The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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14 ■ THE WOLFPACKER TRACKING THE PACK Allerik Freeman is used to winning and wants that to continue during his last year of college. The 6-3, 200-pound Freeman has helped NC State get off to a 8-2 start through Dec. 15, including a memorable 24-point per- formance in helping the Wolfpack upset then-No. 2 Arizona 90-84 Nov. 22 in the Bahamas. Through 10 contests, Freeman led NC State with 15.1 points per game, and had added 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists an outing. He was shooting 36.4 percent from the field and 24.5 percent on three-pointers. Freeman spent his first four years at Bay- lor — he redshirted in 2013-14 — which went 73-30 in that span with three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, including a spot in the Sweet 16 last year. The Charlotte native earned his degree and decided to return to his home state and play for first-year NCSU head coach Kevin Keatts. He recently took some time with The Wolfpacker to discuss being a graduate transfer at NC State: What draws people to Kevin Keatts so quickly? "Everybody wants to be around a winner. He is somebody that you feel comfortable with, and he is a genuine person. When you are around him, you know he isn't feeding you any B.S. "You trust what he is saying, and not only do you listen to his words, but you look at his history and look at his track record. You look where he was an assistant coach and look at who he recruited as an assistant coach. You look at when he was a head coach and what he did. Who did he recruit and what was the success that he had? "When you look at his résumé, listen to what he is saying and what his track record and history is, and the conversations you have with him, it's pretty easy." How have you changed since arriving from Baylor? "The conditioning is probably the biggest thing that is heavily emphasized here way more than at Baylor. It is also playing styles. At Baylor, we played pretty slow. "Here, we are picking up full-court on defense, and pushing the ball and trying to score in less than 12 to 15 seconds. You have to be in shape for it." You lead the team in scoring — how would you describe yourself as a scorer? "I feel I can score at all three levels. I try to make the right play every single time. If that requires a pull- up then I'll pull up, or I'll get to the basket or shoot three-pointers. "The way we play means a lot of freedom. For me specifically, I'm just going to go out there and hooping. Since I've gotten here in May, Coach Keatts has just let me play." The coaches are proud of their Ping Pong skills, how are you in that arena? "I have to get a lot better. I can't compete with the coaches, they are at another whole level. You can't play with them. I don't even know how in the world they are that good. "You walk in there and you hear grunts and see sweat. They got towels. It is crazy. It's like watching pros playing pickup games. You just want to sit down and watch. You don't even ask to get on the table." What have you tried to pass down to the younger guards? "When I was a freshman, older guys that had been through the wars told me how to conduct myself and not to over react if I had a bad practice or a bad game. Younger guys do that all the time. "I tell them to just take it day by day and be patient with yourself. You are going to be hard on yourself because that is naturally what you'll do as a competi - tor and a hooper. Just stay patient and understand the process." How have you changed since you first left Charlotte for your senior year of high school at Findlay Prep in Nevada? "I would say I'm a totally different person. I'm a dif - ferent player, became a dad and got a degree. It has been crazy and very up and down. "I've learned it's not about getting there, but the journey. It has been really good for me. "I was able to get my degree and still have eligibility. I was able to take care of my daughter as best I could. I am thankful for the opportunity I am given now." — Jacey Zembal Getting To Know: Fifth-Year Senior Shooting Guard Allerik Freeman Freeman averaged a team-leading 15.1 points per game during NC State's 8-2 start. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS The Wolfpacker staff has enjoyed getting to know various guests on its podcast ev- ery Tuesday around 12:30 p.m. at Amedeo's Italian Restaurant in Raleigh. The podcast is always available to listen to on TheWolfpacker.com, iTunes and most everywhere else podcasts can be downloaded. Here are some excerpts from former NC State men's basketball center Ben Mc- Cauley, who was a guest Nov. 28: What is the latest in your professional basketball career? "I am now just working out. I was at the Dail Center this morning with a couple of former players. I'm just staying ready. I've been playing overseas since I graduated, with the past couple of years in Turkey. I haven't signed yet for this year, but I'm just staying ready and waiting for my opportunity." What are some of your favorite NC State memories? "I think the friendships I made, to be honest with you. I am still friends with pretty much all the teammates that I had back then today. NC State is a family and you always stay a family. I've gotten to know a lot of the older players, too, that were here before my time. "I moved down here and I live here now. It's just a great place to be and a great college atmosphere. I don't plan on leaving any time soon." Any particular NC State games you remember most fondly? "Sophomore year was a fun year because we had lost some guys, whether it was the draft or Andrew Brackman playing baseball. We were kind of low on guys, which was a blessing in disguise because we had to play a lot of minutes. "We made that run in the ACC Tournament, but unfortunately lost to North Caro - lina in the championship game, and that was our fourth game in four days. We just ran out of gas. We had beaten Carolina earlier in the year and the fans rushed the court. We beat Duke in the first round of the ACC Tournament that year, and that was pretty cool. "One personal favorite for me was when I had that tip-in dunk against Wake Forest. That might have been Gavin's [Grant] best assist when he missed that shot." You experienced a coaching change from Herb Sendek to Sidney Lowe. What ad- vice do you have for the current players who are going through a similar situation? "I'd say communication is a big thing, whether it be with your teammates or the coaches. Don't be afraid to talk to them or go to their office. These coaches are open books. "Talk to them whenever you have a problem, whether it be personal, off the court or in class. Just become more familiar with him." What do you think is needed for NC State basketball to reach the next level? "It sounds generic, but I think it's believing that you can be one of the top of the top schools. We haven't won an ACC championship since 1989, so we are going through a little lull, but historically we are one of the best teams in the ACC. We need to get back to believing we are. "[New head] Coach [Kevin] Keatts is a passionate, energetic guy and he'll make the guys believe." The Wolfpacker Podcast Highlights: Former Basketball Center Ben McCauley