Big Couple of Days for State Athletics

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Copeland Cleared to Play in 2013

So just as I was finishing berating that NCAA on twitter for the punishment (or lack there-of) to the University of Oregon, the NCAA drops some good news to the way of NC State fans as West Virginia transfer Travares Copeland tweeted the following Travares Copeland Tweet.

The speedster from Florida had decided to transfer from WVa because of an ill family member, who has recently passed, and instantly connected with Coach D and the rest of the staff. So much so he canceled the rest of his visits and committed to NC State. He’s already enrolled at State and has excited the coaches with what he’s been able to do in his short time here. I assume you’ll see him lined up in the slot for Matt Canada’s spread offense but the converted high school quarterback has a skill set that could see him all over the field.

This is a big win for State in an area where we have notoriously lost battles with the NCAA and immediately it made me think of this clip.

Here is a clip of Copeland’s Highlight reel from high school.

State in the NBA Draft

It’s been a long time since State fans have had a rooting interest in the NBA Draft, five years to be exact, but that will all change tonight with 4 potential players up to be drafted. Lorenzo Brown, CJ Leslie, Richard Howell and Scott Wood all hope to be taken in tonight’s draft. According to NBADraft.net‘s mock draft Brown and Leslie are projecting to go #37 and #38 respectively. As for Howell & Wood both provide a unique skill set but according to scouts don’t have the complete package, so let’s hope a couple teams give 2 of State’s all-time favorites a shot. Earlier in the season I was able to talk to a scout for the Heat and while he was there watching Brown he mentioned he wasn’t a huge fan of Leslie’s body language and that Howell was the heart and soul of this team. He also went on to say that if Howell had Leslie’s body, he’d be a top 10 pick for sure. Probably not something we all don’t know but he was able to pick up on that very quickly which I thought was interesting.

Here’s a few draft videos that we’ve found and even though they all feature JR Reid, a Hole, I’ll post them because he does a good job breaking down our guys:

How do you all feel about our guys’ chance tonight in the draft? Who do you compare their games most closely to?

More #RedLight?
We’ve learned this weekend is setting up to be another big weekend for State football recruiting. We’ve talked about it in some recent posts but stay tuned this weekend for more!

About JackWolf

I'm an unapologetic NC State fan but also consider myself a rational one. Hit me up on twitter if you want to talk @NCStateFootball

'13 Football Alums Pro Sports

94 Responses to Big Couple of Days for State Athletics

  1. Tau837 06/28/2013 at 2:00 PM #

    JeremyH said: “recruiting has risen back to Sendek levels, a sprinkle of 4 stars with occasional 5 star”

    Consider our recruiting class rankings (Rivals) going back to 2003 (as far as I can find quickly):

    2013 (Gott): 15
    2012 (Gott): 4
    2011 (Lowe/Gott): Not in top 30
    2010 (Lowe): 5
    2009 (Lowe): Not in top 25
    2008 (Lowe): Not in top 30
    2007 (Lowe): 18
    2006 (Sendek/Lowe): Not in top 25
    2005 (Sendek): 17
    2004 (Sendek): 19
    2003 (Sendek): Not in the top 20

    Gott has been fully in charge of two recruiting classes, and both have been ranked higher than any of Sendek’s last four classes. And ESPN currently ranks State’s 2014 class at #6 (can’t find a 2014 Rivals team ranking).

    These rankings don’t reflect transfers in or out, so no credit is included for Lacey, Lee, or Turner here.

    We are in line to have 4 out of 5 seasons with a top 15 class, with the only exception being the coaching transition year. And as many as 3 of those could end up being top 5 classes.

    IMO it is clear that recruiting has been elevated to a level above where it was at any time since Valvano was the head coach.

  2. JeremyH 06/28/2013 at 2:06 PM #

    “2013 (Gott): 15”

    Sendekian

    “2012 (Gott): 4”

    he lost one.

    you’re being selective on what Sendek data you show.

  3. triadwolf 06/28/2013 at 2:12 PM #

    Didn’t play out much different than I thought it would. I expected Zo to go a bit higher and expected CJ to get drafted at some point, but late in the 2nd. Just supports the fact that while all 4 of those guys were/are very good college players for the most part, each has major flaws in their game with Zo being the most likely to overcome his (shooting). I hope all 4 have long successful NBA careers, but it’s likely only 1 of them has a legit chance.

  4. Tau837 06/28/2013 at 2:13 PM #

    ^I’m not being selective. Those are as far back as I can find. If you can find older years, post the rankings.

    I know the Hodge class was top 5 for Sendek, but I predict that most of his other classes not shown here were unranked.

