Links & Video from the NC Pro-Am 7/13

Posted: 7/14/2010 4:15:53 AM

PackInsider.com tells the story on how the NC State incoming freshmen handled their first taste of ACC basketball...

With the score close throughout the first half, most of the attention was on two of the most highly recruited prospects in recent memory. Harrison Barnes (#1) was matched up with a player many hold as high as #2, CJ Leslie and boy did those two battle. Possession after possession Barnes and Leslie attempted to beat each other off the dribble, besting each other at every turn. CJ Leslie’s pure quickness and athleticism proved to be trouble for Barnes, while the shooting touch of Barnes was what bit McGladrey in the long run. Leslie finished with 21, while Barnes pitched in 25 for his squad.

Another key match up that went Carolina’s way was Reggie Bullock vs. Lorenzo Brown. Brown keyed a lot of State’s big runs and was shifty on the break and on point from beyond the arc. Bullock on the other hand simply used his size, bulk and a hot shooting touch to wow the crowd and build up his teams lead on his way to a game high 30 points. Brown notched 15 of his own.

The other NC State freshman on the floor was Ryan Harrow. His calm, collected approach on Tuesday was exactly what McGladrey needed, however he didn’t get enough touches to really made a big impact. If State is going to have a successful season it’s going to have to put the ball in the hands of Ryan Harrow. He can score, create and set game tempo like no other point guard we’ve seen at NC State for over 20 years. Harrow finished with 17.

Another key matchup was Tracy Smith vs John Henson. Neither players got many touches, as most of these Pro Am games take place on the break and favor guard play, but both had their moments. Henson is pretty much going to be a defensive presence and shot blocker, while Smith is still going to be State’s primary scorer once again. It was a good matchup and will be one to watch come season time.

Video from PackInsider.com...

Here's another YouTube video (lower quality) of the UNC/NC State game that can give you a sense of the atmosphere around the game...

The News & Observer tells the story about the night that the secret that was the NC Pro-Am got out...

Erroll Reese, the league's community relations director, estimates that 600 spectators were denied access to N.C. Central University's McDougald-McLendon Gym for the S.J.G. Greater NC Pro Am summer league game. The gym was filled to capacity, 3,100, at 7 p.m.

The draw? Many fans wanted to get a first look at State's incoming freshmen C.J. Leslie, Ryan Harrow and Lorenzo Brown on Team McGladrey go up against North Carolina's incoming freshmen Harrison Barnes, Reggie Bullock and transfer Justin Knox on Team Stackhouse.

UNC/NC State wasn't the only game of the night, as Kyrie Irving made his debut scoring 35 points and may have been the player of the night. CrazieTalkTV gives us this highlight video of Duke players Irving, Seth Curry, Miles Plumlee, and Josh Hairston.