The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/592698
NOVEMBER 2015 ■ 35 ious for their opportunity," Gottfried said. "It's their chance to step forward, and they are going to get it. They are going to get their opportunity to step in there and play." The offense will likely be fueled once again by the perimeter players, but there should be more balance with the trio of inside players being a year older. Gottfried quipped that when he looked at the active ACC career leader for various statistical categories, none of the Wolfpack players are ranked highly. "What is important is how we come to- gether as a team and if we can learn a lot about each other and ourselves, and who needs to do what and what roles guys need to have," Gottfried said. "Hopefully, we can become a really good basketball team. We are a team with a lot of question marks." Barber is the straw that stirs the drink, and the team will reflect his style and pro- duction. If he plays well, some of those question marks will be lessened. The 6-2, 190-pounder averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 re- bounds and 3.7 assists per game last year, and he shot 43.9 percent from the field and 38.0 percent from three-point range. However, his statistics could easily be broken into two parts — what he did before Jan. 31 and after. Barber broke out for 23 points and shot 4 of 5 from three-point land in a 81-80 over- time win at Georgia Tech Jan. 31. He aver- aged 15.3 points per game, and shot 43.6 percent from the field and 43.1 percent from three-point land over the last 14 con- tests. The three-point shooting was quite a revelation, since he shot just 5 of 20 from beyond the arc prior to the Georgia Tech game. He also had nine contests where he didn't attempt a three-pointer. NC State is absolutely counting on the second half of the season version of Barber, and the team did build around his one-on- one game and ability to play in the pick- and-roll. Gottfried pointed out that it will be harder for him to play without Lacey. "I think we always find ways to adjust to our personnel," the coach said. "We are a team that runs the traditional [high-post offense], our bread and butter. We feel like we have a new version. "With Cat and Trevor together, both of those two guys were really good at uti- lizing the ball screen and doing different things. We began to incorporate more and more into what we did as the season went on. We tried to adjust to our players and personnel." The team is also counting on Barber to lead this season, which could be another adjusment. "I'm my own man and I can make my own suggestions on how to be a leader," Barber said. "I never looked up to the next man on how to accomplish what they are doing. I'm trying to accomplish something I can do on my own." The 6-5, 196-pound Henderson isn't a returning starter, but the Raleigh native averaged 11.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game his sophomore year at West Virginia. He didn't have any issues in getting play- ing time or shots, but still was longing for something more. Henderson elected to transfer to NC State over Maryland and sat out last year per NCAA rules. Henderson's shooting stroke is sorely needed. He shot 37.6 percent from three- point land and 84.8 percent at the free throw line in 2013-14. He could easily become the go-to guy when NC State needs to protect a lead in the final seconds of a game. "I look for him to have a really good year, and we need him to," Gottfried said. "He does have some college experience playing at West Virginia. He's played in tough games, he's played in tough envi- ronments, and I'm excited for him to get started here at NC State." Caleb Martin, Cody Martin and Rowan, will battle to start opposite Henderson. Ca- leb Martin averaged 4.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game a year ago, but shot just 35.6 percent from the field. He has added 35 pounds since his senior year of high school, and is now listed at 6-7 and 215 pounds. Meanwhile, Cody Martin averaged 3.4 points and 2.0 rebounds per contest, and has gained about 20 pounds to reach his currently listed 6-7 and 210 pounds. "What is important is how we come together as a team and if we can learn a lot about each other and ourselves, and who needs to do what and what roles guys need to have. Hopefully, we can become a really good basketball team." ■ Head coach Mark Gottfried WOLFPACK BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2015-16