Deploy the Panic Button (Clemson 70, NC State 54)

Press it, pound it, or beat the ever-loving piss out of it (my choice). But it’s time, my friends. It’s time.

UPDATE: Oh, and Ben gets hurt in garbage time. Like I’ve said before – the motto of every NC State fan should be “It can always get worse – and it usually does.”

About BJD95

1995 NC State graduate, sufferer of Les and MOC during my entire student tenure. An equal-opportunity objective critic and analyst of Wolfpack sports.

07-08 Basketball NCS Basketball Sidney Lowe

176 Responses to Deploy the Panic Button (Clemson 70, NC State 54)

  1. Wulfpack 01/16/2008 at 6:23 AM #

    “He came into a bad situation”

    Don’t know that I agree with that blanket statement. I saw what these guys have the capability, if they put their mind to it, last year. Two of the happiest memories of my young Wolfpack life (beating UNC in regular season and the ACC Tourney). He’s had some time to try and find a guard. He swung three times and missed. He has a McDonald’s All American in Hickson, yet we are far worse than we were last year. Our offense is despicable. Stand around, try to back a guy in, get triple teamed, then throw up some junk. I do not get it. I am not calling for his dismissal. What I am saying is we need to see some improvement both on the floor and in the hearts and minds of our players this year. It must continue into the offseason. Right now, I would have to say we are in the bottom third of the league. That is not where any of us expect to be.

  2. oldflyingfarmer 01/16/2008 at 6:39 AM #

    And I distinctly remember saying, “I can’t wait for basketball season.” Now I can’t wait for football season.

  3. 82_furn_grad 01/16/2008 at 7:29 AM #

    Just to put things in perspective…
    I was like many of you thinking that we would be a decent ball club this year…
    That was predicated on getting one or two point guards that would be adequate replacements for Astur…
    Unfortunately, due to Sid’s late hire, he and the coaching staff had to take the best available guards out there…
    Specifically, Gonzales, Degand, and Johnson…
    To show you how absolutely inadequate our talent level is, Chris Wright would be starting on this team…
    He is sitting the pine at Georgetown…
    I truly hope that the coaching staff can recruit a 1 that can penetrate dribble and shoot the 3, along with a 2 that can shoot the 3…
    Until we have an outside threat and a point guard that can run the offense our bigs down low won’t have a chance…

  4. BAC79 01/16/2008 at 8:14 AM #

    Players not listening to the coach; does that sound familiar? It happens every night in any NBA game you watch. Problem is, this isn’t the NBA. Anyone on this team who is not listening to the coach should be super-glued to the bench until he gets the message. This is the most frigtening problem we have. Perhaps a few games, not minutes, on the bench and these guys will get the message.

  5. Rick 01/16/2008 at 8:17 AM #

    We are just nto a good team. I did not want to admit it but we are not.

    Our guards are just horrid. Fells is up and down more than a bicycle pump. Johnson and Gonzales are not ready for what they are being forced to play (if they ever will be).
    Costner is… well I have no idea what is wrong with him but he is costing himself millions of dollars.

    It is not a team and frankly I have no idea how to fix it.

  6. haze 01/16/2008 at 8:18 AM #

    Lots of pain out there last night. It’s beyond comment, really.

    However, it’s clear now that this season (on-court & recruiting) will be a huge part of the vetting experience for Lowe. There are talent holes with this team. There appear to be motivation and, possibly, attitude problems with this team. There may be tactical and coachability problems with this team. There are signs of talent identification issues as well. Heck, there may even be a scholarship management issue as Costner’s early departure hopes have evaporated and Hickson would clearly, IMO, be best suited to another year or 2 of seasoning. It’s quite a pile of work to have on ones door step.

    Anyhow, my hopes for the season roughly dashed, I think it’s time to sit and watch the coach for a couple of years and see how he manages this program. It’s going to be interesting but, quite possibly, not much fun.

