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ACC: NC State Preview
Key Players:
PG/SG/SF Julius Hodge Sophomore 10.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.2 apg
PF/C Josh Powell Sophomore 7.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 52.8% FG
PF/C Marcus Melvin Junior 10.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2 apg, 49.4% FG
SF/SG Illian Evtimov Sophomore 7.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.7 apg
Strengths: Ah, to have one game back. Julius Hodge would give anything to replay UConn again. His controversial foul on Caron Butler in the closing seconds of the game sent the young Wolf Pack home longing for more. Or maybe it was the kick in the butt Hodge needed to elevate his game. Either way he is over it and gearing up for this season.
The versatile Hodge spent the summer in the gym working out twice a day, sometimes running sprints alone at midnight. Fueled by the loss to the Huskies and not being named the ACC’s freshman of the year, Hodge said he is “ready for war”.
There are a lot of expectations riding on Hodge this season. After proving he can play at a high level as a freshman in the ACC, people want him to put up bigger and more impressive numbers in his sophomore season.
Head coach Herb Sendek may have to move Hodge, who is a crafty ball handler and possess good court sense, to the point. If that happens, Hodge will be out of his element. Regardless, Hodge is the number one option for offense. He’s a good shooter who is active and is as pesky as a swamp mosquito.
With the majority of the troops back for another tour of duty, NC State is marching to the Hodge’s war cry. One of the most improved players on the roster is Josh Powell.
Powell (6-9, 230) is the ACC’s answer to losing Chris Wilcox to the NBA. The Riverdale, Georgia native has added more muscle mass to his young frame. An emphatic dunker and decent defender, Powell will see his production increase as his confidence grows. Hopefully he will be able to put his newfound muscle to good use in paint.
Powell’s frontcourt mate, Marcus Melvin needs to have a career year. He is the eldest of the impact players. His leadership and on court productivity will be key to setting the tone and confidence going into the ACC schedule. He averaged just over ten points last season. He can score from anywhere on the floor. What is impressive about Melvin is his ability to step out and hit the three. He hit 44% of his shots from deep.
Illian Evtimov played extremely well last year off of the bench and as a starter. He gives the Pack a scoring threat from the shooting guard spot or as a small forward. If Hodge runs the point full time, Evtimov can be a nice backcourt mate giving opposing teams fits trying to match their size and shooting ability.
The Pack does not lack in depth from the shooting guard to the power forward spot. They will likely run the bench nine deep. That type of rotation will keep the players fresh throughout the season.
Weaknesses: The Pack return just about everyone but their heart and soul left with Anthony Grundy and Archie Miller. Grundy is playing overseas but Miller is now in a suit and tie working on the bench as an assistant to Sendeck. The problem is the fact that there aren’t any replacements in line.
The key to the Pack’s success is the productivity from the new backcourt whoever it may be. Although the ACC is young, it’s backcourts are very solid, particularly the point guards. With players like Chris Duhon, Steve Blake, Edward Scott, Ray Felton and Jarrett Jack, Sendek will need quality minutes from his floor leader. If Hodge is the choice as the starting point guard, then wins may be fewer than expected.
Hodge has to play with a composed mindset. He is the anchor of this up and coming team. If he let’s his emotions take over his game, the Pack will struggle.
The other half of the backcourt is deep but certainly not intimidating. Clifford Crawford will likely be thrust into the starters role in his senior season. He has started 1/3 of his career in Raleigh. Crawford is one of the quickest players in the ACC.
The other spot may be open to the under achieving Scooter Sherrill. Looking at his disappointing numbers (5.7 points per game average last year) was a McDonald’s All American, huh?
Despite questions regarding the backcourt, the Pack has experience and enthusiasm coming into the year. With the strong core of players coming back, the Pack will push hard for an ACC title this year. The battle is getting ready to begin.
Key Games:
12/8/02 South Carolina
12/17/02 Gonzaga (@ Meadowlands, NJ)
1/5/03 Virginia
1/11/03 @Georgia Tech
1/16/03 Boston College
1/22/03 Duke
1/26/03 UNC
1/30/03 @Maryland
2/6/03 @Wake Forest
2/9/03 @Virginia
2/12/03 Georgia Tech
2/15/03 @Temple
2/22/03 @Duke
2/25/03 @UNC
3/2/03 Maryland
3/8/03 Wake Forest
2003 Recruiting Commitments: None as of 10-2-02
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ACC: NC State Preview
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