Sidney Lowe is in an unusual situation at N.C. State.
He has yet to coach the Wolfpack basketball team to the NCAA tournament in four seasons, but he's experiencing a huge surge in popularity because he just signed an excellent recruiting class.
Forward C.J. Leslie and guards Ryan Harrow and Lorenzo Brown give N.C. State a class that's rated at or near the top of the ACC. All-Star Sports analyst Bob Gibbons said earlier this week that presuming that Brown is academically eligible (Lowe said he expects Brown to be able to enroll in summer school), N.C. State's class probably noses out North Carolina's as the best in the ACC.
Nonetheless, N.C. State athletic director Lee Fowler was ousted last week, in part because the basketball team's lack of success under Lowe has dissatisfied some fans.
Here are some excerpts from Lowe's comments Thursday night at the Wolfpack Club's Raleigh Caravan stop:
On Fowler's departure: "I have a program that I’m trying to develop. I think it’s going in the right direction. I think we’re starting to get the right kind of people, the right kind of players, in here to compete at the highest level. And that’s the only thing I can concentrate on. One great thing about Lee is that he always talked to me about the business. And coming from the NBA, I knew about the business. And it’s unpredictable. You don’t know what’s going to happen. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to you, but it happens. And he was always good to me, and I wish him well."
On wanting to win for Fowler's sake. "You always want to do your best for the people that hire you. But I have a little more at stake than the average guy because I went to school here. So it doesn’t make me work any harder. It doesn’t make me try any harder. I want to win for N.C. State. I want to win for the people that support us. I want to win for the people that are always behind us, good and bad. Those are the ones I want to win for. You want to win for the die-hard fans, which I know we have a lot of them. And I know we’re moving in the right direction."
On N.C. State's recruiting class: "Having played this game before, there’s one thing I know. No matter how good a coach you are, you can’t do it if you don’t have the same type players that the good teams have. And we’re starting to get that. You’ve seen it all over. You have great coaches. They might get a tough team, they might get a young team, and they struggle a little bit. But they’re still the same coach. But I like our direction right now."
On whether the fans are expecting too much from the freshmen: "I like the excitement. It’s hard to tell college fans not to get excited and expect a lot. That’s just the way it is. They’re freshmen. They’re going to make mistakes, but they’re good basketball players. They’re going to do more good things than bad things. It’s going to take some time with them, but I think you’ll see they’re quality players."
On what was the key to signing such a strong class: "Time. Just time. Being able to recruit them as freshmen and sophomores. Not going in as a junior and really trying to get in there. It’s a tough deal. When you’re recruiting against top programs in the country and those are the players we’re going after, you have to wait. You have to be patient with it. Getting [to see] Ryan as a freshman, seeing Lorenzo as a freshman, seeing C.J. with his early commitment, that meant a lot. So time has been the really big deal here. It just took longer than all of us, not just our fans but me as well, but hopefully we’re going to reap the benefits now of being able to be on these guys. And now going forward we have other guys we’ve been on since they were freshmen and we’ll be in the hunt on those guys as well."
On whether the recruits' proclamations (Leslie predicted a top-5 finish for N.C. State) have been a bit too bold: "I’m not one to talk. You let your play do the talking for you. You don’t need to give your opponents any incentive to beat you. But you like the confidence. He’s excited and sometimes guys will say things they probably shouldn’t have said. That just means he’s got to come out and back it up now."
Comments
It's hard for anyone to
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 12:02 — mad_maxIt's hard for anyone to really put into perspective the situation that State basketball is in now. It's been a long, long time since there has been talent like this on the roster. I know some folks are arguing that Sendek had talent like this on some of his teams but that's just not true. Sendek had some very good players, but most of them were fit to his system and to go on to play European ball. Now, State finally has some NBA-potential firepower, and they can legitimately take a run at the Dukes and UNCs head on...without having to shoot 80% from downtown. Expectations should be high for next season. I'm all about supporting the coach and giving him enough time, but if the unfortunate scenario were to arise of State not finishing .500 or better in the league, then I think it will be time to start looking for a new coach. I don't think it will come down to that though. I really think Sid's got this.
Agree
Sun, 05/16/2010 - 08:40 — SurferI think Sid will have a hard time messing this up.
sufer-girl!!!!!
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 19:29 — bluecat69bluecat69dont get your hopes up. SKID will screw it up. ok, go duke-champs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The question is not who you signed.....
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 16:30 — TheMambaSTRIKESwe found out in the 2010 Tar Holes fall from the Penthouse to the ACC Outhouse...it's what you do...or don't do, to "coach em up" and play as a team rather than a dysfunctional group of Mickey D's.......
So, did anyone...
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 13:47 — Heelsforeverexpect him to say anything else; oh, I don't know, like, "I don't like the direction we are going in"? We all know the man is on the hotseat, so of course he is going to send the message that he thinks things are about to turnaround. Don't get me wrong, I recognize the talent on next year's team is going to be vastly improved. Just seems like a big, "no sh!t Sherlock" story to me.
we've been hearing the same thing
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 12:46 — gvillegatrabout the nc state football team for some time as well. for the packer backers, lets hope the basketball team holds up to their end of the bargain (hype).
Umm
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 11:53 — mad_maxI thought it was Butchie's Holes that were getting all the recruits the past few years and still ending up mediocre. Not sure what you're talking about.
i was unaware
Sun, 05/16/2010 - 11:50 — gvillegatr8 wins was mediocre?
Well then...
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 15:58 — mad_max...you must be having an ignorant moment gatr. When two of your wins come against 1-AA teams and you're 4-4 in the ACC, then you are mediocre.
I donno about that
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 12:59 — Heels20In 2008, our football team overachieved as far as the standards of analysts go. Last season, we finished right around where national analysts picked us to finish. Sure, losses to NC State and UVA the past two seasons were inexcusable, but we also beat Miami two years in a row and took care of business in Blacksburg last season. It will be tough to win 10 games with the schedule coming up, but I think we'll be in good enough shape to pull it off. If Draughn really is ineligible, it will definitely be a big hit, but probably not anything that can't be sustained.
Agree H20
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 11:48 — unc098Considering we didn't have an O-line and no QB depth last year I think Butch did a heck of a job.
There is no doubt this is a make or break year for Sid. An awful lot of hype ( legitimately ) has been generated. I personally believe he will be successful this year not so much because of the incoming class but because of the foundation he built this past season. Top tier ACC and probable NCAA Tourney appearance. I think Sid is a good tourney coach and would be interested to see what he could do in the Dance.
Hit the nail right on the head
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 15:57 — Heels20One thing that so many people overlook about this upcoming season is what is returning rather than what is already there. Tracy Smith would have been a 1st team All-ACC selection had NC State posted a conference record above .500. Javi Gonzalez was one of the better PGs in the conference by the end of the year, and Richard Howell and Scott Wood made the difference in a couple games for the Pack. There's no doubt that Harrow's athleticism, Brown's 3 point shot and Leslie's versatility will play a major role for State next year, but the pieces that Sid put together last season will be what makes or breaks the Pack. Javi and Tracy are two guys who want to win. They don't care about how many scouts are at the game. It's not that they have no interest in their future after NC State, but they focus on the task at hand, which is exactly what that basketball team needs. Hopefully they can keep it up.
One the toughest challenges
Tue, 05/18/2010 - 13:56 — unc098One the toughest challenges for Sid will be to integrate all this hot shot talent into a very cohesive existing team. If he is able to do that then he will be very successful.
I was just under the
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 22:29 — mad_maxI was just under the impression that the last three years were dominated by UNC over State in recruiting, and UNC has ended up with a SLIGHTLY better resume for those three years. Also, at the beginning of last season, all the analysts seemed to be touting UNC as a legit top 25 team because of all their young talent, but they ended the season 8-5, .500 in the league, and not in the top 25. To me it looks like State has done pretty much what was expected over the past 3 years based on recruiting. Now, State has done worse than most expected, but this discussion was about the expectations of recruiting classes.
Anyways, if UNC gets 10 wins this next season, I will definitely consider them legit. I just don't think they can do it. Of course, I could be a little critical since Butch still hasn't beaten TOB's boys though.
Slightly?
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 22:43 — Heels202 years ago, we finished 2 games better. Last year, we finished 2.5 games better. That's more than a "slight" difference in a 12-game regular season. That also doesn't highlight how many more times NC State has been blown out than UNC. UNC has had a better recruiting class than NC State only 2 out of the last 3 years, and State was expected by many to finish at least 2nd in the Atlantic last year with 7 wins at minimum. Injuries have played a role on both squads, with State probably having it a little worse despite Brandon Tate most likely serving as the most major individual difference. Either way, I don't think it can be said that State did "as expected" last season considering the past couple recruiting classes.
Any way, both coaches are still getting their guys in. The fourth season is usually the indication of what kind of impact the coach made as far as recruiting. I don't expect State to show an accurate measurement of that this season because of injuries. Butch has been a bit more fortunate and it looks like we're right on schedule. ACC title this season? I'm still sticking with VT as my pick, but it's definitely possible that Chapel Hill could see its first title in 30 years.