    As for your “he lost one” comment, that is true. But he also added Lacey, Lee, and Turner as transfers, and these rankings do not give credit for them. In terms of Gott’s own recruits, Lacey + Lee + Turner >> Purvis.

    If anyone is being selective here, it’s you.

  5. Wulfpack 06/28/2013 at 2:15 PM #

    Gott is obviously a tremendous recruiter. I just worry he is, at best, an average bench coach. It could have just been a bad bunch. But there are about 300 coaches that would have killed for the opportunity to coach that team last year. Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, however. With the additions of Syracuse, Louisville, Pitt and Notre Dame, it ain’t going to get any easier for us. I think he will get the guys in, which is half the battle. But I remain concerned about his coaching ability.

  6. MrPlywood 06/28/2013 at 2:34 PM #

    re: CJ undrafted – shows what I know. Hopefully he’ll get a chance in somebodys camp and/or the D league.

    This comment makes me laugh though: “No one wants to take a chance on a guy that goes emo, screams, and pumps his fists at the refs when he doesn’t get a call.”

    From what I’ve seen, NBA teams will put up with a LOT if you produce. LeBron is the biggest whiner out there.

  7. JeremyH 06/28/2013 at 2:38 PM #

    “But he also added Lacey, Lee, and Turner as transfers, and these rankings do not give credit for them.”

    very subjective. let me try. those transfers are pretty on par with the players we normally fill our roster with, including both the Robinson and Sendek eras. we finish b/w 6-9 in ACC. next year. yawn.

  8. Tau837 06/28/2013 at 3:29 PM #

    Lacey is most assuredly not the type of player we “filled” our roster with in the Robinson and Sendek eras. He was a top 40 player in his recruiting class.

    We are in position to have 4 of 5 classes in the top 15. That is excellent recruiting. If you can’t see that, we’ll have to agree to disagree.

  9. BJD95 06/28/2013 at 3:50 PM #

    Guys are gonna leave. That’s the new reality. As long as we bring in as good (roughly) as we lose (taking quantity, quality, and fit into account)…it’s a wash. And don’t think you can ask for more than that.

  10. cWOhLFrPAiCKs 06/28/2013 at 5:52 PM #

    Watching those highlight reels really made me want to go back and watch the vs. Carolina game from last year. That was an amazing game I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Hope we see some more of that this coming year.

    Really thought Howell would end up getting drafted, certainly thought someone would take a shot on Leslie. As many have already stated, could be the best situation for both where they can find a team where they’re needed and fill a role. Hope to see all 4 Wolfpackers on NBA rosters by next season.

  11. choppack1 06/28/2013 at 6:06 PM #

    I hate that Leslie didn’t get started last night. I think his biggest problem is that he is a tweener. If he WS bigger (not taller)…his value would be greater.

    For all the flack he took, cj didn’t jack up a ton of 3s or try too hard to showcase the skills he needed to showcase…except when he tried to run the break. I still say that he didn’t loaf the most out of our starters.

  12. wolffpride 06/28/2013 at 6:59 PM #

    I think CJ Leslie catches a lot of sh!t. Once you get a reputation, it is hard to live it down. He had his moments when he played down, no question…that Carolina game really hurt me, and I hope it did him. But he played hard, more so than his reputation would indicate. He is a tweener, and he does not have a proven “outside game” or proven commitment to defense, this really hurt him.

    In the end he can do one of two things: live up to his reputation and half ass it in the NBA and never see a real paycheck for the rest of his career, or play with a chip on his shoulder and tear apart anyone in his path with that athleticism we know all too well.

    It is better for us as a university that he went undrafted. A year from now we can tell kids how Calvin made it in the NBA, despite not being highly valued. Better than a Julius Hodge who goes in the first round and doesn’t even last the whole season in the NBA…that would look worse. If Calvin doesn’t make it then no shock at this point. We have nothing to lose with his development from here on out. I hope he makes it. I always liked Calvin, he is just a 21 year old kid, dealing with issues not many 21 year olds have to deal with.

    I think Richard and Scott will make an NBA roster. A guy like Howell is hard to let go, he just works to damn hard. Scott has a skill that is unique, every team wants a 40% + 3 point shooter. Look at JJ Reddick.

  13. john of sparta 06/28/2013 at 8:48 PM #

    two things:
    1. NCAA BBall is sooo controlling based on coaching.
    2. HS and NBA resemble each other. go for it.

  14. Adventuroo 06/29/2013 at 10:05 AM #

    Some interesting comments here this morning. We stayed up and watched the whole show. Not surprising about CJL. Most folks comments mirror what my BW and I discussed yesterday soaking up the rays on Jordan before the world came to an end.

