Projected NC State Basketball Roster

09-10 Basketball Basketball Recruiting113

Since the news of Justin Gainey’s departure for Elon became public today, we thought we would also update from previous roster changes entry.

On paper, State’s starting lineup looks like: Javier Gonzalez at the point, Brown at the 2-guard, C.J. Williams at small forward, Howell at the 4 and Smith at center.

Off the bench State has guards Julius Mays, Farnold Degand and Wood. At forward, Dennis Horner and Johnny Thomas are the other returning scholarship players, plus Davis.

Additionally, Ken Tysiac has added a great blog entry about the Wolfpack’s prospects next year that can be seen here.

When you look at the roster the Wolfpack has returning, it’s impossible to deduce that the team will be better off without Costner and reserve guard Trevor Ferguson, who also is leaving.

[snip]

As a whole, this roster will not scare North Carolina when it gets off the bus next season at the Smith Center. Against the rest of the ACC, N.C. State might hold up OK because there is a lot of backcourt talent leaving from the traditional middle-of-the-pack schools.

Toney Douglas, Tyrese Rice and Jack McClinton all were seniors, and Maryland’s Greivis Vasquez has already announced his intention to test the NBA waters.

But hoping the competition falls back to N.C. State’s level is not a where the Wolfpack hoped to be in Sidney Lowe’s fourth season.

Coach Sidney Lowe’s incoming recruiting class might turn out to be his best yet. But the members of his past classes will be sophomores and juniors next season comprising the bulk of N.C. State’s roster. Lowe’s initial difficulties gaining a foothold as a recruiter after coming to N.C. State from the NBA look like they will come home to roost next season.

Projected 2009-2010 NC State Basketball Roster

Senior Class
(1) Dennis Horner (F)
(2) Farnold Degand (PG)

Junior Class
(3) Javi Gonzalez (PG)
(4) Tracy Smith (4F)

Sophomore Class
(5) Johnny Thomas (Wing)
(6) Julius Mays (PG/SG)
(7) CJ Williams (Wing)

Freshman Class
(8) Scott Wood (Wing)
(9) Lorenzo Brown (PG/SG)
(10) Richard Howell (PF)
(11) Josh Davis (WF)
(12) Jordan Vandenberg (C)
(13) Hold for top player if we can get the commitment

2010 Commits
(12) Ryan Harrow (PG)
(13) CJ Leslie (hopeful)
(1) Departure of Dennis Horner if no other scholarships issued for 2009 class
(2) Departure of Farnold Degand if no other scholarships issued for 2009 class

2011 Commits
(1) Departure of Javi Gonzalez
(2) Departure of Tracy Smith

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09-10 Basketball Basketball Recruiting

113 Responses to Projected NC State Basketball Roster

  1. Noah 04/30/2009 at 10:45 AM #

    Does anyone know if Lorenzo Brown has qualified or not?

  2. Gene 04/30/2009 at 10:57 AM #

    Brown is a clear talent upgrade at 2

    Upgrade over which players? Ferguson, I guess so. Williams, sure I’ll give you that, since he was sparingly used for parts of last year.

    Fells? No way. Fells was a Parade All-American and Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year coming out of high school and ranked around #30 over all.

    Fells had good leaping ability, but wasn’t quick or fast enough to beat his guy off the dribble in college.

    I will not pen Brown in ahead of Fells, who had just as many or more accolades coming out of high school, until I see Brown play against ACC level competition.

  3. pakfanistan 04/30/2009 at 11:13 AM #

    Fells had good leaping ability, but wasn’t quick or fast enough to beat his guy off the dribble in college.

    The reason Fells can’t beat his man off the dribble is because he can’t dribble. Brown will be an upgrade in that regard, if nothing else.

  4. ncsu96 04/30/2009 at 11:18 AM #

    I think ol’ Jed will deserves at least a portion of credit for our relative weak senior class (apologies to horner and degand). The botched searched combined with handling of committed recruits left a hole. Smith, Javi and Thomas isn’t a bad junior class. Unfortunately Thomas injury put him too far behind to be a leader next year.

    I think Sid is starting to come into his own on recruiting trail, I still don’t like our spacing but defections have been primary cause there. The ’09 class is solid and I think ’10 has potential to end up even better.

  5. jbpackfan 04/30/2009 at 11:19 AM #

    Brown is athletic, can dribble and pass. He is actually rated as one of the top point guards, in addition to being a top 2 guard. Clearly an upgrade.

  6. newt 04/30/2009 at 11:29 AM #

    I disagree with the premise that this year’s rising Junior class was not a good recruiting class.

