RALEIGH — N.C. State basketball coach Sidney Lowe said he expects forward J.J. Hickson to be selected between the 10th and 20th picks in the upcoming NBA Draft.
"Initially they said 20 to 30," said Lowe, a former NBA head coach and assistant. "Now I'm hearing 10 to 20. So he certainly has helped himself quite a bit."
Hickson, who led the Pack in scoring and rebounding and was chosen to the ACC's All-Freshman team last season, entered his name into the draft soon after the ACC Tournament in March.
Hickson has had workouts for nine NBA teams and said he has hired Andy Miller of ASM Sports to represent him.
"He's done very well in his workouts," Lowe said.
Comments
One and done?
Thu, 06/19/2008 - 16:19 — informedAt least Hickson gave a good year to the Pack. How can you expect a guy to stay in school and get an education, when he's guaranteed a mult-million dollar signing bonus? The problem isn't with Wolfpack recruiting, it's the NCAA regulations allowing it to happen. Change the rules to require 3 years before turning pro, as in NCAA baseball, and you put an end to it. Until then, I would expect the Wolfpack to recruit the best BASKETBALL players, and give them the support they need to succeed, on the court, in the classroom, and, should they choose to do so, which is their God given right until the NCAA deems otherwise, declare for the NBA draft!
Hickson's improved draft status
Thu, 06/19/2008 - 16:15 — Emperor of North (not verified)I think JJ was a good addition to the program. It's hard to convince a kid who thinks he has NBA potential to come to State unless we start getting some guys drafted into the league. I beleive in the future Coach Lowe will continue to land this type of player.....the kind of talent he knows can get us over the hump to seriously compete with Carolina and Duke.I'm rooting for JJ to get drafted between 11-20 and eventually becoming a solid player in the NBA.
Coach Lowe RE: J.J. Hickson Improvements
Thu, 06/19/2008 - 14:41 — J. Ring (not verified)I am glad the coach is happy with his improvements, thanks to N.C State. I would not take a guy like this on my team, because all he cares about is himself. Get some some good players who want an education, and know how to do something else when the cheering stops. One and done guys build a "POOR" foundation for the Wolfpack Program. Not happy in New Hanover. JR