    Her comment was that CJL needs to talk to Hodge about how to become a savvy international traveler about sums it up.

    He MAY do well in the NBA if he really DOES concentrate and play like he can. He certainly DOES have the talent.

    We were out and about for the first of the draft and caught videos in the restaurant and on 99 on the radio on he way home. Did anyone hear KU’s McLemore (sp) comment about what he would bring to his NEW team? He will bring “Leadership”. Yep, that is what they need….a 20 YO one and done Freshman with the maturity to bring leadership to their franchise. I’ll bet that gets him a lot of “Mr. Congeniality” votes in this fall’s awards.

    As to the “rankings”. I think that the Sendek days were overrated. Lowe had a good start, then bombed. As a loyal NCSU and a cult worshiper of the ’83 run, I can say no wrong….but he did not live up to the expectations. Somehow, he did get out on the recruiting trail and “his” team foundation really made Gottfried’s job a LOT easier the first year.
    I can NOT figure out the media logic for last year’s “out of this world” predictions. BUT, I think that the team and Coach (singular) did NOT live up to their potential.
    A LOT of my NCSU friends are not as “enthused” about certain things and next year will be telling….
    Good Luck to CJL, wherever he goes.
    I think that Brown and Howell will be names that we hear a LOT more about.
    Wood – Don’t know. He may bump into CJL in some foreign airports…..but I think he will be shooting the roundball for a few years and then we will see him in the coaching rank and (hopefully I will be around) speak highly of his fame there in the years to come.

  15. MrPlywood 06/29/2013 at 4:17 PM #

    CJ signed with the Knicks. I had read that they liked him and he did well in his tryouts for them , and this article says “If the draft shook out a certain way, North Carolina State 6-foot-9 combo forward C.J. Leslie could have wound up a Knick with the 24th pick. That’s how high the Knicks had him on their board.” Interesting.

    Hope he takes advantage of this opportunity.

    http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/grunwald_signee_leslie_to_attend_rSPQ3MUHKBBS2wWykvfBgJ

    Here’s more info, courtesy if Bleacher Report (not the best rag in the land, but anyway):

    “More impressive than his numbers, however, was his skill set at 6’9″. According to DraftExpress, the athlete was able to post a max vertical leap of 40.5 inches in pre-draft workouts. This was one of the best in the class, and the highest for anyone taller than 6’7″.”

    “6’8″ SF C.J. Leslie ran the fastest agility (10.19s) & 2nd-best sprint (3.10s) of all #NBACombine participants”

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1688649-cj-leslie-should-make-new-york-knicks-roster-despite-going-undrafted

  16. packalum44 06/29/2013 at 5:10 PM #

    The difference between CJ and Purvis is that Purvis is a fraud. He puts on a big fake smile for the cameras and charms (as much as an 18 yr old can) the press and fans, but is a selfish cry-baby behind the scenes.

    Perception is > reality. But I DON’T buy the fact that these teams passed him up on his attitude alone. GM’s have consistently drafted head cases with upside (see #1 pick this year). After a few days to ponder, I really think many teams made a mistake.

    CJL has more upside than the nearly the entire 2nd round and way more than Reggie Bulluck, who can only hope to be a Danny Green role player who gets his minute of fame after getting hot from deep on a big stage. Most likely Bullock will head the route of Sean May (no shame making 6 digits in Europe just saying).

    CJ has inked a deal in NY and for once in my life I will pull for the Knicks and go watch him play in the Garden if he makes the roster.

    I think he will find a home as a 3 off the bench. He is on a very good team and that helps. If he gets on Melo’s good side, that helps TOO! (star players have tons of pull)

    If he learns to shoot, he’ll start one day. He has All Star potential. Very very few 6’8″ guys have his handles. Learning when to use them and control them takes some people years. He’s 21 for Pete’s sake.

  17. wolffpride 06/29/2013 at 7:18 PM #

    Teronne Precod is on board! Go Pack. Fingers crossed for Middleton on Monday.

  18. choppack1 06/30/2013 at 7:04 AM #

    Football staff is doing work. I am looking forward to seeing on-field product.

    As for gott, I hope that the results of last year prompt additional introspection. His comments have me concerned that he believes it was solely a “player” problem.

  19. elvislives 07/01/2013 at 6:54 PM #

    How about a little (more) love for the NC State Baseball team? The same “couple of days” saw the Pack 9 finish ranked #6 in the NCAA (pre-season #8 btw).
    http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2013-final-college-top-25-rankings-ucla-finishes-no-1/

    And then go on to get picked as a way-too-early favorite to get back to Omaha in 2014
    http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/eight-for-omaha-in-2014/

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