NC State fans have learned the hard way since our amazing run of fantastic point guards ended 17 years ago with the graduation of Chris Corchiani that there is no substitute for a talented point guard providing key leadership for a college basketball program.
We recently discussed the current composition of the Wolfpack’s roster at point guard in this fantastic entry that is worth reading if you haven’t already seen it.
As you painfully recall, NC State’s starting point guard, Farnold Degand, tore his ACL last year during a win over Cincinnati in 10th game of the season. Although the Wolfpack definitely had some struggles prior to Degand’s injury, it is impossible to argue that both Degand and the Wolfpack were creating positive momentum and developing nicely when he was injured. At the time of the injury, Degand’s production was trending upward and he was averaging almost 7.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 28.6 minutes per game while leading the team in assists (2.9 per game) and three-point shooting (.500, 8-16). Defensively, the quickness he possessed in his 6’4 frame proved to be much more valuable than anyone realized until Marques Johnson and Javi Gonzalez attempted to replace Degand after the injury.
Although State was only 7-3, the Pack had picked-up some key wins against South Carolina, an under-rated Rider team, Cincinnati, Villanova and on the road at Seton Hall to produce a strong RPI and be sitting in a strong position ‘if the NCAA Tournament were to start’ at that time.
WRAL recently focused on the positive progress being made in Degand’s rehabilitation that can be seen in this story on their website. An extended interview with Degand can be seen by clicking here.
