The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/125393
2013 basketball recruiting issue N By Jacey Zembal C State approached the class of 2013 as if it needed to recruit a player at each position. The Wolfpack succeeded, signing junior college shooting guard Desmond Lee, point guard Anthony Barber, and post players Kyle Washington, BeeJay Anya and Lennard Freeman. LSU transfer Ralston Turner, who sat out last year per NCAA rules and is a rising redshirt junior, completes the group with his ability to play both wing positions. The five newcomers will join three returning players — sophomore point guard Tyler Lewis, sophomore forward T.J. Warren, and fifth-year senior center Jordan Vandenberg — for the new-look Wolfpack. NC State assistant coach Rob Moxley helped land Barber, Anya, Freeman and Lee, while assistant coach Orlando Early was the point man on Washington. Rivals.com ranks the five-man crew No. 15 in the country — but the rating doesn't reflect the late commitment of three-star prospect Lennard Freeman — and fourth in the ACC (fifth if Louisville is included). NC State also might not be done this offseason, with potential graduate transfers a possibility. Having five signees ready to contribute right away was a must for the Wolfpack this recruiting cycle. "I think they'll bring a range of skills and talent to a roster that needs a full restocking," Prep Stars recruiting analyst Rob Harrington said. "They are going to retain their athleticism with this kind of class. They'll have solid interior play with a frontcourt that will be three- and- four-year guys. "Washington and Anya will need to develop. Barber has NBA potential, but he's short enough and needs to improve his shooting where he won't be in extremely high demand after his first season or two." NC State originally offered Barber and Anya shortly after head coach Mark Gottfried was hired in April 2011. Barber played traveling team ball with Boo Williams, while Anya was with Team Takeover, two of the best programs in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. Both players went through periods of time where they didn't list NC State, but the Wolfpack closed hard during the summer of 2012 to line up official visits with both. Washington caught the eye of the NC State coaches during the last year's July evaluation period, while participating in the Nike Global Games in Washington, D.C. He played with both Anya and Barber on the East squad, eventually earning an offer in early August. Barber and Washington verbally commit- Head coach Mark Gottfried's 2013 class includes three post players, as well as a point guard and a shooting guard. Filling Needs photo by ken martin NC State's Five-Man Class Is Ranked In The Top 15 Nationally ted on back-to-back weekends during their official visits Sept. 15 and Sept. 21, respectively. Anya later joined them with a verbal commitment Nov. 16 at Stag Madness, which was DeMatha Catholic's version of Midnight Madness. Lee's recruitment took off during his sophomore season at New Mexico Junior College. The 6-4, 195-pound wing is originally from Norfolk, Va., and a former prep teammate of ex-NC State player DeShawn Painter at Booker T. Washington High. Lee elected to attend Heat Academy in Martinsville, Va., for a post-graduate year in 2009, and was slated to attend UTEP. He ended up returning home in 2010, before restarting his basketball career at New Mexico JC. Moxley evaluated him throughout his sophomore year, and Lee wrapped up his recruitment April 8 when he picked NC State over Baylor and Creighton. The 6-2, 165-pound Barber of Hampton (Va.) High could be considered the prize of the class, with Rivals.com rating him as the No. 5 point guard and No. 27 overall player in the class of 2013. The exciting and fast Barber was named to the prestigious McDonald's All-American Game, and he played with Anya in the U.S. vs. Florida All-Star Game. Barber picked NC State over Kansas, Louisville and Alabama, among others. "He's a potential All-ACC point guard," Rivals.com recruiting analyst Eric Bossi said. "I don't think there is any doubt about that if he tightens some things up. I'm not saying he plays the game like Brandon Jennings [of Milwaukee Bucks], but he has Jennings' speed and quickness. When you are that fast, it's going to be awfully tough to stay in front of you. "Now, it's a matter of getting stronger, 18 ■ the wolfpacker 18-19.BKB Recruiting Overview.indd 18 4/30/13 3:08 PM