GREENSBORO - N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe has had time to think about the identity he wants this season's team and future teams to have.
His thoughts include a lot of running and rugged defense.
"We want to be that team, that running team," he said. "We want to be that team that's what they do, they run. They get up and down the floor."
Lowe, who enters his fourth season, doesn't know if the team's identity will take full shape this season, but he knows going forward the elements of uptempo offense and hard-knock defense will guide his decisions with style of play and recruiting.
He wants to be like those teams "that play defense so hard you don't like going up against them."
Lowe said he senses a shift towards the old N.C. State culture where things were done with a defined method. He said players such as junior Tracey Smith are helping freshmen understand how things should be done.
Edward joined the News & Observer staff in 2004. He is a graduate of American University and Johns Hopkins University. He covers Wake Forest football and women's college basketball for the N&O. Edward is a native of Washington, D.C. He can be reached at 829-4781 or 
Comments
Are You Comfortable?
Thu, 10/29/2009 - 13:58 — jeromfitzWith looking at wreckless basketball Mr. Lowe. I notice you have a patient, ball control and slow down play style history for NCSU. If the guys look out of control running into daylight don't call a timeout just yet. He's setting up the tempo and the opponents timing looking free spaces on the court. Just hope his teammates follow his leads for quick scoring phrases and better transitional defense after points are scored offensively.
Zzzzz
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 11:25 — SurferSomebody wake Sid up. You can only hope that he can stay long enough to see such developments. I think, at the current rate, you should see a difference in 3- 5 years. He needs the premier athletes, with skill and the right mindset, and that will stay at least 3 years. Until he can consistently recruit that type of player, I wouldn't expect to see much difference. But it is nice to dream about, I guess.