    JJ Hickson – Hell yes I would take one of him every year.
    Tracy Smith – Yes, I’ll take him.
    Javi Gonzales – He’s a solid recruit with the main problem being that he should not have needed to start until this year. That’s a function of what was left in the cupboard, not related to whether he was a good recruit per se.

    The jury is still out on the sophomore class. Again, we should not have seen any of them last year. What we did see; they did not look bad for freshmen.

    Also, I think you have to project Horner as a starter this year – at least in the beginning.

  7. Thinkpack17 04/30/2009 at 11:31 AM #

    ^^Yes, you can argue that Horner outplayed Costner down the stretch. I’d have him starting and the 4.

  8. choppack1 04/30/2009 at 11:36 AM #

    Thinkpack – I agree. I think Horner starts next year at either the 3 or the 4. It probably makes sense to start him at the 4 so Smith can get some room to work.

  9. KChill 04/30/2009 at 11:49 AM #

    I agree. I think the starting five are: Smith, Horner, Brown, Mays and Howell.

  10. Thinkpack17 04/30/2009 at 11:50 AM #

    Harrow has been re-evaluated on scout at 4*, 50th player overall. We were just talking about that.

  11. JimValvano 04/30/2009 at 11:51 AM #

    Okay…I’ll concede that the Tarholes will drop off, but dropping from number one in the country to number five isn’t a big enough drop off to effect us. Wake minus Teague will hurt them, but even without him…the talent level there is so high that they should still contend to make the tournament. I don’t think Vasquez is gonna leave, I still think he comes back. He needs to prove that he’s a point guard to the NBA and what they’ve got to go on is about 7 or 8 games…he’ll come back.

    On the B.C. and F.S.U. note…I remember a few years ago, we lost Hodge and everyone said well…that’s it for the Pack, they won’t make the tourney. What happened? We made the tourney the next year without him. I think F.S.U. and B.C. are in a similar situation especially B.C. with their returning talent. You might be able to get me to waiver on the F.S.U. statements, but it still doesn’t hurt my point.

    Next year you’ve got UNC, DUKE, CLEMSON, G.T., WAKE, B.C., VIRGINIA TECH, MARYLAND all as very possible NCAA tourney teams. Then you’ve got a down Miami, possibly down F.S.U. (but please remember my original statement about their big man), an improved UVA, and us. My point was that the ACC will be just as tough to come out of as this year and that we may improve without showing it in the Win/Loss column.

  12. Keg Man 04/30/2009 at 11:53 AM #

    Costner played like he had cement in his shoes. Good Bye!

    Fells awesome some days. What was he smoking the next.

    McCauley. Gave everything his ability let him.

    Ferguson Love ya Frecks and all but Slow Short Red headed kids dont play much in this league. Good luck though we appreciated your effort.

    I like Javi but I wonder if he quick enough for an uptempo offense. Degand was quick but looks to have lost a step after injury. We may be seeing Mays at the point.

    I am really looking forward to seeing Howell get in the lineup. I hope him and Smith are on the floor lots.

    My question is who is going to play center? We gonna showcase the 7 footer from the get go and rotate him with Horner Maybe? I hear he can run the floor and pass out of a double team.

    We got some talent and we got lots of Ifs? We can be good If and if and if this happens?

    My biggest concerns. Who is our defensive stopper in the middle? And who is gonna be our go to 3 shot players?

    Young teams and Herb teams don’t play well on the road usually in the ACC. We got to kick some ass and defend our homecourt. Then steal a few on the road. Go Pack!

  13. Thinkpack17 04/30/2009 at 11:53 AM #

    “I agree. I think the starting five are: Smith, Horner, Brown, Mays and Howell.”

    You almost got it. It’s Javi, Brown, Williams, Horner and Smith to start the season. We have a nice consolation prize for you though.

