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NBA D-League Update: Howell, Brown, Fells, Costner and More

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10 years ago

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Richard Howell

Last week, Gino Pilato of D-League Digest broke the news that Richard Howell bought out the rest of his contract with the Idaho Stampede. As one of the top-producing big men in the league, he is leaving to play with the Talk’n Text Tropang Texters of the Philippine Basketball Association

After hearing this, I reached out to Rich in order to determine the reason. After a couple of days of phone tag, Rich texted me with the reason he is leaving the Stampede—and the reason he had been too busy to chat.

“Basically, I just need to provide for my two little girls,” Howell said in a text. “In France [where he played earlier in the summer], I was making good money. I came to the D-League and, to my standards, I needed more money that what I was making.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the NBA, which is the reason I came back to the states. At the end of the day, I want to provide anything that my girls want, and I can’t do that in the D-League.”

Currently, Howell is in Raleigh, spending time with one of his daughters. He will be leaving for the Philippines on Feb. 10.

Other Players Still in the League

Brandon Costner, Los Angeles D-Fenders
(Current Stats: 12 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 34 FG%)

Though he is averaging the worst point total and shooting percentage of his D- League career, Costner is heating up as of late. The 6’9” power forward has scored over 10 points in eight of 11 games in January so far.

Lorenzo Brown, Delaware 87ers
(Current Stats: 17.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 6.8 apg)

Brown continues to seesaw from the 87ers and the Philidelphia 76ers, even playing for both teams in one day. But, fortunately for him, it has not affect his production. Brown has scored over 20 points in three of his last six games.

Courtney Fells, Austin Toros
(Current Stats: 15.1 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.8 apg)

Courtney Fells has been a constant producer for the Toros. Fells has seen an uptick in production lately, averaging 18 points over his last eight games, and scoring over 20 points three of his last six games.

Dennis Horner, Springfield Armor
(Current Stats: 15.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.1 apg)

After a disappointing 2012-13 season where he averaged 12 points, Horner has his career back on track. Horner was last in the NBA in March 2012 with the Nets. He has scored at least 20 points and 10 rebounds over his last two games.

C.J. Leslie, Erie BayHawks
(Current Stats: 12 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 45.7 FG%)

When we last checked in with Leslie, his play was sporatic. That hasn’t changed so far. Though he has had a couple 20-point games this season, he has yet to develop a consistent touch. In his last game against the Iowa Energy on Jan. 26, he went scoreless. This D-League experience is at least doing something positive for his career: keeping him off a terrible Knicks team.

C.J. Williams, Los Angeles D-Fenders
(Current Stats: 13.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.5 apg)

Williams has been relatively quiet this season, but he recently exploded onto the scene. He has scored over 15 points in four of his last five games, and, in his last game on Jan. 27, he scored 36 points of 15-20 shooting from the field, going 4-7 from behind the arc.

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Pack in the Pros

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.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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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1 week 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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