  7. PackGirl 01/16/2008 at 8:25 AM #

    Costner’s play was at an all time low last night. If that does not get him booted from the starting line up for Miami there is something bizarre going on. Ben should be starting, assuming the ankle is OK.

  8. LRM 01/16/2008 at 8:26 AM #

    I see no evidence right now that Lowe understands the college game. None. Notice I didn’t say let’s get rid of him (yet, give me another week or so).

    But one of our complaints about Herb was that he didn’t develop his players — they didn’t improve. Lowe has had the core of this team for two years now and with the possible exception of Fells, they’ve all regressed.

  9. haze 01/16/2008 at 8:37 AM #

    Can’t change the past, only the future.

    Sid COACHED the game quite well last season, IMO. Thus, I think he understands the game well enough. However, there were signs that intensity and, by extension, motivation may have been issues in some games. That seems to have survived to this year, in spades, and this is a lesson Sid will now have the opportunity to learn the hard way. Again, I’ve no idea how well or how quickly the problems will get solved but I do know that the success or failure will have nothing to do with Herb Sendek or related I-told-you-so’s.

    We have one coach. He’s had 1.5yrs. He’ll get at least 2.5 more, IMO. Time to roll back expectations and watch for development, on the court and on the bench.

  10. old_pcorone 01/16/2008 at 8:45 AM #

    No point guard once again……
    Still a chace to finish with a winning record, just some motivation and some TEAM spirit needed.

  11. EverettBeez 01/16/2008 at 8:46 AM #

    Maybe there should always be two post-game threads: first, immediate emotional reaction, then the more sober reactions.
    The calls to fire Lowe are just silly.
    At least at this point.

  12. zahadum 01/16/2008 at 8:50 AM #

    I think Costner must have spent the fall watching Carolina Panthers games and decided to do a Julius Peppers impersonation. But whether his problems are physical or mental or both, I agree that he needs to see some serious bench time until he gets it together. It also appears that his teammates have lost confidence in him. Fells in his post game comments took a couple of not so subtle shots at him.

    And I can also really do without Tony Haynes talking about what a great job Costner is doing blocking out in a game where he gets 1 rebound in 20 minutes.

  13. Mr O 01/16/2008 at 8:51 AM #

    Brandon Costner’s stat line from last night –

    0 points, 0-6 fgs, 0-2 3s, 1 reb, 2 ass, 4 TOs, 20 mins

    T. Smith’s stat line from last night –

    13 pts, 6-11, 6 rebs, 20 mins.

    I can’t remember a pre-season 1st team all-ACC guy having a more disappointing season. Costner has been reduced to nothing more than an average to below average ACC player. Same goes for McCauley.

    Our expectations were largely based on B. Costner being one of the top players in the league and McCauley being not far behind. Based on their play this season, our struggles should not surprise anyone at this point especially when you combine it with losing our top guy at PG for the season already.

    We may struggle to make the NIT.

  14. eas 01/16/2008 at 9:07 AM #

    I am certaintly not calling for Lowe’s head (It’s nice to finally have a coach that truly understands the history with this program) BUT the 3 issues I can’t understand are:

    1. Starting line up? The only “change” last night was MJ.
    Costner was still there despite consistent poor play, attitude and hustle? I am not trying to bash the kid but if he can’t compete sit him down…Horner, Smith and Harris continue to show heart and effort. This should be rewarded (even if they aren’t as “talented” as most of the others)

    2. Offense & Defense? I certainly don’t want to revert to the Sendek offense (I guess Princeton is more appropriate) but the clear out NBA style has to go. The players are all over the place (with the exception of under the basket) and they need some structure. Some sort of offense needs to be established, even if it’s the basic screen away style with the big men actually staying on the block.

    As for Defense…Why is it that every team we play has more intensity on defense? Last years excuse was a short bench with tired players. This year that excuse doesn’t apply! We may not have a strong team but we do have enough bodies to contribute a few minutes of aggressive defense. Maybe even try a full court press for a change. It seems most other teams do it (some better than others) but I can’t remember the last time a Wolfpack team has even attempted this other than the last 2 minutes of a game.

