Life Without Terry Henderson

We cannot express how disappointed we were to see Terry suffer a terrible injury only 7 minutes into the season.Saturday, the school released information saying he tore some ligaments in his ankle and that he would be out 6-8 weeks, which would put his return right around ACC play. In the mean time, what does that leave the Pack with?

Henderson was expected to play big time minutes and will sorely be missed. He was needed as a ball handler, defender, and for his athletic ability. For those who doubted if his impact would be missed due he had a quiet exhibition game, remember that he was out of division I basketball for a whole season, it takes time to regain the touch and rhythm of basketball at a DI level.

Coach Gottfried is now left with a team that is extremely thin at guard and even thinner when drilled down to the point guard position. His only true point guard on the roster is walk-on Chris Corchiani Jr., but Gottfried has been more apt at using Cat full time as he has logged 40 and 38 minutes in the two games thus far. In the exhibition game Gottfried used Cody Martin, who had an uneven debut, but spoke how he believes he has the potential to handle backup duties.

Something will have to give as Cat Barber cannot play 40 minutes a game the whole season? It’s likely that the toll would be too great and he would be left with no legs towards the end of the season. That leaves Gottfried having to buy some minutes for Cat by using a combination of both Caleb and Cody at the point guard position. Neither are true point guards, but both posses enough skill to help the Pack survive a few minutes here and there. One thing that it gives State an advantage in is a big lineup that can cause mismatches with their size. As for defense, not too much is lost as Cody and Caleb can defend most opposing points guards.

Another result that would be a welcome side effect of Henderson’s injury would be quicker development of their big men. NC State will have to depend on Abu, Anya, and Freeman. In the game versus South Alabama the trio combined for 27 points, and 24 rebounds. Both Freeman and Anya showed some improved moves out of the post and Abu was effective given his limited minutes due to foul trouble. State will need them to continue to improve and work hard at finding each other on offense.

One other important piece is Maverick Rowan. The freshman has shown he is not afraid to look for his shot, but he will have to continue to improve in his selection. Standing at 6’6 he has the ability to finish inside, and has shown a willingness to take his man off the dribble. As the season marches on don’t be surprised to find him a top of the box score.

Patience will have to be a necessity when watching this team. They are young and have to forge their own path. The Sweet Sixteen run is a thing of the past, Trevor Lacey and Ralston Turner are not walking out of that tunnel. Each player has to take it upon themselves to play with copious amounts of energy and grit to win. Hopefully State can keep improving and building towards March.