The Wolfpacker

July 2014 - Football Preview

The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports

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14 ■ THE WOLFPACKER T erry Henderson initially wasn't sure what he wanted to do dur- ing his official visit to NC State, but it became clear June 25. The West Virginia transfer elected to pick hometown NC State over Maryland and Richmond. After sitting out this upcoming sea- son, the shooting guard will have two years of eligibility remaining to play for the Wolfpack. "This was a tougher decision then when I was 18 years old," Henderson said. "I was really, really close with the coaches on these coaching staffs, and it did get to an emotional state. I just got real close with those schools. I just didn't want to waste anybody's time. I also wanted to get into summer school." Henderson averaged 11.7 points per game while shooting 37.6 percent from three-point range and 84.8 percent from the free throw line last year for WVU. He reached double figures in 18 of the 28 games he played in for the 17-16 Mountaineers, including posting a season-high 28 points on the strength of 5-of-6 three-point shooting in an 87-81 win over Texas Tech Jan. 22. The 6-5, 190-pound Henderson never dreamed of playing for NC State while in high school at Raleigh Neuse Christian Academy, but he is convinced he can reach his goals there now. "I'm just glad things are over with and I can get back to work," the 20-year-old Henderson said. "I can feel the excitement [from NC State fans]. The people close to me didn't care where I went. They were going to support me either way. They've been through this process with me before, so it's more of a relief thing than an excitement thing." Henderson had some specific goals in mind, such as earning his degree and playing basketball professionally one day. He ap- proached his recruitment as a business decision and didn't want emotions to get in the way, which wasn't easy. Henderson thought NC State was the best choice to help him reach those aforementioned goals. "They have a great environment, people that care and it isn't just about basketball for me," said Henderson, who had all 59 credit hours transfer over from WVU. "I thank God that I can play bas- ketball, but I want to use basketball to go to school for free. That is a real big thing for my family and I. When I get my degree, I'll be the first male in my family in a really long time. It is more than basketball, but then basketball is the main focus." Henderson bucked the local schools and was a Georgetown fan growing up. His recruitment started to take off during the fall of his senior year, and he subsequently picked West Virginia over Rich- mond, Maryland, Georgia, Virginia Tech, George Mason, Miami and Boston College. West Virginia lost leading scorer and wing Eron Harris to a trans- fer (he ended up picking Michigan State), and Henderson soon fol- lowed suit May 10. He appreciated his time in Morgantown, W.Va., but was motivated to leave the Big 12 program. "West Virginia really taught me a lot," Henderson said. "They have a lot of defensive rules and they helped me get bigger and stronger. I give a lot of credit to West Virginia, and I am still cool with those dudes to this day, and I'll always be cool with them." Henderson was planning to major in business at West Virginia, but will likely switch to sports management at NC State. Sports have played a huge part in his life, and he'd like that to continue after his playing days are over. However, he doesn't see coaching in his future. After going through two recruitments, he doesn't think he'd enjoy being on the other side chasing players. "I love the sports profession and to be around sports," Henderson said. "I don't think I would want to coach because I don't have the patience for that. I'd like to get into the entertainment market or sports marketing." Henderson will use the next year to improve by going against fifth-year senior Ralston Turner, redshirt junior Trevor Lacey, se- nior Desmond Lee, and freshmen Caleb Martin and Cody Martin in practice. NC State is deep on the perimeter, so competition will be strong this season and in the future. Turner, Lacey and the Martin twins were all ranked in the Rivals.com top 150 coming out of high school, with all but Turner in the top 81. "It's going to be great because they push each other," Henderson said. "Ralston and Desmond have gone through this before and will help me along the way. "We all are also able to help the twins because I have played college basketball, so it's not new to me. They are going to be re- ally good, too. We want to play for a championship and get to the next level." — Jacey Zembal NC State Lands West Virginia Shooting Guard Transfer Terry Henderson TRACKING THE PACK Henderson averaged 11.7 points per game while shooting 37.6 percent from three-point range and 84.8 percent from the free throw line last year for West Virginia. PHOTO BY DALE SPARKS 14-16,18,20,22,24-25.TTP.indd 14 6/27/14 2:38 PM

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