The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/197085
Ba ketball Preview 2013-14 Head coach Mark Gottfried's team returns just 12.9 percent of its scoring, 16.3 percent of its rebounding and 15.1 percent of its assists from the 2012-13 squad that finished 24-11. photo by Ken martin New Beginning A Wolfpack Squad Filled With Newcomers Is Ready To Make Its Own Mark M By Jacey Zembal ost new coaches immediately enter a rebuilding situation and have to remake the roster. NC State third-year head coach Mark Gottfried had that process delayed the last two years. Gottfried inherited a talented roster that needed to learn how to play together and be mentally tough, which resulted in two straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, a Sweet 16 berth in 2012 and a 48-24 overall record. The reloading that was delayed is finally taking place this season, with six new players taking the court. The big four of seniors Richard Howell and Scott Wood and juniors Lorenzo Brown and C.J. Leslie — who both entered the NBA Draft a year early — have moved on. Shooting guard Rodney Purvis, who started 23 games and averaged 8.3 points per game as a freshman last year, transferred to Connecticut in the offseason. NC State returns players who accounted for 349 out of 2,708 points, 210 out of 1,286 rebounds and 77 out of 511 assists. "That group is now gone and that page has been turned," Gottfried said. "We have a young group right now that is really eager, very willing and excited about practice every day. They know there is a lot to learn. There is a much different feel from that regard. "I want to play in the NCAA Tournament, and that is the goal every year. Some years you obviously feel you have a better 22 ■ the wolfpacker 22-24.Men's BKB Overview.indd 22 10/22/13 12:56 PM