The Wolfpacker

Nov.-Dec. 2020

The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 ■ 39 2020-2021 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PREVIEW high school competition, the 6-0 wing played her best in the biggest moments. Whether it was the game-winning jump shot in the road win over Miami, a career- best and team-high 18-point performance in a home victory over No. 13 Florida State or her first career double-double in the ACC Tournament final, the former five-star re- cruit made an immediate impact in her first year during a special season for NC State, which won its first conference tournament championship in 29 years. "I think it's just my competitive nature," Brown-Turner said. "I don't know what I'm going to do when I come out. I just know what I want to do. I want to win, I want to compete." Brown-Turner brings a versatile skill set to the Pack with her ability to create from the perimeter along with her size that makes her more than capable in the post. She averaged 28.6 minutes (third on the team), 9.4 points (fourth) and 3.6 rebounds (tied for fourth) per game, and was one of three Wolfpack players to shoot better than 40 percent from the field (42.2 percent). Understandably for a young player, she showed improvement as the season pro- gressed. Brown-Turner upped her scoring average to 10.1 points per game in confer- ence play and scored in double figures in 11 of the Pack's 18 ACC contests. "I just come out to play, whatever I can do," Brown-Turner said. "If I'm on that night, I'll just keep shooting. But if I can get assists or can contribute in any type of way, I'm just going to keep doing it." Along with forward Jada Boyd, Brown- Turner was one of two NC State players to be named to the 2019-20 ACC All-Fresh- man team. Her perimeter shooting ability proved to be among the best for a freshman in school his- tory. Brown-Turner's 38.8 three-point success rate ranked fourth, while her 43 made threes tied for fourth among freshmen at NC State. The Pack will now rely even more on Brown-Turner's ability to knock down three-pointers without graduated go-to pe- rimeter shooter Aislinn Konig. "She is obviously a great shooter," head coach Wes Moore said. "She has gotten a little bit quicker and a little bit more explo- sive. When you can do that, that makes them have to back off a little bit and gives you a little bit more of a window to shoot." A McDonald's All-American and Mary- land Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior in high school, Brown-Turner admitted it was challenging to transition to the college game, particularly on defense. "It was different from high school, but once I got used to it, it was pretty fun," Brown-Turner said. "Just being able to work hard, rebounding and playing defense. I especially enjoyed winning." After proving to be one of the best young players in arguably the toughest conference in college basketball, she will look to main- tain her success on the court this season and find ways to improve on her game. "My goal is just to do the same thing I did last year, get better and continue to contribute to help the team in any way," she said. "I defi- nitely think being able to start those 31 games helped me become a better player, and it al- lowed me to get used to the speed and physi- cality of the game. The main thing is getting quicker and faster, that's what I've worked on over the summer. I've also worked on differ- ent moves, passing and ball handling." A year removed from a season in which NC State finished ranked No. 8 in the final AP top 25, the now-sophomore knows the campaign ahead will present new challenges. The Wolfpack will look to defend its title as ACC Tournament champions with a new- look roster and without Konig, last year's second-leading scorer. It also may have to do it without the backing of a packed Reynolds Coliseum due to potential lim- ited-capacity attendance during COVID-19. Brown-Turner admits it wouldn't be the same without fans, but that doesn't affect the team's expectations in 2020-21. "Our fans are awesome," Brown-Turner said. "I love playing for them, so it will be a difference. They're so loud when they cheer for us, and I'm definitely going to miss them if we don't have fans. "It's a different team, but so far we've been good. Everyone has their role and knows what they need to do. Our goal is to get to the Final Four. Then from the Final Four, going to the championship." ■ Brown-Turner is the third-leading returning scorer on the Wolfpack after averaging 9.4 points per game and shooting 38.8 percent on three-point field goals in 2019-20, the fourth-best mark in school history among freshmen. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS " She has gotten a little bit quicker and a little bit more explosive. When you can do that, that makes them have to back off a little bit and gives you a little bit more of a window to shoot. " NC State head coach Wes Moore on Brown-Tuner's ability to create shots

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