Meet the man behind the shoes! KB has been with the NC State Men’s Basketball team for over 25 years and has undoubtedly left an impact on all who have come into contact with him.  Working as the equipment manager he has had all the details on jerseys, shoes, socks, and apparel. He is a fixture on the sideline sitting on his signature stool right behind the bench closest to the scorer’s table. All of the hard work that KB puts in goes unnoticed! Only a few know just how important he is to the program.

Many of his duties revolve around making sure all of the players are prepared for each practice and game with all the needed equipment. KB is also instrumental for the Pack on road trips. Careful planning, packing, and experience have helped the Pack avoid unforeseen consequences. I can remember a trip to Michigan to play the Wolverines in the ACC/Big Ten challenge. One of our players got blood on his shorts that would not come out with the standard cleaning supplies of the team trainer. Calmly KB strolls to his “red bag” full of extra shorts to save the day. This is just one example of him being a step ahead and ready for any given situation.

Another role KB plays is in communicating to Adidas what products the players like and dislike. If something is off with a pair of shoes or a player gives feedback on what could be changed to make the shoes more appealing KB relays this to Adidas. This helps ensure that the team has every advantage possible. Randomly throughout the year Adidas will come to the practice facility to show off some new prototypes and pass on some ideas they have for planned for the Pack. This is like a mini-Christmas for the players, as they love getting a sneak peak at upcoming products.

In my years as a manager and as the head manager my senior year I was able to form a relationship with KB. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about KB, besides the fact that he can be a little stingy in giving out gear. But lets be honest when you are in his position you must be comfortable with saying no. I am sure he gets constant requests from former players and I know he receives constant request from players, especially needing socks! Throughout my four years as manger I am sure Richard Howell lost more socks than I could count, but somehow KB always had big fella covered.

I learned some valuable life lessons from KB and I know many players can say the same. He was at the Dail Center everyday with a good attitude and projected positive vibes. Few things if any could get under his skin, as he took the good with the bad. Another important lesson that “Big K” taught through his example is to take pride in your work and doing things the right way. He has a strong belief in if you do things the right way; good fortunes are bound to follow.

Countless times I would find players in his office getting some words or wisdom. KB would recall former interactions or situations to help players overcome challenges that result from a season in the ACC. It may be a story about Rodney Monroe and how he overcame a shooting slump, or how a former team battled adversity only to find success at the end of the tunnel.

KB is the type of person you can be proud of for representing NC State. His dedication and hard work should not go unnoticed; however, I truly believe that he prefers it that way. KB cares about doing a good job and helping the players become better on and off the court. He is there to help rebound for players in the summer, he’s there to lighten the mood with a joke, and he is there with an extra pair of socks.

Next time you are at a game or watching on TV look for KB going about his business in a quiet manner. Few if any represent NC State better than Kirk Brown!