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NC State has a handful of players in the NBA D-League that are making quite an impact. There are 22 teams in the D-League as of now with more expansions in the works. NBA teams have embraced the D-League as an environment to send young players to develop their skills and conditioning. This season a total of 79 NBA players have played in the D-League, including 13 first round selections. Let’s take a look at how some NC State guys are fairing and how likely they are to be called up.

Scott Wood | Santa Cruz Warriors | 6-5 | SG

Scott Wood received an invite from the Golden State Warriors to participate in their training camp. Wood was optioned to their D-League affiliate and has made the most of the opportunity. Averaging 14.5 PPG and leading the NBAD in made three-pointers at 102 made. The Santa Cruz Warriors play uptempo with the freedom to shoot threes in transition, and in the half-court. Scott has thrived at Santa Cruz starting all but one game and giving them a deadly weapon from the outside.

10 made three pointers is the Santa Cruz franchise single-game record which Wood most recently claimed. In his last three games, he has managed to make 21 three-pointers. His production of 102 made three-pointers out of 224 attempts is impressive. Not only has Wood been lights out from three but he has improved his all-around game. He has started to get to the rim to draw fouls. This season he is shooting 96.3% from the free-throw line. NBA teams will have to take notice of Wood’s superior shooting and should be able to claim a 10-day contract. Personally, I do not see a reason why a team would not want an inexpensive 6-5 shooter on their roster. There are not many players that can shoot the ball as efficiently as Wood.

CJ Williams | Texas Legends | 6-5 | SG

CJ Williams had a great showing in the NBA D-League showcase scoring 32 points aginst Santa Cruz. Williams is averaging 12.5 PPG and 4 RPG. CJ has a solid all-around game showing the ability to create off the bounce to hit mid-range jump shots as well as shooting the three-ball. Williams’ has a strong frame at 230 pounds allowing him to get to his spots. The NBA will be a tough destination for Williams; however, if he can continue to improve his defense and playmaking he could have a shot at a 10-day contract.

CJ Leslie | Raptors 905 | 6-9 | F

Leslie is trying to improve the skills necessary to make an NBA roster. He is averaging 10.4 PPG and 5.7 RPG. CJ has prototypical size and athleticism for the NBA; however, he has had to clean up some fundamentals. Leslie has competed more consistently on both ends of the court giving the Raptors 905 a versatile player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. This season CJ has shown improvement in his shooting form although the numbers are not there yet, he is progressing. His release is more compact and follows through is consistent. CJ has potential it is just a matter of using his skills in a way that will peak an NBA team’s interest. If Leslie can prove to be a consistently high energy defender willing to use his length and athletic ability to get stops he can be in the NBA.

Cat Barber | Delaware 87ers | 6-1 | PG

Averaging 14.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 3.9 APG Barber has been able to find ways to impact games for Delaware. Cat has elite speed and quickness that NBA teams look for but has to show he is more than just a high-volume scorer. Barber recently had a look at the 76ers as they had a roster opening but did not make the cut. Cat is still young at 22 years old and should have time to develop as a defender and playmaker. Barber will also have the chance to play overseas if he feels the need to make more money.

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Pack in the Pros

NC State LB Payton Wilson Visited with the Steelers Yesterday

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2 days 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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6 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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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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