Last Season: 22-10, 10-6 ACC
Key Losses: Cedric Simmons,
Backcourt: Engin Atsur returns for his senior year to anchor a NC State team that lost 4 of its 5 starters from a year ago. Joining Atsur in the backcourt will likely be 6’5” Courtney Fells, who with the 6’4” Atsur will give the Wolfpack good size and length defensively. On the wing for the Wolfpack will be Gavin Grant, who has avoided possible deportation for the second straight season to be one of the Pack’s top scoring players. At 6’7” Grant is adept at getting to the basket, as well as handling the ball. Also possibly seeing time in the backcourt will be redshirt freshman Trevor Ferguson.
Frontcourt: In the frontcourt, there is nothing but questions for new coach, Sidney Lowe. The top returning big man for the Pack is junior, Andrew Brackman, but the versatile big man has yet to make a decision whether he will play this season or concentrate on baseball. Brackman could possibly be the top pick in the 2007 Major League draft. If Brackman decides` not to play, Ben McCauley would likely be the beneficiary of the time. McCauley filled in for Cedric Simmons some last season, but rarely contributed anything more than size. One bright spot for the Pack should be the return of Brandon Costner who took a medical redshirt last season. Costner was a McDonald’s All-American coming to State, and should provide some athleticism and length to the Wolfpack frontcourt. Dennis Horner and Bartosz Lewandowski could see some time as well, although calling Lewandowski a project is quite the understatement.
Intangibles: Engin Atsur will provide leadership, poise, and defense from the point guard position for the Pack.
Potential Breakout Player: Gavin Grant should have an opportunity to show off his broad array of talents this season. Grant admittedly had a down year last year, although the INS scare probably distracted him a bit. Look for Grant to put up close to 10 points per game if not more, while also significantly contributing rebounds, assists, and steals.
Summary: Sidney Lowe steps back into the Wolfpack program with a cupboard that is pretty bare. Luckily for Lowe, he has a player in Engin Atsur that knows what it takes to win in ACC play. Ultimately, depth will be a problem for the Wolfpack, especially if they decide to play the up-tempo game that Lowe has promised. If Andrew Brackman plays and raises his game along with Gavin Grant, the Wolfpack could finish in the middle of the conference. Unfortunately for the Pack, Sidney Lowe’s coaching debut will most likely result in a bottom three finish in conference play.
Top Returning Fantasy Player: Engin Atsur averaged 12.5 ppg, 2.9 apg, 3.5 rpg, and 1.6 spg in ACC conference play last season.
Preview: #9 Clemson Tigers