    3. PG? I know we had “slim pickin’s” because of the late hire of Lowe but doesn’t it seem odd that EVERY team we have played or will play have one or two players who can actually dribble? How can Div. II schools get point guards and we can’t? Who cares if they aren’t 6’5″ atleast they can dribble and run an offense. WCU, Presby, NO, ECU all had PG’s that could dribble and run an offense (I not saying they were typical ACC guards here…). Why can’t we at least have just one of those? We are a larger school that can offer a great education and athletic opportunity. I just don’t understand how we can’t have a player who can handle the ball. At this point maybe we should recruit the best “dribbler” in the nation and work on the other parts later….

    I just hope Lowe can make the adjustments and adapt to a more structured basketball style that is needed in the College arena. He has the heart, background and drive…Let’s just hope he can coach and mentor these kids. If not…it will be a short relationship.

    Go Pack!

  15. Mr O 01/16/2008 at 9:09 AM #

    Costner’s lack of fundamentals in blocking out are blatantly obvious. He gave up an offensive rebound last night because he stepped towards the basket on a free throw instead of boxing out the Clemson guy next to him on the blocks.

  16. roandaddy 01/16/2008 at 9:10 AM #

    Good thing we are a football school.. wait basketball..no football.. oh nevermind.

  17. RTPMedic 01/16/2008 at 9:11 AM #

    I think there were two moments for me during that are representative of our season so far:

    Clemson had just taken a shot and there was a long rebound to the right of the basket. All of our players were within the 3-point line and should have gathered in the rebound. However, a Clemson player ended up with the rebound simply because he hustled after the ball. Tracy Smith, who was defending his man closely, looked around in disbelief at the other 4 standing around not going for the ball. There was no one blocking out – period.

    (I have liked Smith the whole year and wondered why he has had little or no playing time).
    Second point was earlier in the game when Javi was called on five seconds near mid-court. Grant came over to him to say something after the call and Javi just kept his head down ignoring Grant, and Grant just gave up on him. I expect more leadership from a senior. I think Javi is trying, but he is limited in his experience and current ability. He got that 5 second call because the other 4 were standing around near the basket – Grant was the only one that came to the ball, but only as the whistle was being blown.

    I saw hustle and heart in Fells, Smith, Ben and yes, Javi – everyone else seemed lost. Our biggest fear may not be that Hickson declares for the draft after this year, but Fells instead of or in addition to.

  18. BillyVest 01/16/2008 at 9:16 AM #

    This loss, despite the score, doesn’t bother me. We survived a barrage of three’s – any team can get red hot – and poor play on offense – we had butter fingers and couldn’t catch some passes, so we had some unforced turnovers, to be only down by eight at the half.

    I’m not sure what to expect in the second half, when we have our SG moved to PG and our walk-on utility G/F starting at SG.

    Not sure why folks are surprised we struggled in the second half.

    Hope the injury situation doesn’t hamper us too much, because we did play better than we did since the Seton Hall game.

  19. Rick 01/16/2008 at 9:21 AM #

    “Our biggest fear may not be that Hickson declares for the draft after this year, but Fells instead of or in addition to.”

    BWAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAA [deeeeeeeep breath] BWAAAAAHAAAAHAAAAA

  20. Noah 01/16/2008 at 9:27 AM #

    Can someone explain to me why we have to wait three years before we throw Lowe out with the garbage and hire an actual, for-real coach?

    Why is it going to take THREE years to realize that a coach with a lifetime winning percentage below the Mendoza Line can’t get it done?

    The critical flaw is the lack of talent at the PG spot, right? We’re in that spot because we have an idiot coach who decided that taking two reject scrub transfers who had already proven they weren’t ACC material and a guy who couldn’t even get ranked in the top 200 in the nation could handle the PG role in the toughest conference in the country.

