Coach Sidney Lowe probably lost his team in 2007-08, when N.C. State crumbled with nine consecutive losses to finish 15-16.
But there was little doubt after senior night Wednesday at the RBC Center that Lowe has regained control of the program.
Senior center Ben McCauley was displaced in the lineup last season when he was a junior by J.J. Hickson, who spent just one season in the program before leaving for the NBA. But after contributing a team-high 20 points and six rebounds in the Wolfpack's 74-69 defeat of Boston College on Wednesday, McCauley praised Lowe.
McCauley was recruited by Lowe’s predecessor, Herb Sendek, who left for Arizona State after McCauley’s freshman season.
"It was tough at first," McCauley said. "The main reason I came down here was Coach Sendek, and for him to leave was really tough to swallow because I was still a young guy. I was still a freshman on campus.
"The moment I met Coach Lowe, I knew he was here for the right reasons. I knew he was the right pick for the job. And I knew that I wanted to stay and give it my all. The first year was a great way to get off the jump with him, and I think it's carried over. His attitude and the mind set he brings to this team, I think is not only going to do well for the rest of this year, but for years to come."
That is strong praise from a player Lowe suspended from N.C. State's offseason exhibition trip to Toronto for conduct detrimental to the team. And Lowe returned the compliment Wednesday night.
He said that recently he had a heart-to-heart talk with McCauley about his senior season. Lowe told him he was proud of the way McCauley has matured.
"I don’t think there was one day this year that he came to a game or practice and wasn't ready to play," Lowe said.
In coaching, putting players in the proper spots on the floor with good X's and O's is only a small part of the job. Because of his vast experience in the NBA, Lowe understands that part of the game so well that assistant coach Pete Strickland recently said he felt like a rookie in his first season on the staff.
But managing personalities is something Lowe had trouble with last season. At least in the case of McCauley, it appears that's a problem Lowe has conquered in 2008-09.
And N.C. State (16-12, 6-9 ACC) is assured of a winning season now that demonstrates some improvement over 2007-08.
Comments
Agree
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 13:39 — SurferSome improvement, yes, but surely not where State wants to be. Re: Herb and Sid, sometimes you have to take a step back to get ahead. In this case it looks like it will take some time to catch back up to where they were. Perhaps they stepped off a moving train that was just preparing to really move fast. Meanwhile, Sid is back at the station, managing personalities, trying to figure out how to get on the next train, if at all, or more importantly, who he can get to go with him. Epic.
Nice analogy.
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 15:55 — JPDOhioBut I don't agree with it. I hate to even bring up Herb, because I think he is a good coach, but I don't believe that the train was about to go any faster. I think Herb had reached a plateau at State and was not going to go any higher, no matter who he brought in.
I think going to Sid was, as you say, taking a step back to move forward. He operated his first year with a skeleton crew. He struggled his second year with personality management and apparently learned from that experience.
This year, his team has played hard all year and improved considerably. Unfortunately, it has not shown up in the won-loss column for reasons well-documented all season. But consider the progress of players like Tracy Smith, Dennis Horner, CJ Williams and Javi Gonzalez. Plus you have what appears to be a solid recruiting class and players like Julius Mays and Johnny Thomas who could be solid contributors next year. If Costner decides to come back, State will be fine in the frontcourt, even if they can't recruit another PF.
I think that the future looks bright for Pack basketball. As long as Roy and K are around, it will be tough for them to compete in the Triangle for championships. But they will be a competitive team that achieves it share of success.
JPDOhio
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 21:49 — gvillegatryou make more good points than anyone here about ncsu football/basketball but to say ncsu has played hard all year is not correct. the sooner you guys get rid of fat costner, the better. spoiled to the bone.
Costner
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 22:15 — JPDOhioGatr.
I have mixed emotions about Brandon. I do agree that he doesn't put forth the consistent effort that someone like McCauley has. And last year, he was useless. In fact, for a McDonalds All-American, he has been a serious disappointment.
On the other hand, I am nervous about the Pack's frontcourt next year. And he does get his share of assists and rebounds (and turnovers every time he puts the ball on the floor). So I go back and forth on Costner.
As far as effort by the team is concerned, they are light years better than last year. Sure, there have been times when they have let up (like the entire Maryland game), but I like where they are heading. So I guess everything is kind of relative.
BTW, glad to hear you are a "Life on Mars" fan. I knew there was a reason I don't despise you like other Pack fans do.
I understand
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 23:54 — gvillegatrbut, IMO, trim the fat no matter how good it compliments the meat.
unless, hes an outstanding player ... which he is not. just a good one.
Excellent points. Well
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 17:47 — SurferExcellent points. Well written.
Re: Herb, that's why I said "perhaps" and I can see your point, esp. considering his coaching style. He is doing well at ASU, I guess, but honestly I don't follow them and it is probably a completely different situation there as well. Congrats on a good win on senior night.