Beginning Monday, June 21st, 2004 CHN began unveiling 144 Team previews in 144 Days. CHN ranked the nations top 144 teams, and is unveiling one per day leading up until the opening day of the 2004-05 Season.

Bookmark the 144 Teams in 144 Days home page, and check back each day to see which team is previewed next.

#26 NC State Wolfpack

ACC

2003-04: 21-10, 11-5, 2^nd

2003-04 postseason: NCAA Second Round

By Joel Welser

Once again it’s not just about North Carolina, Wake Forest and Duke as far as ACC teams in the state of North Carolina go.  The Wolfpack bring another solid team to Raleigh that will once again fight for the ACC crown.  The return of Julius Hodge will alone put NC State towards the top of the conference, but the loss of some key starters will make another 2^nd place finish in the ACC very difficult.

Who’s Out: Marcus Melvin was a monster on the boards.  His 8.1 rebounds, as well as his 14.3 points will be greatly missed.  Guard Scooter Sherrill has also run out of eligibility.  Sherrill averaged 10.5 points per game and could be replaced by Cameron Bennerman who came on strong late last season.

Who’s In: The backcourt gets more help with Georgetown transfer Tony Bethel.  The point guard should step in immediately as a starter and share minutes with Engin Atsur.  Incoming freshman Braxton Albritton averaged 17.2 points per game last year in high school, but isn’t expected to make an immediate contribution.  Gavin Grant, a 6-7, forward/guard, is an athletic player who can go to the basket.  His jump shot needs improving, but Grant will get the chance to shine.  With Ilian Evtimov and Levi Watkins expected to start in the frontcourt, the newcomers will most likely come off the bench.  But forwards Cedric Simmons and Andrew Brackman will see plenty of minutes.  Simmons is a big time recruit and could be starting sooner then later.  The 6-9, 216 pound Shallotte, North Carolina product averaged 17.0 points, 11.5 boards and 6.8 blocks as a senior in high school.  Brackman was a runner-up for Ohio’s “Mr. Basketball” last year.  At 6-10, Brackman will provide another big body under the basket for Herb Sendek’s squad.    

Who to Watch: Julius Hodge came back to lead the Wolfpack deeper into March this year.  Hodge beefed up over the off season, gaining 15 pounds which should help him become even more of a physical presence on the floor.  The two time first-team All-ACC honoree averaged 18.2 points per game last season.  Hodge is by no means just a scorer though, grabbing 6.4 boards and dishing out 3.6 assists per contest.  The 6-7, 205 pound Harlem product will do a little of everything…or more like a lot of everything in this case.  On the defensive end, Hodge is solid as well.  Last season he averaged 1.4 steals and nearly one block per outing.   

Projected Conference Rank: NC State was in a similar situation last year being a preseason borderline top 25 team with the talent to make some noise in the ACC.  They definitely made some noise in the ACC, going 11-5 and finishing only behind Duke.  The conference will be just as hard this year and a 6^th place finish in the conference will easily send Hodge and the Wolfpack dancing again.  This time they hope to get hot in March.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

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Email Joel Welser: jwelser_chn@ameritech.net

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