    Too harsh? Were Farnold Degand and Marques Johnson not the THIRD string point guards at Iowa State and Tennessee? He didn’t find any ACC point guards in his first class (the one with Horner). He didn’t find any ACC points in his second (current frosh) and he filled up his third class with a shooting guard and a small forward (neither of whom are in anyone’s top 100).

    We suck this year. Face it…and it had nothing to do with Degand getting hurt. We lost to New Orleans and ECU with Degand in the lineup. We’re going to lose Hickson and Grant (and probably someone else) after this year and we’re adding nothing of consequence. So…we’re going to suck next year.

    Basically, the next decade of NC State basketball will be determined by whether or not John Wall comes to NC State. And everyone keeps saying he’s a one-and-done guy, so we’re going have to start over right after that.

    Sidney Lowe is a guy that, during a scholarship crunch, decided to tie up 8.5 percent of his scholarships in Bartoz Lewandowski for five years. Only a freak accident kept him from doing that.

    This is the guy that you’re putting your faith in.

    Now I know how cult suicides take place.

  21. highstick 01/16/2008 at 9:29 AM #

    Panic Button?? Is that the button you hit to start watching American Idol instead of N C State basketball?

    At one point last night, I saw Costner just stand around on defense, didn’t raise an arm to guard or even get near anyone, then when the ball turned over, up went his arms….let me shoot it! Bench him forever and I really hate to say that. Something has gone wrong in that young man’s mind and he needs professional help. No NBA team in their right mind would even consider drafting any player on this team the way they are playing. They can’t even bounce the ball, let alone dribble without hitting themselves in the feet! Can’t pass, can’t shoot, can’t play defense!

    Oh, well, at least you can feel sorry for the people on American Idol that don’t have any talent!

  22. Wolfman 9806 01/16/2008 at 9:32 AM #

    I would suggest that “The Problem” is that our AD completely made a mockery of our coaching search and rushed to a hire to save face. This team has all but destroyed the “feel good story” aspect of hiring Sid and we are only TWO games into the ACC schedule. Folks, this team has real potential to tank this season in a monumental way (0-16 anyone). I REALLY hope that we don’t discover that this team’s inability stems from coaching rather than ability. It is very frustrating to have the facilities and fan base that we do and produce this product. I wish Sid and the boys all the best, but this could get really ugly before the season ends. I honestly don’t know who we could beat in the ACC.

  23. burnbarn 01/16/2008 at 9:37 AM #

    Noah,
    I understand your frustration, but who should coach had brought in? It’s not like we passed on a bunch of guys that we had established relationships with. Lowe went full court to salvage Wright but it did not work out. After that, who was left…it is the spring signing period. Who do you get?

    It’s kinda like if he was coming in now and goig after Wall. At this stage, if you do not have a relationship with Wall, you have no chance to get him. Lowe faced the same thing when he arrived here.

    This is why it is going to take 3 years. He barely got a decent class for 08. We are in good position with top players in 09 and already have a commitment from a top 10 in the 10 class.

    Just like w/ TOB, it is going to take some time.

  24. Zomby Woof 01/16/2008 at 9:49 AM #

    I’ve got Carolina fans giving me condolences as if my grandmother had passed away. They thought that they had played a fantastic, nearly flawless game, until the realization set in that we are the biggest cupcake on anyone’s schedule.

  25. Mr O 01/16/2008 at 9:54 AM #

    Noah,

    You sum up what has happened quite well. However, I can’t fault Lowe for having a depleted roster and getting off to an incredibly late start for recruiting. There were no PGS to be added to Horner’s class. Lowe did everything he could to get the PG who went to Georgetown. At the time, an older, more mature transfer like Degand was probably the best available option for this season. He even was doing OK until he ripped his ACL.

    Lowe was put behind the 8 ball from the first day he was hired. The situation he walked into was made much worse after the mismanagement of the coaching transition by our athletic director.

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