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The NBA preseason continues as the season is only 8 days away.  Let’s take a chance and see how some of the former NC State players have been faring thus far.

Lorenzo Brown – Minnesota Timberwolves: 

In the Timberwolves last match-up against the Memphis Grizzles Brown received a DNP as Flip Saunders decided to play his veterans and starters extended minutes.  The Timberwolves were less than stellar, as they lost 90-68, but the good news is that Brown’s competition didn’t play well either.  The previous game Brown played a total of 3 minutes as Minnesota beat the Toronto Raptors.  It appears that Minnesota may be moving on from Brown as his minutes have been slashed drastically.  Make no mistake about it that Brown has proven over the summer league and in the preseason games that he has gotten an opportunity that he can be a serviceable backup point guard.  He has averaged 5.3 points per game, and 2 assists this far.

JJ Hickson – Denver Nuggets: 

Hickson has seen action in the 3 of 4 games for the Nuggets and is averaging just over 2 points per game as well as 3 boards.  It is a foregone conclusion that Hickson will be utilized on the second unit for the Nuggets as they have Kenneth Faried and Danillo Gallinari in the front court.  Look for Hickson to carve out some minutes as he brings tons of energy and rebounding whenever he is on the floor!

TJ Warren – Phoenix Suns: 

Warren has been super impressive throughout the NBA Summer League and has carried that momentum into the preseason.  Throughout the preseason TJ is averaging 13.3 points per game, 3.8 rebounds and is shooting 48% from the field.  His last game versus the Denver Nuggets was his worst performance to date in the preseason, scoring only 5 points on 2-7 shooting, but he did manage 4 rebounds and 2 steals.

Jeff Hornachek has talked extensively about Warren and how much he has improved from year 1 to year 2.  Hornacek stated the following, “It does give us some options,” Hornacek said.  “Let’s say (a team has) a great scorer, maybe that’s a time for P.J. to be on the guy or maybe that spot’s a weaker defender, maybe that’s a good time for T.J.  We’ll just to see how it goes” (AZ).  As of now, it looks like TJ will be getting more minutes off the bench and some spot starting duties depending on match-ups.

It is clear that Warren is improving on the defensive end and he still has an extraordinairy knack for getting the ball into the basket.  Look for Warren to gain more minutes as the season goes along and as he proves that he can do more than PJ Tucker.

 

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Wolfer96
Wolfer96
8 years ago

The problem with Warren is his 3 point shot. In the Sun’s offensive system they rely heavily on the 3 to open up the court. The only way that Warren starts is if Coach Hornacek designs an offense around him. Not sure that is likely to happen this season. Where Warren excels is in transition and his ability to finish at the rim at an above average rate. Too bad he didn’t enter the league 30 years ago when a small foward scored more of their points inside the 3 point line. Now teams want 4 guys on the court… Read more »

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NC State LB Payton Wilson Visited with the Steelers Yesterday

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1 day ago

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April 17, 2024

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Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson had a Top-30 visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. Wilson is the first Linebacker the Steelers have brought in.

Wilson has already had Top-30 visits with the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers.

PFF ranks Wilson as the #1 Linebacker in the 2024 Draft, and #26 on their Big Board.

1. LB PAYTON WILSON, NC STATE

PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 26

Wilson has the length, movement ability, IQ and tape of a first-round linebacker. What will likely keep him from being drafted on Day 1 is his injury history and age. If healthy, he can be a starting inside linebacker in any defense. (PFF)

Will someone take Wilson in the 1st round? Will he be a 2nd round pick? If he slips past that, that’s just stupid.

 

 

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NC State’s DJ Horne Declares for the NBA Draft

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2 days ago

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April 16, 2024

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NC State Guard DJ Horne has officially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.

 

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A post shared by DJ Horne (@djhorne)

Horne is trying to become the first Wolfpack player to be drafted since Dennis Smith Jr. was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 6th pick in the 1st Round.

While Horne might not currently be projected to be drafted, he is trying to change that tune at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament which begins tomorrow.

Horne is a special player, and genuinely possesses the skill set to compete at the next level. Whether he is drafted, or signs a 2-way contract, what he put on tape this year warrants a chance.





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Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is Receiving Interest from NFL Teams

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5 days ago

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April 13, 2024

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Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is receiving interest from NFL teams. Thus far, those teams are the Rams, Chargers, 49ers, and Broncos.

Last season as a Senior, Jackson had 40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 12 games for the Wolfpack. His Run Defense grade on PFF was 80.6, ranking 4th on the team.

According to current projections, Jackson projects to be taken on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, or picked up as an Undrafted Free Agent.

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Former All-NC State Forward Richard Howell Named Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach at Green Hope

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7 days ago

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April 11, 2024

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Former All-ACC NC State Forward Richard Howell has been named the new Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach at Green Hope High School right down the road in Cary, North Carolina.

“I am thrilled to join the Green Hope family and lead the varsity men’s basketball team,” Coach Howell expressed. “My journey in basketball has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to share my knowledge and passion for the game with the talented athletes at Green Hope.”

Principal Alison Cleveland commented on the hire, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Coach Howell to Green Hope High School. His impressive background and dedication to the game will undoubtedly inspire our student-athletes to reach new heights both on and off the court.” (Green Hope)

Howell earned 1st Team All-ACC honors as a member of the Wolfpack back in 2013, when he averaged 12.7 points and 10.9 boards per game. His 1,055 career rebounds rank 5th in NC State history, and his 392 offensive boards rank 1st.

On December 15th, 2012, Howell snagged 19 rebounds, which is tied for the 2nd most in a single game in program history. Howell played 132 career games for the Wolfpack, which ranks 5th in NC State history.

After graduating from NC State, Howell had a couple of stints in the D-League (now called the G-League), but ultimately had a long career overseas, playing in Italy, France, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and Israel from 2013-2023.

Congratulations Richard! Raise up some talent and send them down the road to NC State!

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