Brandon Costner didn't leave N.C. State to go to Europe.
N.C. State's leading scorer in 2008-09 said his goal is to play in the NBA. He has spent the past month training in Arizona, trying to get the NBA's attention.
"I think my [NBA] chances are good," Costner said. "If I have to go to Europe, it wouldn't be a bad option but I expect to get a look from the NBA."
Costner said he hopes to get drafted in the second round. He has been working out with 2J Basketball Academy, run by former NBAers Frank Johnson and Eddie Johnson, near Phoenix. During Costner's time out west, he had a chance to catch up with Arizona State coach Herb Sendek, the coach that recruited him to N.C. State.
"I think that was good for him," Frank Johnson said. "The way I understand it, he had a better relationship with [Sendek] than [current Wolfpack coach Sidney Lowe]."
It's no secret Costner, with his ability to face the basket and shoot from range, was attracted to Sendek's Princeton offense and was one of the main reasons the McDonald's All-American signed with State in 2005.
And it's also no secret Costner and Lowe didn't always get along but Costner said playing for Lowe, and his pro-style sets, prepared him for the next step.
"If you watch the playoffs, we ran 95 percent of the stuff you see on TV," Costner said.
Comments
Costner in DC
Thu, 06/04/2009 - 11:25 — wolfpackcaniacHmm... I saw Costner at a restaurant in Wash DC in April. Working out with the Wizards possibly? - only a guess though.
I think the best Costner can
Thu, 06/04/2009 - 08:57 — JamesinWillowSpringsI think the best Costner can hope for at this point is a career path akin to that of Josh Powell's. The only problem is that it seems Costner doesn't have nearly the heart and determination Powell did/does.
I wish him the best, though.
only if...
Wed, 06/03/2009 - 13:45 — sbas2if Costner had the drive and intensity of Henderson of Duke, he would have been first team ACC. he showed that intensity this past season against Marquette, but never again. i hope he makes it to and does well in the NBA.
Ouch
Wed, 06/03/2009 - 11:11 — SurferAgree JPD. In a way, Costner shoots himself in the foot...Regarding State's play, "we ran 95 percent of the stuff you see on TV", therefore, for State to be successful, Sid needs to have NBA type players. Is Brandon one? Not. But maybe, just maybe, he will try harder and put forth some effort? He sure couldn't do less. At least his own outlook is positive.
Some things never change
Wed, 06/03/2009 - 10:32 — JPDOhioLike Costner's ability to delude himself. Frank Johnson is quoted in the N&O article that he was trying to get Brandon to increase his "intensity". Ya think? This is not exactly an epiphany to those of us who watched Costner underachieve for two years.
Any NBA team that drafts Brandon should fire its entire management team. However, it would be poetic justice if he ended up with the Cavaliers and rejoined JJ Hickson as a teammate.