  14. Greywolf 04/30/2009 at 11:56 AM #

    This is not going to be a popular posting because it mitigates Sids record his first 3 years at NC State. I checked to see how well Mike K did his first 6 years at Duke during a time when the ACC was 8 or 9 teams.
    `
    Year Overall ACC rank Post season
    1980-81 Duke 17-13 6-8 T–5th NIT Quarterfinals
    1981-82 Duke 10-17 4-10 T–6th
    1982-83 Duke 11-17 3-11 7th
    1983-84 Duke 24-10 7-7 T–3rd NCAA 2nd Round
    1984-85 Duke 23-8 8-6 T–4th NCAA 2nd Round
    1985-86 Duke 37-3 12-2 1st NCAA Runner-Up
    `
    I’ve read “look at his record” posts justifying firing Sid. In this thread posts inherently criticize Sid’s first 3 recruiting classes (which is like criticizing a 12 yo girl for not having big tits.)
    In K’s 4th ACC season he was 7-7, in his 5th season he was 8-6. I’m pretty sure the fans wanted him gone but cooler heads prevailed and the rest is history. The cooler heads will prevail here at NCSU. Our Chancellor’s policy is not “3 and out” if you don’t win. (There may be reasons for “3 and out” but records alone are not one of them. Looking at K’s record for his 1st 6 years may be why NCSU plans on giving Sid more than 3 or 4 years to turn the ship around.
    `
    When I read criticism of Sid’s first 3 years recruiting results, I read about “mistakes,” failures, etc., Is it possible, just slightly possible that no “mistakes” were made? It is what it is. The lack of fruit on a 3rd year fruit tree tells nothing about the future of that tree. Why? Because it takes longer than the first 3 years for fruit trees to be productive. Just as Mike K’s 3 year record was not a precursor to a failure at Duke, Sid’s 3 year record is not necessarily a precursor to his failing at NCSU.
    `
    I’m liking what I’m seeing with the recruitment. I’m liking that Sid is getting opportunities to talk to some of the best. If you don’t ask the pretty girs out, you will always have to date dogs. I’m liking that the classes are getting better each year. I’m liking that guys like Javi and Tracy are getting better under this staff. I like that Javi has the possibility of being one tough Mofa by his Sr. year, maybe his next year. Will he be? Who knows?
    `
    Why condemn Josh Davis before he plays the first minute? I may be off but wasn’t Michael effing Jordan CUT from his HS team his Jr. year? Who was the idiot who offered him a scholarship? (Roy Williams is credited with UNX’s landing Jordan.)
    `
    Who knows how the line-up and rotation will turn out this next year. I’m not concerned about being a little better and making the NCAAs. I want to see the 6th year come and NCSU be kicking ass and taking names. And we can. Relevency is circumstantial. But we’ve got to let the tree mature in order to bear fruit. Jerking it out of the ground and planting a new one because we don’t see any fruit the 3rd and 4th year is ludicrous.

  15. wufpup76 04/30/2009 at 11:59 AM #

    ^I would guess that Horner would be starting, at least for the first part/half of the season unless one of the underclassmen really outperformed him both in practice and in game action.

    Horner’s level of play over the last half of the previous season was pretty good … he will be very valuable to this upcoming edition whether he’s starting or coming off the bench. There will be plenty of minutes available for sure, and he has the advantage of having been through the ringer before.

    If our overall team defense improves, particularly on the perimeter, then perhaps Horner & Smith and company won’t look as bad defensively down low. Horner moves the ball very well, and if he continues his good outside shooting going into next season it will only open it up that much more for Tracy down low.

    We could have a very efficient offense again next season against man defense, and if some of the underclassmen shoot as well as advertised that bodes well for busting up zone defenses. Out of those expected to see playing time, the 1-4 spots each look to have not just capable but good outside shooters. Javi has come along very well with his jumpshot, Mays has already proven that he can nail 3’s, and Horner can knock them down as well. CJ shot the ball well when left open, but we still need JT to keep improving on his outside jumper.

    As always, we will only go as far as our team D and rebounding will take us though. I thought Jim Valvano brought up a good point that the ACC as a whole won’t be as down next season as perhaps thought. There are plenty of talented players leaving, but talent still abounds. Still, if you’re a coach with a young team that desperately needs to improve and have a surprising season you could definitely be in worse shape.

    Surprise us boys 🙂

  16. Thinkpack17 04/30/2009 at 12:02 PM #

    JimValvano,

    You are making good points, but not for the point you were arguing. Can all those teams still make the tourny…absolutely, BUT they will not be as good as they were last year. Which is why everyone is saying the league will be down. Wake is still an NCAA team without Teague and Johson…maybe. But last year they got to #1 in the NATION. Carolina will be good next year, but this year they had a freaking pro team out there. They could have made the eastern conference NBA play-offs. We did make the tourny after Hodge left, but I don’t think we made it to the sweet 16 without him. I would still pick the ACC in the ACC/Big Ten, ACC/SEC, ACC/PAC10 and many other challenges…but the league will still be weaker than they were this year.

  17. jbpackfan 04/30/2009 at 12:11 PM #

    If the season were to start today, Javi, Brown, Williams, Horner, Smith. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Howell take Horner’s spot at some point, though I think Horner played well at the end of last season. I picked Javi over Mays because he is more of a playmaker at the point, played well down the stretch, and Mays may be better suited at the 2 backing up Brown. Williams is there by default, as I don’t see Wood or Thomas taking his spot since he has more experience and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.

