid-season form, ready and raring to go. But if not, I still can also enjoy the process. I'll cuss and fuss as much as anyone when we don't play well, but I also try to remember that what I say/type on this thing called the "internet", just may (?) have some impact on the future of the program.
I don't post much, but I have been wanting to put my thoughts into words for quite some time now. I have seen posters on other boards constantly bashing everything bball while upholding everything fball even though both are in similar positions. I have read where posters have said that it was obvious that the fball program was headed in the right direction while refusing to see anything positive about the bball program. Whenever I tried to defend the bball program, I would get slammed. It is a shame that there is such a great divide in the fanbase. As both programs continue to develop into the championship caliber pregrams that they can be, I'll be a happy camper. Perhaps then we'll all come together.
And that's all I have to say about that! lol
Yeah peeaay, I know exactly where you're coming from. Man, could I ever tell you some stories!
I agree 100% peeaay! Im sick and tired of those people. In my opinion your either a NC STATE basketball/football/rest of the athletic program fan or your just not. You cant be a NC STATE football fan and not a NC STATE basketball fan. Also in my opinion if you do anything I mean anything to harm any kind of NC STATE athletics then your not an NC STATE fan in my book. I do feel that both are moving in the right direction (even after today) but both have plenty of work. Lets GO Pack!!!
Whats up with richard howell, is he hurt ?
Let's just call a spade a spade, we all know the majority(not all)of that crap is coming from the site WSNBN.
However another coach is on the chopping block over there now after being the savior 3 weeks ago. Some of those "supporters" are the same ones who could not bring themselves to post a single word about the Cothron commitment. If it doesn't support the agenda...
-David
I have to say that I see everyone's point and agree with the sentiment. However, I think that there are a lot of different types of sports fans out there.
There are people, in the area even, that pull for one school in Basketball, and a TOTALLY different school in Football. While I certainly believe that these people aren't 'Die Hard' Wolfpack fans, their ties or fanship for both teams is real. I still apreciate the support of our team, in whichever sport they chose to pull for at the time.
Now, the waivering fan? The ones that are highly critical, and claim to be done with the Pack, are tough for me to converse with. I have a hard time trying to talk someone with that perception into seeing it my way. Regardless, those same people can't peel themselves away from watching. They still search for information about the Pack. They still blog about the Pack. They have a love/hate relationship with rheir program.
I tend to love to watch, win or lose. I tend to see a bigger picture and am more patient. I want to see NCSU succeed as much as they do, I just have a different way of showing it.
In other words, different strokes for different folks. I'm just glad that I can come here and be around constructive posters that can actually ENJOY sports, good or bad.
How is it that the one guy who always talks about being positive leaves the most negative rants on here - all the time? Dude, we know you hate the other site. You've told us, at length, unsolicited, a lot.
Not starting anything up here, but practice what you preach, right?
Excited about the Pack next year - and i love that Painter interview.
^Hey anon, the person posting anonymously, Dude, it's a fact, I AM taking an opportunity to call out the FANS who have been constantly bashing the BB program and the BB Coach continuously, and doing it 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, EVERY WEEK.
Does that bother you somehow? Are you telling me that there is absolutely no reason for me to say anything about it, and that a huge majority of fan opinion hasn't been swayed and guided by those who have been preaching that NON-STOP negativity?
Or is it rather, that I'm hitting a little too close to home, and stepping on some toes maybe? You can come on here and say "anonymously" that you're "excited about BB" now, but were you REALLY that excited about it before yesterday? You won't convince me of it either way. It's really hard to tell what you're getting when speaking to a blank page/"anon", you know.
Ease up Fred. It's all good.
Alright WPH, I'll calm down.
^Oh yeah, just wanted to note that "David", who posted a short comment anonymously, but added his name at the bottom (hint, hint), hit the proverbial nail on the head up there earlier!!!
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