N.C. State is the only ACC team with five players who average at least 10 points a game.
The Wolfpack's balance helped them in Sunday's 79-74 win over Maryland, which was essentially a one-man show in Terrell Stoglin (25 points).
C.J. Leslie led State with 20 points against the Terps, Scott Wood added 19, Lorenzo Brown had 11 and Richard Howell finished with 10.
State coach Mark Gottfried said the Pack's scoring distribution is a product of the system he runs, UCLA's high-post offense, and the unselfish attitude of his players.
"John Wooden's style of play is a proven system that has won a number of national championships," Gottfried said Monday on the weekly ACC teleconference. "I think our guys have bought into it."
Leslie leads the Pack for the season with 13.5 points per game, followed by Wood (12.9), Brown (12.4), C.J. Williams (12.1) and Howell (12.1).
"The way we play, it creates opportunities for everybody," Gottfried said. "It doesn't rely on one guy to be our leading scorer."
State has shown a willingness to share the ball this season. The Pack ranks second in the ACC with 17.6 assists per game. Brown is second in the league in dimes (6.8 per game), behind UNC's Kendall Marshall, who is on an historic pace (10.1 per game, no one league history has average double-digits over the course of the season). Senior guard Alex Johnson ranks ninth in the ACC with 3.2 assists per game.
Comments
Calvin
Wed, 01/11/2012 - 10:27 — JPDOhioThe fact that CJL is the leading scorer isn't the most impressive thing about him this year. He has done it while working within the Coach G's offense. Sure, he still takes the random "what are you thinking" shot and showboats occasionally. But mostly he has worked hard on both ends of the floor and has shared the ball. It's been refreshing to watch and is a credit to Leslie and to Gottfried's abilitiy to teach and motivate.
gtg
Wed, 01/11/2012 - 13:14 — SurferSo, is he now the go-to-guy? ;)
GTG
Wed, 01/11/2012 - 15:28 — ProwlingWoofieIf State has the lead, Scott Wood is the GTG ! Although, Leslie has improved his FT % of late...
GTG REVISITED
Wed, 01/11/2012 - 14:53 — JPDOhioApparently, yes, with qualifications.
Near the end of the Maryland game, the Pack was inbounding the ball-up by 3. The first options was, you guessed it, Leslie just outside the paint. He was covered so the ball went to the second option, yes, Scott Wood. Scott hit an open two, which sealed the game.
So, despite my impassioned protest several weeks ago, we apparently have developed a GTG. Thanks for reminding me on the 25th anniversary of "The Drive", which has given my Elway-loving son a lifetime of pleasure rubbing that in my face.
Pack doing well
Mon, 01/09/2012 - 20:35 — otis4411They are fun to watch. Nice to see a team come out prepared to play.
Pack has COME a LONG WAY....still a ways to go
Mon, 01/09/2012 - 17:27 — ViperRetGreat game and great effort by the team. Turnovers a little bothersome, but did not drive a stake into the heart. CJW did not hit is season average, which would have added more comfort. Painter is becoming the heart and soul of the team. Alex came down the court and motioned for the crowd to turn up the noise....he and Brown make a great pair on the floor.
GT YJ will be tough and we need to have our game face on and play like mature young men. Calvin will probably try another high light reel dunk. Last night, Coach G left him in instead of pulling him like he did in the Elon game. I guess that he wanted to wait until AFTER the game to tell him how much he loved him.
Coach G has a great demeanor. Has the personna of V with a little dryer and laid back wit. Has a good staff who compliment him. Gonna be a good year!