The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/125393
2013 basketball recruiting issue "Before I went to DeMatha, I wasn't really known that well," Anya said. "DeMatha helped put me on the map and has done so much for me. "I want to add to that tradition and history. Hopefully, my name will be mentioned in years to come as a player who made a difference at NC State." Some of Anya's prep teammates include Pittsburgh sophomore point guard James Robinson, Syracuse sophomore power for- help from his recruiting classmates. Anya, power forward Kyle Washington of Champlin, Minn., point guard Anthony Barber of Hampton, Va., and shooting guard Desmond Lee of Norfolk, Va., will have a chance to play crucial roles for the Wolfpack next year. Rising fifth-year senior Jordan Vandenberg is the lone returning post player for NC State. Anya recognizes he has a great opportunity to make an impact right away. Anya is ranked as the No 5 center and No. 58 overall player in the class of 2013 by Rivals.com. ward Jerami Grant and Notre Dame senior wing Jerian Grant. A fourth ex-teammate is about to embark to the NBA after an impressive junior year at Indiana — wing Victor Oladipo. "I was a freshman when Victor was a senior, and I knew him a couple of years before that," Anya said. "He has always been a mentor to me. He's my big brother. His work ethic is ridiculous, which is why he is what he is now. He'll be making tons of money next year. He'll say to keep working hard and to block out all the negativity." Rivals.com ranks Anya as the No 5 center and No. 58 overall player in the class of 2013. He averaged 13.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 71 percent from the field his senior season en route to first-team All-Met honors for the second straight year. DeMatha Catholic and the Team Takeover traveling program have helped Anya be ready for NC State, but he's going to need "I think I'm ready for it," Anya said. "There are some big shoes to fill with Richard Howell leaving, and C.J. Leslie has left. I have to help fill that void. The main thing right now is to get my body ready for it and my skill ready. "I want to make another tournament run and go farther in the tournament." Anya will arrive in Raleigh in June and start working with NCSU strength and conditioning coach Bob Alejo. Anya's weight has fluctuated over the years, but he said he's around 285 pounds. "My shot blocking and rebounding will be key, and I need to stay in the game as long as possible," Anya said. "I need to control the boards kind of how Richard controlled the boards. Hopefully, I can make an impact like that." Anya played with Barber and Washington at the Nike Global Games last July, and then joined Barber to play in the U.S. vs. Florida all-star game in Orlando, Fla., in late March. Anya also played in the 40th annual Capital Classic April 28. The chance to bond with Barber on and off the court could prove beneficial to NC State in the future. "I felt the chemistry instantly on the court," Anya said. "Cat is lightning fast and he can pass the ball really well. He was feeding me the ball in the all-star game. I was scoring and setting picks for him." Anya, who is from Gaithersburg, Md., photo courtesy Daniel Kucin Jr. and Barber, who attended Hampton (Va.) High, have played against each other for years on their respective traveling teams. Anya's Team Takeover program and Barber's Boo Williams squad are two of the big powers in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). "Cat and I talk a lot," Anya said. "I know we'll really be friends. I feel like he can be my brother already, and we talk every other day. He's a good guy and we share the same views on a lot of things. He'll take care of me and I'll take care of him at State next year." Anya hopes his shot-blocking ability combined with Washington's will bring a new dimension to the Wolfpack defense. "We can come in and alter shots and block shots," Anya said. "We'll try and defer people from coming into the paint, and add that to the team next season. "We are ready to work, and next season will be a fun one." ■ 24 ■ the wolfpacker 22,24.Beejay Anya.indd 24 4/30/13 3:33 PM