Staff photo by Ethan Hyman
N.C. State opened Reynolds Coliseum this afternoon for fans to get a peek at this year's squad. Here, freshman Julius Mays jokes with senior guard Courtney Fells.
One of the most sought-after recruits in the country, Raleigh Word of God's John Wall, attended the practice.
View photos of the open practice.
Comments
This is part of why I've not renewed my subscription
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 15:11 — Richard Tackabery (not verified) (author)I've not renewed my subscription since it expired about a month ago, but since they keep delivering it, I keep reading it. Saturday, there were two large basketball articles speculating on the 2008-2009 prospects of the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils. Fair enough-I believe they both had open practice/media availability on Friday. But with the Wolfpack's open practice on Saturday (with the attendance of 2 highly sought-after prospects), I felt that there would at least be similar coverage in Sunday's paper. What did I get when looking through the sports page today? No coverage of NC State basketball at all. There was one mention in a sidebar on the Duke blue-white game saying to go to newsobserver dot com for other Duke and NC State pictures. Admittedly, I do live in Morrisville, so I might not receive the same edition that folks all the way over in Raleigh do, but come on-I've always tried to not subscribe to the N&O hates the Wolfpack conspiracy theories, but stunts like this really make it hard. And to be clear, the main reason I've not continued my subscription is rapidly shrinking condition of the coverage of all sports, news, entertainment since the budget cuts and the enhanced merger with the CO. It's just not worth it to me or my wife anymore. But if you keep sending it, I'll keep reading what small amount of stuff is there.
N.C. State basketball
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 16:12 — rcarter (not verified) (author)We had an N.C. State basketball story earlier in the week after the Pack's media day.
You can find the story here.
So is there a quota? Is
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 16:50 — Scott (not verified) (author)So is there a quota? Is one story a week all that you are allowing?
That answer does not make sense. NC State had an open practice and the 2 top rated prospects in the US, John Wall and Derrick Favors attended.
That's doesnt merit an additional story?
open practice ... why not!
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 14:26 — gvillegatrdoes it really matter if this team decides to keep pracitces open all year long?? nope.
#1 and #2 Top Recruits in the Country at Reynolds.
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 09:58 — Anonymous (not verified) (author)Absolutely nothing in the paper about it. Typical.
What are NCSU's prospects for the season?
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 07:16 — UNCAlumnusNo intention to debate, just wondering how the fans are looking at the upcoming basketball season. I would like for there to be ultra competition in the triangle year in and year out.
as jpdohio said
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 14:09 — izzykareemWe just don't know. If you listen to enough of the recent interviews, the problems last year stemmed from an assumption that certain departed seniors and upperclassmen were gonna be the same type of leader that Engin Atsur was, that coach Lowe was known for as a player, and Lowe said that that was his mistake for making that assumption. So instead of NBA coaches who have the luxury often of highly motivated types along with highly motivating paychecks to police themselves, that didn't happen on the team last year. I see alot of fire in Coach Lowe this year in the interviews whereas last year he appeared laid back. I think he realizes he has to bring it [intensity] if he expects his players to bring it night-in, night-out.
I wouldn't be surprised really if we end up at #3 in the ACC when all is said and done, which if you'll remember is what we were predicted to finish last year. Realistically i'd say middle of the road, but a dangerous team who could win any night, including against UNC-CH and Duke. I haven't looked at enough of the rest of the ACC, but I imagine Wake will give everyone in the conference as much, if not more, than they can handle.
I hope the season is better than last year
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 18:38 — UNCAlumnusHope does spring eternal. I am hoping UNC handles all the preseason favor. With Ginyard out, they will be able to see exactly what they'll be getting off the bench this year. The first 6 are set, but this team is said to be able to go 9-11 deep. I'm certainly hoping they'll keep it to a "blue squad" at maximum. Young ball players should be able to run up and down for 20-30 minutes a game with no lasting problem.
Who knows?
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 09:40 — JPDOhioBut I am optimistic.
Sid appears to be applying discipline that was sorely lacking last year. The returning players seem to be more prepared thid year. I think there was complacency following the previous year's ACC tournament success. No excuse for that this year!
Enough talent is there to be competitive. This is not a Final Four team, but it is a team that should compete for an opening round bye in the ACC tournament and a return to March Madness. The key is discipline, mental toughness and leadership (out of Fells, McCauley and Costner) that was lacking last year.
BTW, it is never too soon to start the debate. We can handle two sports at one time.
Well then, let's get it on!!
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 18:40 — UNCAlumnusSeriously, I have grown up here, and my favorite childhood memories involve the turns that triangle teams took beating each other. Of course, the fact that UNC has been so successful made those memories all the more cherished.
Ever heard of Derrick Favors
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 02:04 — Anonymous (not verified) (author)Ever heard of Derrick Favors N&O if not maybe you should do some research, he was there too and equally as sought-after.
exactly...
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 14:01 — izzykareemAlso:
Ryan Harrow (2010 - will at least end up being a 4* PG, out of Georgia, committed to State)
Bishop McDaniels(2011 - top recruit who plays at John Walls current high school)
C.J. Leslie (2010 - committed already - 5* PF from John Walls current high school)
Derrick Favors (as you said, who alternates between #1 recruit overall in the country. He alternates with John Wall)
There were others but i didn't go to the game, i'm just hearing from those that were there. Why didn't the N&O do a write up like they did for Duke?
Agreed
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 14:14 — Anonymous (not verified) (author)I totally agree. Both Derrick Favors and John Wall were at practice on Saturday, and considering those aren't just "two highly sought after recruits", but THE TOP TWO NATIONAL RECRUITS, you figure the N&O...THE RALEIGH PAPER...could have something about it. Suffice it to say, the N&O hasn't held much water in evenly covering area teams since it's inception. Let the Durham and Chapel Hill papers cover UNC and Duke, and heck, you can put something in there when it's appropriate. However, to the the paper in a city WITH a University, it's absolutely ridiculous there isn't more coverage.