The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/406183
66 ■ THE WOLFPACKER WOLFPACK BASKETBALL PREVIEW ■ Desmond Lee 5 • SG Sr. • Norfolk, Va. • 6-4 • 200 Analysis: In his first season after transferring in from New Mexico Junior College, Lee was a valuable contributor and part-time starter. Lee will compete for playing time on the wing and provide valuable depth with his versatility and strong defensive skills. Lee will also be more comfortable after a year at the ACC level, which should help him be more consistent this season. Career Highlights: Started 19 games and was NCSU's fourth-leading scorer at 8.4 points per contest … Reached double-digits in points 17 times, including a season-best 24 points in the opener against Appalachian State last year … Posted 13 points in the second-round NCAA Tourna - ment loss to Saint Louis … Earned second-team JUCO All-America honors his sophomore season at NMJC after he averaged 20.3 points per game, fifth best at the junior college level … Listed as the 10th-best junior col- lege prospect in the country by JucoRecruiting.com … Helped his team reach national junior college final and had 23 points and 11 rebounds in a one-point loss … Selected to the JUCO All-Star Game in 2013 … In high school, was a two-time all-district performer at Washington High School, and averaged 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game as a senior (2008-09) … Was also an all-district quarterback in football after throwing for 1,268 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior … Played AAU basketball for Boo Williams and Wave. Coach's Corner: "I thought Desmond had a really good summer. He understands that for us, he needs to be the guy that brings really great energy." — Head coach Mark Gottfried Personal: Majoring in sports management … Has a daughter (Sah'riaha Finney-Lee). STATISTICS Year G-GS MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 3FG% FT% 2011-12* 32-10 — 13.8 3.2 1.4 46.4 33.8 71.4 2012-13* 31-31 — 20.3 5.1 2.2 43.3 33.0 76.8 2013-14 36-19 24.3 8.4 2.9 1.6 39.1 28.0 72.5 * At New Mexico Junior College Ten Questions With Desmond Lee What is your biggest guilty pleasure? I like to listen to R&B, that's how I get hyped. I listen to R&B like others listen to rap. What is one item on your bucket list? To go to California. What's the country you would most like to visit? Nah, I like it here. What's your favorite move on the basketball court? Side step. When was your first time dunking? Eighth grade. What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Cookies and cream or vanilla. What is your funniest or favorite expression from an NC State coach? Coach [Rob] Moxley's walk after he makes a shot. What do you miss most about home? My daughter. What were your first thoughts on the new uniforms? Feathery. In 20 years, I will most likely be … happy. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN