PackInsider.com caught up with CJ Leslie today after his big announcement that he would be playing his college ball in his hometown of Raleigh at NC State University. Here is how it went down.

PI: Why did you recommit to NC State?
CJ: “NC State is a great school.  I also have a great relationship with Coach Lowe.  Plus he was in the NBA for 15 years and he knows what to do to get me ready for the next level.”

PI: Talk about Coach Lowe’s recruitment of you…
CJ: “Even when I decommitted, and did what I did, he continued to recruit me harder than anyone else.  That played a big role in my decision.  Anyone who can stay committed to a player, and recruit them harder than anyone else, after they decommitted, it shows that they really care about you.  He really wanted was best for me and that definitely played a part in my decision.

PI: Did the NC State recruiting class hold any weight in your decision? 
CJ: “That was another big factor in recommiting to NC State.  I knew I was going to be a part of an amazing class.  Coach Lowe brought in two really good guards in Ryan Harrow and Lorenzo Brown.  Also, Tracy Smith is really strong on the low block.  He really proved himself this year.  Then you’ve got Scott Wood shooting the ball the way he does.  You really can’t go wrong.  I think we are going to be a good team this year and have the chance to go far.  I think we could possibly be a potential runner-up for an ACC championship.”

PI: Can you talk about possibly bringing NC State back to prominence?
CJ: “I’m definitely doing this for my city, and I know they have my back.  I know the city really wanted me to go to NC State, and I know that they are proud of me for making this decision.  I’m just really excited about this team, about what we can do, and how far we could go.”

PI: If you could say something to the Wolfpack fans what would it be?
CJ: “Thanks for having my back and we are going to run this city!”