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…
————————————————–
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!
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.
Updated Steelers visit tracker:
Interesting to note that Pittsburgh only met with one LB for a pre-draft visit: Payton Wilson. Huge injury history, but a great player (and athlete) when healthy.
The Pittsburgh #Steelers held a top 30 visit with #NCState LB Payton Wilson.
Wilson, at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds, is the first linebacker to be brought in for a pre-draft visit by the team. He’s expected to be drafted in the second round. pic.twitter.com/fVxjVhQArA
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.
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.
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.
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!
Sounds like a beautiful life; so happy for you!!
Congratulations, sounds like you are doing great!!