The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1113082
56 ■ THE WOLFPACKER WOLFPACK BASKETBALL Wyatt Walker Foregoes Final Year Of Eligibility NC State starting center Wyatt Walker has decided to forego his final year of eligibility. The popular Walker started 35 of 36 games and averaged 4.8 points, 4.5 re- bounds and 0.9 blocks in 17.9 minutes per outing. He had arguably his best game against eventual national champion Vir- ginia, compiling 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots in a 66-65 overtime home loss Jan. 29. Walker played his first three years at Samford, but redshirted in 2017-18 due to a knee injury. He graduated with two years of eligibility remaining and picked NC State over Wisconsin a year ago. The 6-9, 240-pound Walker finished his four-year college career with 969 points, 692 rebounds and 89 blocks in 104 games played. He may have the option of transfer- ring to another college as a graduate trans- fer, but more than likely will pursue his professional career overseas. NC State has now lost three post players since the start of the 2018-19 season, with Walker, Ian Steere (transferred to St. John's) and Kentucky transfer Sacha Killeya-Jones (dismissed and turned pro) all departing the program. The Wolfpack returns rising redshirt junior DJ Funderburk and redshirt freshman Manny Bates at center. Lehigh graduate transfer Pat Andree and sophomore Jericole Hellems could end up competing for the power forward spot, along with Funderburk. Walker's departure gives NC State one remaining scholarship this spring. — Jacey Zembal New Scoreboard Coming To PNC Arena Fans attending NC State men's basket- ball contests at PNC Arena will have a new scoreboard to help them watch games this upcoming season. The Centennial Authority that operates the stadium approved installing a new $4.7 million Daktronics HDR scoreboard earlier this spring. NC State unveiled the first rendering of what to expect April 12. According to the release, the new score- board will be more than 4,000 square feet in size, which is 180 percent larger than the current one. It should be in place for the start of next season. "We are committed to maintaining PNC Arena as a first-class facility and providing enhancements that create the best possible fan experience for all events," The Centen- nial Authority Chairman Thomas McCor- mick said. "We are excited to unveil the new center-hung scoreboard at the opening of the 2019-20 Carolina Hurricanes and NC State men's basketball seasons." — Matt Carter NC State Hosts Georgia Tech To Open 2019-20 Season The NC State basketball team will open up its 2019-20 season by hosting Georgia Tech Nov. 5 on the new ACC Network. The Yellow Jackets went 14-18 overall and 6-12 in the ACC last year, but return rising junior point guard Jose Alvarado, senior cen- ter James Banks and junior power forward Moses Wright. Wing Jordan Usher, a transfer from USC, will also be eligible next season. The last time NC State opened up against an ACC opponent was against North Caro- lina on Nov. 30, 1979, in the Big Four Tournament. NC State will also play at Auburn in the return trip of a home-and-home series, plus face off with UNC Greensboro at the Greens- boro Coliseum, which is the site of the 2020 ACC Tournament. The Memphis Commercial Appeal also re- ported that NC State will play Memphis Nov. 28 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. — Jacey Zembal Your Wolfpack Connection For Legal Services In Southeastern North Carolina THE MCGOUGAN LAW FIRM 130 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC 28472 T. SCOTT SESSIONS (B.S. '87) KEVIN J. BULLARD (B.A. '89) Email: scott@whitevillelaw.com Email: kevin@whitevillelaw.com WILL M. CALLIHAN (B.A. '01) Email: willcallihan@hotmail.com Telephone (910) 640-1485 Facsimile (910) 640-3132 Traffic Tickets & Personal Injury, Criminal, DWI, Worker's Comp, Nursing Home Negligence, Domestic Law, Wrongful Death, Social Security, Real Estate, & Estates WE BACK THE PACK! WWW.WHITEVILLELAW.COM Walker started 35 times last year and aver- aged 4.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, but has decided to move on from NC State. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN