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July 29th,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
North
Carolina State Wolfpack
Overall Rank:
#107
Conference
Rank: #10 ACC
2005-06:
22-10, 10-6, 4th
2005-06
postseason: NCAA
 Sidney Lowe has
replaced Herb Sendek at the helm of
North Carolina State, and he
inherits quite a rebuilding project. The Wolfpack lost four of
their five starters and this makes replacing Julius Hodge look
easy. There is some reason to be optimistic. The talent isn’t
bad and a changing of the guard always adds renewed hope, but
the depth will be a major issue at the end of games and the end
of the season.
Who’s Out:
The only starting position not leaving is the point guard. Tony
Bethel averaged 9.3 points per game and was the main long range
threat. Cameron Bennerman led the squad with 14.1 points per
game from the wing. Up front Ilian Evtimov and Cedric Simmons
combined for nearly 25 points and 10 boards a game.
Who’s In:
NC State
lost out on some of their recruits due to the coaching change,
but Dennis Horner and Trevor Ferguson will have an opportunity
to see some playing time, and it would be quite helpful if they
at least provided some depth off the bench. Horner, a 6-7 small
forward, has nice range on his jump shot and is a decent
passer. He’s not the quickest guy around, but if he can hit
some long balls and create an opportunity or two for his
teammates, he’ll be a welcome addition to the floor. Ferguson
will be eligible after the first semester and the 6-5 shooting
guard brings a lot of energy with him and can be a spark off the
bench. Brandon Costner, a highly touted recruit last season,
missed much of his freshman campaign due to injury. The 6-9,
237 pound power forward can play inside and out and has the
potential to be a star in the ACC.
Who to Watch:
The
starting five, or six, isn’t bad. Engin Atsur will once again
run the point, Gavin Grant and Courtney Fells, although young
and inexperienced, are decent wings and, along with Costner,
Andrew Brackman and Ben McCauley are good options up front.
Getting help beyond that is the problem. It will all start with
Atsur and he’ll have to score, pass and lead the team through
the rough times. As a junior last year he averaged 10.8 points
and 3.4 assists per game. He is a threat from long range and
don’t be surprised if Atsur steps up his scoring a bit for the
sake of the team. However, more importantly, Atsur needs to
keep his teammates involved and build some confidence in the
youngsters.
Final
Projection:
The postseason
isn’t out of the question, but these guys are going to be tired
at the end of the year and that doesn’t bode well in the ACC.
The addition of Ferguson at the break will help, but Wolfpack
fans shouldn’t be expecting great things from Coach Lowe during
his first campaign.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
none
Projected
Starting Five:
Engin Atsur,
Senior, Guard, 10.8 points per game
Gavin Grant,
Junior, Guard, 8.3 points per game
Courtney Fells,
Sophomore, Guard, 2.0 points per game
Ben McCauley,
Sophomore, Forward, 2.1 points per game
Andrew Brackman,
Junior, Forward, 7.6 points per game
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