So yeah, it's definitely fair to assume that we won't notch 10 wins this season. With 2 straight 8-win seasons and so many questions on offense, I can see how it's tough to imagine 10 wins with such a tough schedule. From the other side, you could argue that the offense will only improve, and won't need to do much more with how good this defense is going to be. When it comes down to it, I think we can all agree that anything less than 9 wins (including the bowl game) will be a disappointment. And please, let's get a win against State and tear down the mental barrier.
Yes, slightly. A two game
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 16:08 — mad_maxYes, slightly. A two game difference is not that big of a gap, especially when you're dealing with different OOC schedules. UNC is only 2 games ahead when it comes to conference play over the three years that both coaches have been in town. And neither team has gotten higher than 3rd place in their division. Once again, losing three straight to the team you're being compared to doesn't help either...why do you think UNC got a 2 seed in the NIT this past year and State got a 6 seed? Butch has a "slightly" better resume at UNC than TOB does at State so far.
Agree with you a lot, but you're way off on this one
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 16:45 — Heels20UNC got a 4 seed in the NIT when State got a 6 seed because we were the defending national champs and whether they admit it or not, we received that high of a seed for television ratings. More people would be willing to watch the 2009 national champs play for the NIT title than Stony Brook and Tulsa.
TOB is 16-21 over the past 3 seasons. Butch is 20-18. Your argument for different OOC schedules would be valid if State had a significantly tougher schedule, but they didn't. And yes, there is only a 2 game difference as far as conference records go, but let's take a look at who's in what division. In the past 3 years, VT won the first 2 titles and GT won the most recent one. State did not have to play either one of those teams in a year that they won the title. Furthermore, the Coastal is all around better, considering most analysts ranked GT, VT and Miami as the 3 best teams in the conference last season.
The only thing State fans can say when it comes to this is that Butch is 0-3 against TOB since entering the ACC. So yes, I agree with you that we have fallen well short of expectations in those 3 games when you compare the recruits we have gotten to the recruits State has gotten. But in the big picture, it's definitely safe to say Butch is well ahead of TOB. The transitive property doesn't apply as a very accurate measurement to football, but if you compare corresponding opponents from last season, we beat VT who blew out NC State. We blew out BC who blew out NC State. We had a very convincing victory of Dook, who blew out NC State. And yes, we unfortunately crapped the bed and blew a 24-6 lead against FSU and lost by 3, which was the same point differential in the State-FSU game.
2.5 to 6 or 7
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 22:57 — JPDOhioSwitch starting QBs (RW to UNC and Yates to State) and the differential goes to at least 6.
Until and unless UNC gets consistently solid play at QB from someone, you won't see 10 wins or an ACC championship.
The answer
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 23:09 — Heels20Bryn Renner. He's the best we got for the short term, and a headache for the opposition in the long term. Pretty much all he has to do is not screw up, and we'll be fine.
The Question
Sun, 05/16/2010 - 09:57 — JPDOhioDoes Butch have the cojones to go with Renner from the start?
The chances of Yates improving enough to take UNC to its highest possible level of success are slim and none. Brenner would be a gamble, but could turn out like the gamble that TOB took with RW. That worked out OK.
One would think that Butch has enough stature that he would be comfortable taking a fly on Renner. It never ceases to amaze me, though, how many experienced coaches go with the safe choice way longer than they should.
Safe choice
Sun, 05/16/2010 - 12:35 — Heels20I feel that unlike most situations, the safest choice in this case is to go with Renner. If Yates goes out there and we see more of the same, everyone will question the decision. If Renner goes out and messes up, fans will at least know that Yates probably would have done the same. Either way, I hope Renner gets in there early.
"Safe"
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 13:10 — JPDOhioProbably not the right word to use in that analysis, although I am struggling to come up with a better one. Maybe it is better to express it in terms of the "going with the devil you know, as opposed to the one that you don't". I don't buy the philosophy, but I see it over and over again at the college and pro levels.
Coaches will go with "experience" over "potential' because that gives them an objective standard to point to. Or they focus on the "measurables" at various combines, so that they can point to the results as an excuse if the guy doesn't pan out. Objective standards can be used to deflect criticism. Subjective decisions invite criticism if they don't work out.
My expectation. If Yate's is healthy, he will start the first game, regardless of what happens in preseason camp. Once Yates fails (probably apparent by halftime), Butch will have the excuse he needs to insert Renner.
And that, my friends, will be that.
The big "if"
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 15:59 — Heels20IF Yates decides to suck again this year, then we have to hope he messes up enough to get yanked from the game, but not too much to keep us from winning. We can only hope that Butch has a good enough gauge to determine when enough is enough. Personally, I've run out of patience.
The sad thing is Yates
Tue, 05/18/2010 - 14:03 — unc098The sad thing is Yates really had something going there a couple years ago before he became injured. He just hasn't had the same confidence since then. He showed signs of it last year VT , Miami, and looked great the first half against State. He needs to get out of his own way and play a heck of a senior year. He has nothing to lose. The optimal season would be to have Yates play well with Renner coming off the bench for quality minutes to get him tuned up for 2011. If that happens the high expectations we all hope for will materialize.
