Mark Gottfried, center, talks with C.J. Leslie, right, and DeShawn Painter after the press conference on Tuesday. ETHAN HYMAN - ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s basketball players have never experienced the sort of coaching change they went through with Tuesday’s arrival of Mark Gottfried to replace Sidney Lowe.
That being the case, it’s understandable that some of the players weren’t doing verbal back-flips during and after Gottfried’s introduction.
But all of the players — including rising sophomores Ryan Harrow and C.J. Leslie — would be smart to start proving themselves to Gottfried, rather than wanting for the coach to seek their blessings and prove himself worthy of their approval.
Harrow and Leslie obviously have a good deal of talent and were highly rated as high school players. But neither was so overwhelming in ’10-'11 to assume that they are more important to the future of the program than the new coach.
Both said they would weigh their options — NBA draft entries or transferring — until they get to know Gottfried better.
They’d be wise to keep in mind that State is coming off a 15-16 (5-11 ACC) season. The Wolfpack hasn’t been in the NCAA Tournament since 2006.
State didn’t just change coaches this week. The school also changed personalities and expectations. No one on the roster has earned any sort of empowerment.
College — not just college basketball — is largely about making adjustment to new situations. It’s important for the players to understand as much. Their athletic futures probably depend of it.
Columnist
Comments
For me...
Wed, 04/06/2011 - 17:37 — shirty55...the most compelling feature of this article is found in the picture above. painter in his nc state red sweats, adidas, and leslie in this black nike whatever. it's a shame this kid has such a bad attitude. he should move on or he will become a cancer. as it should be apparent to all the success of teams in the ncaa finals has as much to do with team chemistry as it does with individual talent.
i agree with you
Wed, 04/06/2011 - 23:31 — JPDOhioI don't get the feeling that CJ is truly committed to this program. Despite his recent comments about an open mind, I will be shocked if CJ stays or transfers to another college program where he would have to sit for a year. Europe, he we come!
Really?
Wed, 04/06/2011 - 20:17 — realwufYou could also easily interpret from this picture that CJ Leslie and Coach Gottfried are getting to know each other by how close they are walking together and looking each other in the face as they talk. While Painter seems distant and dis-interested as he aimlessly strolls along.
Get real...it's just a picture!
face facts. these guys
Wed, 04/06/2011 - 16:59 — bppackface facts. these guys committed to Sid more than they committed to NC State. if they don't feel like they fit in with the new coach's philosophy or personal style, they are free to go elsewhere. i don't know what "No one on the roster has earned any sort of empowerment" means, but they certainly have the right to decide where they want to go to school and play.
that being said, I hope they stay and I'm confident that MG will convince them to stay.
coach vs. program
Wed, 04/06/2011 - 23:51 — JPDOhioYou are absolutely correct that the majority commit to the coach more so than the program. And I have no doubt that these guys have a genuine fondness for their departed coach. Not surprising, given that he is generally regarded as a great guy.
I just hope that, as they consider their options, they acknowledge their role in Sid's departure. More than anything else, it is the lack of consistent effort, especially on the defensive end, that spelled doom for Sid. Effort is something that Sid unsuccessfully preached, but they had total control over their own effort and they just didn't deliver. So if they are looking for scapegoats, the nearest mirror will suffice.
I know that's a harsh indictment for a bunch of kids, but that's what they sign up for when they accept a scholarship to play D1 ball. It comes with the territory. I do hope they all stay and I hope that Mark is serious when he says he is going to demand all-out effort. If the players can find it within themselves to accept that responsibility, they will find that success can arrive in a hurry.
Anyone not interested giving 100% to their new coach can certainly transfer and will definitely find a program somewhere that will take them. But they are likely to find that the location may be different, but the problem came with them.
Very well put!
Thu, 04/07/2011 - 06:38 — noneyabusinessVery well put!
Amen!
Wed, 04/06/2011 - 15:45 — Shoreman67"No one on the roster has earned any sort of empowerment"; I like that. They (the players) have been given a great opportunity to play basketball at NC State. They should covet that opportunity and make the most of it.