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Ilian Evtimov played at NC State from 2001-2006. Over his career in Raleigh the 6’7 forward averaged 9.3 ppg, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Evtimov was extremely versatile for a big man. He played the high post, was a great passer, a strong rebounder and he shot nearly 40% from beyond the arc over his 4 years at State.

If you’ve followed PackInsider.com since the beginning, then you’ll remember that Ilian used to contribute to the site weekly. We reached back out to to check up on him and to see where life has taken him. Leave a note for Ilian in our comment section…

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I am really glad to connect to the Wolfpack nation. It has been a while since I have last connected with you, however my life has been everything but quiet.

Since my days at NC State ended, I have been playing professional basketball in Spain, Italy, Germany, Cyprus, and France. I got married in 2010 and have two wonderful kids. Expecting a third one anytime now.

I have not only gained great experience and exposure during my basketball career by winning the French cup twice, the Mid Season tourney, the National Championship and being named twice to the All Star game, but I also finished my masters degree in Parks Recreation and Tourism at NC State. I also got involved, very aggressively, in the Real Estate business,  both in the USA and France. In addition I have been a speaker at different conventions, mainly talking about success and leadership.

I am currently still playing professional basketball in France, as I signed for 2 years with Cholet basket. I am also writing a book that will be a tremendous tool for this generation of athletes, and also for the sports fan who will get to experience the life and adversities that professional athletes face both on and off the court. It will also help athletes prepare during their career for life after professional sports.

My life after basketball is still unclear, but I am leaning towards coaching. Many of my former coaches and previous teammates are now coaching. Take Levi Watkins, Julius Hodge and Archie Miller for example. I have always felt that I can bring something to young players both on and off the court. Plus, I am having a hard time believing I could go on and not be involved with basketball – I love it way too much.

In the meantime, I am enjoying every bit of playing as I plan to play another 3 or 4 years. I do spend most of my summer time in the USA, in Winston Salem.  I have family and my investments there. I stop by the school and speak and connect with the coaching staff, and I know this year is going to be great. I cannot wait until it starts. Go Pack!

-Ilian Evtimov


Ilian Evtimov – hoops highlights from Hoops International on Vimeo.

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Lisa Stolar
Lisa Stolar
7 years ago

Sounds like a beautiful life; so happy for you!!

Wolphpack
Wolphpack
7 years ago

Congratulations, sounds like you are doing great!!

NC State Baseball

All But 1 of NC State’s 2024 MLB Draft Picks & UDFA’s Have Signed

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All but 1 of NC State’s 2024 MLB Draft Picks and Undrafted Free Agents have signed with their respective teams.

Center Fielder Eli Serrano III was drafted in the 4th round with the 111th overall pick by the New York Mets. He signed for $697,500, which was $41,400 more than the slot value for the pick. Serrano III had 2 more years of college eligibility, but opted to turn pro.

 

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Shortstop Brandon Butterworth has signed with the Padres, who drafted him the 12th round with the 360th overall pick. Butterworth had one more year of college eligibility, but opted to turn pro.

 

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Pitcher Sam Highfill has signed as an Undrafted Free Agent with the Phillies.

Pitcher Logan Whitaker was drafted by the Twins in the 19th round with the 578th overall pick. He signed for $10,000.

An event that majority of people told me was nearly impossible. Here’s to the end of an era and a start to a new adventure. Time to get to work. pic.twitter.com/HdOsDmU6vB

— Logan Whitaker (@_whitaker_10) July 25, 2024

3rd Baseman Alec Makarewicz signed as an Undrafted Free Agent with the White Sox.

1st Baseman Garrett Pennington signed an Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Tigers.

Shortstop Devin Fitz-Gerald, who was going to be an incoming Freshman in 2025, was drafted by the Rangers in the 5th Round. He signed his deal, with a signing bonus worth $900,000.

Catcher Jacob Cozart was drafted by the Guardians in the 2nd Round with the 48th overall pick. He has yet to sign his deal. The slot value for his deal is $1.94 million. Cozart has 1 year of college eligibility remaining, but there’s no expectation that he will be returning next season for the Wolfpack.

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Pack in the Pros

NFL.com Ranks NC State Legend Bradley Chubb as 1 of the Top-100 Players in 2024

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Every year, NFL.com ranks the Top-100 players heading into the season, and the voting is done by the players. Former NC State All-American Bradley Chubb didn’t crack the Top-100 heading into last season, but heading into 2024, he ranks 62nd.

Bradley Chubb
Miami Dolphins · OLB

Whether you were a quarterback or running back who went against the Dolphins, Chubb’s presence in the trenches was potent. He led the league with six forced fumbles while also recording 73 tackles, 22 QB hits, 11 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. He reached the double-digit sack mark for the first time since his rookie season in 2018. Chubb suffered a torn ACL late in the 2023 season and there hasn’t been a timeline on when he’ll return for the 2024 campaign, but he certainly left his mark last year.

(NFL)

In 2017, Chubb was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, becoming only the 2nd NC State player to earn the honor. He also was named a Consensus 1st Team All-American. Chubb took home the Bronko Nagurski and Ted Hendrick’s awards. He is NC State’s career leader in Sacks and Tackles for Loss.

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Pack in the Pros

Former NC State All-American’s Thuney & McNeill Make CBS Sports’ Top-100 NFL Players of ’24

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Pete Prisco of CBS Sports shared his Top-100 NFL Players heading into the 2024 season, and two former NC State All-Americans made the list: Offensive Guard Joe Thuney (Chiefs) & Defensive Tackle Alim McNeill (Lions).

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player headshot
Joe ThuneyKANSAS CITY CHIEFS OG
As part of the best interior-line group in the league, he excels in pass protection. He did miss time last season and in the playoffs, which is concerning since he turns 32 in November. (Last season: No. 80)
89
player headshot
Alim McNeillDETROIT LIONS DT
He had his breakout season in 2023, flashing ability as a run stopper but also as a player who could push the pocket inside. He had five sacks, but I expect that number to be higher this season. (Last season: NR)

(CBS)

Thuney is coming off a season in which he earned 1st Team All-Pro honors, a Pro Bowl invite and a Super Bowl ring. In 2015, Thuney earned 1st Team All-American honors at NC State from the USAToday, and 3rd Team honors from the AP.

McNeill’s PFF Grade of 86.8 was the 2nd best on Detroit’s defense, and the 7th best at his position in the NFL. In 2020, McNeill earned 1st Team All-American honors at NC State from PFF, and 2nd Team honors from the AP.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Legend Julius Hodge Named Head Coach at Lincoln University

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NC State Legend Julius Hodge has been named the Head Coach at Lincoln University.

This marks Hodge’s first stint as a Head Coach.

Hodge has been in the Coaching world since 2015, when he served as Director of Player Development at the University of Buffalo under Bobby Hurley. Then, he spent 2016 and 2017 as an Assistant Coach under Herb Sendek at Santa Clara. From 2018-20, Hodge served as an Assistant Coach at San Jose State. Hodge has spent the past three seasons as an Assistant Coach at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

At NC State, Hodge earned 1st Team All-ACC honors in 2003 & 2004, and 2nd Team honors in 2005. Hodge was named the ACC Player of the Year in ’04. He earned the All-Freshman Team in 2002.

Hodge is 1 of 11 players in NC State history to earn 1st Team All-ACC honors more than once.

His 2,040 career points scored rank 3rd in NC State history. Hodge also ranks 1st in Free Throws Made, 14th in Rebounds, 7th in Offensive Rebounds, 6th in Assists and 7th in Steals.

Congrats Julius! You deserve this!

 

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