Out of patience?
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 16:37 — JPDOhioI don't blame you.
BTW, aren't you the one who made one of the better references to Yates, Jake Delhomme and the direction their passes take? Well, the Cleveland Browns braintrust picked up Jake to lead the team until Colt McCoy is ready to take over.
I am wondering who will get the starting nod first- Renner at UNC or McCoy for the Browns. Could be a toss up.
Haha
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 16:48 — Heels20That toss up is as high up in the air as the lame duck that Yates threw to Clem Johnson. I will say that if Mangini waits too long to make the switch, he'll be out of Cleveland even faster than Butch was.
Most
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 11:54 — unc098posters know how I feel about Yates. I'm for Renner from the start. I am sure Yates will start against LSU. That game will determine his fate for the rest of the season. I hope he is successful but the spring game made me groan and Renner made me hopeful.
There is a difference
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 08:25 — JPDOhioThis year in hoops, there are three 5 star recruits, something that can't be said for any of TOB's recruiting classes.
I have to admit that I am optimistic but nervous about the reliance on several freshmen. They should be fine, but you never know. I will also feel better when Lorenzo is actually in school taking classes.
Staying power
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 09:33 — SurferAgree. What I have been saying for some time now, if Sid can get the skilled athletic players who will stay 3 years, then State will improve. He now has those guys (Tracy and Wood fit the bill as well). So if these three freshmen hang around and avoid injury then Sid, will get what he needs. Of course Sid will have more talent than he has ever had before, so it will be a new ballgame for him all together. It will be interesting to see what he does with it.
Now vs. Then
Sun, 05/16/2010 - 10:07 — JPDOhioSid's system needs guys who are smart with the basketball and can create or react to what is happening on the court, asit happens. He hasn't had enough of these types of players in the past. McCauley and Costner worked well together, but not with anyone else. JJ Hickson never got the hang of it, for whatever reason.
Sid's 3 new recruits appear to have this quality. Tracy Smith improved tremendously at other aspects of the game besides shooting. Wood and Howell also showed promise in this area.
So, at least on paper, Sid has at least 6 (and maybe a couple more) players who are capable of making the quick reads and adjustments that his system relies on. We'll see.
From the bottom
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 12:27 — Puddentainevery direction is up, so I like their direction too!
But with the progress the non-mcDonald players had last year, with the addition of fresh young talent, I expect we won't be at the bottom next year.
I would be surprised (pleasantly) if they are in the top three next year, but second tier finish next year (w/NCAA tourney) followed by a top three the following year is what I expect.
Scout.com
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 11:39 — xxncsuxxScout currently has UNC with the #4, and NC State with the #5 class in the nation. I don't know where golfer_68 got their information. I believe NC State's ranking is only based on the rankings of Leslie and Harrow.
On having the players..
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 11:26 — blitzballCoach Lowe says you have to have the players to be able to win. I agree that it takes top players to get you to the top. However, I've seen other programs that continue to win every year without a top recruiting class such as VT, Wake and Maryland. Lowe is putting the heat on himself as he is saying he didn't have winning seasons before because he didn't have the players. That excuse will no longer hold water.
Improvement
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 11:44 — SurferAgree about Sid putting the heat on himself, so to speak. I expect that they will be consistently good enough for him to get beyond that "deer in the headlights" look. Whether they will improve enough to make the tournamet (likely) or finish in the top five (doubtful) remains to be seen. Regardless, Sid has probable secured himself another 2-3 years minimum.
Number #1 class in acc
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 11:22 — golfer_68According to scout and rivals unc has the #2 class in the nation. state was down in the low 20's.
Yeah, Scout has State
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 11:47 — BigD4Life22Yeah, Scout has State checking in at #5, right behind UNC at #4. Regardless, both classes are very good & honestly at this point it's just nitpicking.
Everyone knows that kids rankings get inflated when they sign with UNC....see the Wear twins & Kendal Marshall.
Scout.com
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 11:29 — Heels20The rankings probably haven't been updated yet, but they'll probably still finish behind Carolina. Barnes seems to be the only guaranteed success out of the two classes. At the same time, I personally think State is in the better situation. Harrow and Brown will be at least 3-year guys and Leslie will be tremendously valuable in opening things up for their offense. I'm nervous about all the hype Bullock is getting. I think he'll be good, but I still have yet to see what makes him a top 15 recruit. One thing I do know is that Roy is on top of it right now in ensuring that a repeat of this past season will never occur. Hopefully our recruits will erase those bad memories.