N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe is considering moving forward with a bigger lineup after using Brandon Costner, Ben McCauley and Tracy Smith at the same time helped spark a comeback in Saturday’s loss at Boston College.
Costner, McCauley and Smith all are 6-foot-7 or taller and traditionally have been considered “post players.” But Costner’s ability to move to the perimeter and score from 3-point range at 6-9 can allow N.C. State to succeed with the bigger lineup.
Dennis Horner can come off the bench at 6-8 to give the other players rest when the Wolfpack plays with the big lineup. Lowe said during Monday’s ACC coaches’ teleconference that he hasn’t decided whether to go with the big lineup at the start of Tuesday’s 7 p.m. home game against Miami.
“It’s something we have to look at,” Lowe said. “We know Miami, they’re big and bouncy with (Jimmy) Graham and (Dwayne) Collins on those boards. We need to make sure we can match their physical play inside. I’m not sure if we’re going to start them, but certainly that will be a lineup that we’ll have to take a look at.”
The danger with the big lineup is that teams with a quick small forward such as Duke’s Gerald Henderson can cause defensive problems for Costner on the perimeter, though Lowe said Costner moves his feet pretty well for his size.
Senior Courtney Fells will move from small forward back to shooting guard – where he has played the previous three seasons – when N.C. State uses the big lineup.
“I’m very comfortable with him going back there,” Lowe said.
Comments
I think Smith and Mays
Tue, 01/27/2009 - 17:13 — aideanI think Smith and Mays should both be in the starting lineup
I agree
Tue, 01/27/2009 - 18:44 — JPDOhioHowever, I think Smith will, but Mays won't. Degand's is too erratic for my taste, but his numbers last game were better than I thought he played. Mays has more upside, but he does seem overwhelmed to me at times.
Adjustments
Tue, 01/27/2009 - 13:47 — SurferI think it makes sense, although I missed the "comeback loss" against BC. But if it works, go for it. I think by far the most effective adjustment for Sid would be to just keep his team on the floor (playing) during all time outs. With no defense they should be able to score at will.
That's cruel...
Tue, 01/27/2009 - 18:47 — JPDOhiobut if you are going to criticize, you might as well be creative. I like your style.
It is about time he settles
Mon, 01/26/2009 - 17:40 — w0lfpackIt is about time he settles on a rotation. The man does not have a clue.
Why not?
Mon, 01/26/2009 - 14:24 — JPDOhioIt gets Tracy Smith more minutes and Fells is always defending the opponent's best guard anyway, so it makes sense. They can also move Fells to the 3 occasionally and use Ferguson, Thomas or Williams to give the bigs a rest.
Whatever Sid does, it is time to settle on an 8 man rotation and forget the wholesale substitutions. Choose your rotation to either try to salvage the season or play for next year. But pick one and stick with it.