  18. Pack Leader 04/30/2009 at 12:11 PM #

    Horner will start next year in the begining until Howell gets enough playing time under his belt to take over the PF. Horner cant RB or play Def with a true PF. I agree he would be an interesting look at the 3, almost a copy of the large line up last year that worked so well for sid. He is a smart player that can hit the 3 and gives us size (although he doesnt use it well enough).

    Gene-
    Theres no way after watching Courtney Falls that you can really think he was one of the top 30 players in the nation when he left…. He came in with the meaningless awards and hype of the “top 30 tallent” and it did nothing but lazy passes and and occasional hot shooting night.
    Fells had no handles(which is why he NEVER would be a guard) and couldnt beat his man off the dribble. his passing was Fair at best and really didnt bring a leadership role to the team….

    Now you say lorenzo brown wont be as good…. lets compare

    -Lo is a top 10 point guard in the nation
    -Can beat his man with either hand and is more than just a spot up shooter
    -Due to his size he can play PG,SG,SF if needed
    -He was his ENTIRE team in hs in terms of points, assists, leadership.
    -Known for his def, he lead his team and conf in steals for most of the year. (so no let down def which is fells claim to fame)

    SO in summary Lo brown comes in with the same, if not better acalades. upgrades in dribble, pass, drive, and play def as well or better than courtney fells.

  19. whitefang 04/30/2009 at 12:25 PM #

    Why condemn Josh Davis before he plays the first minute? I may be off but wasn’t Michael effing Jordan CUT from his HS team his Jr. year? Who was the idiot who offered him a scholarship? (Roy Williams is credited with UNX’s landing Jordan.)

    If it matters I think he was “cut” from the varsity team in the 10th grade and had to play JV instead – not that unusual for a 10th grader except of course that he became Micheal Jordan. If Josh Davis turns out to be Michael Jordan than maybe Sid will turn out to be Roy Williams?

  20. Greywolf 04/30/2009 at 12:27 PM #

    I hope Sid is more concerned about how to develop his players into the best possible team than the relative strengths and weaknesses of the other teams. It only matters IF the administration intends to fire Sid based on his record in the ACC this coming year. Significant progress, and I emphasis significant, may not be seen in the record again this year. That may be a disaster if getting incrementally better is your goal. This group of young but athletic and skilled players may still not fare very well against some of the teams in the ACC. All are striving to get better. We can get excited about our up and coming teams without incremental progress. Failing at being the best is better than succeeding at being good IMO unless being good is all you want. If being the best is what you want, you may want to use a different matrix to determine movement in that direction.

  21. VaWolf82 04/30/2009 at 12:33 PM #

    I’m liking what I’m seeing with the recruitment.

    There are plenty of reasons to be concerned, but it does no good to rehash them daily. Let’s see how the 2010 freshmen class turns out before passing judgement…in either direction.

  22. BJD95 04/30/2009 at 12:35 PM #

    The last thing I want to see is people laying the foundation for “just because our record sucked again doesn’t mean progress isn’t being made” nonsense. A coach’s 4th season isn’t going to be judged by touchy-feely stuff.

    Make the tournament or hit the bricks. Period.

    The ACC is losing much more elite talent than it’s bringing in. It will still be a good conference, but not great. And even in the “great” year of 2008-09, only the evil blues made the Sweet Sixteen.

    An important point is that no team will be such that any conference foe should feel that it has no chance against them.

  23. Noah 04/30/2009 at 12:43 PM #

    Why condemn Josh Davis before he plays the first minute? I may be off but wasn’t Michael effing Jordan CUT from his HS team his Jr. year? Who was the idiot who offered him a scholarship? (Roy Williams is credited with UNX’s landing Jordan.)

    You don’t need me to point out the logical fallacy of using the absolute, most-extreme cases as proof of anything, do you?

    Drop enough acid and you too can play guitar like Jimi Hendrix!

    😉

  24. McPete 04/30/2009 at 12:50 PM #

    Noah’s right marginal personal attacked has been redacted. Please refrain from calling out other posters Thanks.

    someone should tell virginia that they just fired the next Coach K because they got rid of Leito after 4 years. stupid virginia.

    and SMU is about to make the same mistake UNC made when they fired the next Dean Smith (Doherty).

  25. highstick 04/30/2009 at 12:53 PM #

    “The reason Fells can’t beat his man off the dribble is because he can’t dribble.”

    He could so dribble…..! Off his feet!

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