The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/406183
36 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY JACEY ZEMBAL T he NC State freshman class will be adding length, athleticism and potentially some defensive stoppers this season. Power forward Abdul-Malik Abu and identical twin brothers Caleb Martin and Cody Martin, who both play on the wing, have been able to get acclimated this sum- mer and fall at NC State. Recent NCAA rules changes have allowed the trio to get more time with the Wolfpack coaches and practice opportunities than freshmen just a few years ago could have dreamed about. All three were ranked in the final Ri- vals.com class of 2014 top 100. The 6-8, 240-pound Abu, who is from Boston, was the highest ranked at No. 45 overall in the country. The 6-6, 200-pound Caleb Martin was ranked No. 60, and the 6-6, 200-pound Cody Martin was No. 81. All three have the potential to outperform their prep rankings in the future at NC State, but will likely go through the usual freshman year adjust- ments. "This is definitely not like high school and you have to work on time manage- ment," Cody Martin said. "You still have to have the time to get in the gym and do your classwork. NC State helps with a lot of that, with study halls and help from teach- ers. We just have to get our work done and stay on top of it." The incoming freshmen have set their sights high, and are constantly reminded by the 1974 and 1983 national championship banners at the Dail Center. "The tradition is big, really big, and I knew that when I was recruited, but you don't actually get the feel of that until you get here," Abu said. "Whether it is soccer, volleyball or a football game, everyone has WOLFPACK BASKETBALL PREVIEW ADDED ATHLETICISM NC State Freshmen Abdul-Malik Abu, Caleb Martin And Cody Martin Are Poised To Make An Instant Impact Caleb Martin (left, No. 14) was ranked the No. 60 player in the country by Rivals.com, while twin brother Cody Martin (right, No. 15) was rated the nation's No. 81 prospect. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN