Pack in the Pros
A Letter to Wolfpack Fans about Trevor Lacey
Dear NC State fans,
Twitter, Facebook and message boards can be a harsh world. It’s clear that many thought former NC State shooting guard Trevor Lacey should have stayed for his Senior season, and after not getting drafted last night, people feel validated in their disproval. In my personal opinion, this response is shortsighted and ungrateful.
It’s shortsighted because as a fan you don’t look at this situation through Trevor Lacey’s eyes, and aren’t standing in his shoes. He wasn’t ignorant of the fact that their was a high chance he might not get drafted. He can read mock drafts just like you and me. He is an intelligent individual. He knows he’s 24 years old, going on 25. The average span of a professional basketball players career is roughly 5 years. Prospects don’t necessarily become more financially appealing to professional teams as they age. He knew professional ball overseas was a high likelihood, and he knew he might be more worth their money this year, rather than next year. He also probably knew that he more than likely wouldn’t be a lottery pick next year if he stayed, but by going and working out for every team this year, he put his face and talent in front of all of them right now, so they would remember him when they have a need in the future.
It’s ungrateful because NC State would not have made it to the Sweet Sixteen this year without Trevor Lacey. They wouldn’t have finished 24th in the nation without Trevor Lacey. NC State’s future of bringing in high caliber transfers was brightened by Trevor Lacey. Future recruits are more likely to come because of the national platform he put NC State on this past year.
Fans think that players are there simply for their pleasure. When players leave it ruins our hopes for the future and we are filled with “What if they stayed?” questions. We have to remember that players are filled with “What if?” questions that actually pertain to their lives, and not simply our entertainment.
Wolfpack fans should be thankful for Trevor Lacey, and they should be supportive of him wherever he goes.
You have my support and appreciation Trevor,
Matthew Bradham
wolfpack74 Because a large number of NC State fans are making it their business to project their opinions on what he should have done. It’s relevant to our fanbase and Trevor was an essential part of our last S16 team…. he means SOMETHING to NC State…
carl2591 Chucky Brown did not leave early. You really know your NC State basketball. He lives in Cary, Carl.
Get your facts straight. He is 23 going on 24. Why do we spend time on someone that is gone and only played one year. Please concentrate on the existing players and future players that might have NC State at heart and not themselves.
He will make real good money in europe.. My friends niece Bria Hartley, point guard at UConn, won 2 national championships, plays in Turkey and makes BANK.. While it not WNBA or NBA money it not half bad. I tend to think over all pro athletes are OVERpaid. Look at Cam Newton 100 million over 5 yrs.. that make tickets cost go sky high. He college football game tickets are starting to get re-dick-u-lus. Florida State game tickets $85 bucks.. outrageous. I would have liked for him to stay and play his senior year but that is his decision and… Read more »
I generally agree with your statement, especially given
the context that there are many fans who over-zealously proclaim their opinions
and are happy to relish in the misery of a young-adult when “they knew
better”, whether they did or didn’t.
If I could offer one suggestion, it may be to add
something about this context to the letter.I’m not certain that those who think Trevor Lacey should have stayed are
being “short sighted”, but many of them are certainly being s***ty
people to someone they don’t know via social media.
Best of luck, Trevor.Thanks for everything you did!