Charles Shackleford has been found dead in his home in Kinston, NC. Officers have not released any information on how he passed or whether foul play was involved.
After attending NC State, Shakleford played 6 seasons in the NBA for Philadephia, Minnesota and Charlotte. He averaged 5.4 points and 4.8 rebounds. During his time at NC State (1985-88) he was known as a physical monster. Shack was 6’10 and was extremely aggressive on the boards. In 1988 he led the ACC in rebounding before declaring for the NBA.
Shack is also known for is his infamous ‘amphibious’ quote. In an interview about his ability to finish with both hands, he supposedly responded. “Left hand, right hand, it doesn’t matter. I’m amphibious.” I did not see the quote live, however, I swear (I think) I saw the clip at some point a long time ago. But to this day there are still arguments between State fans on whether or not this was ever said. Either way, Shackleford was a widely known and appreciated member of NC State’s basketball history and it’s extremely sad to hear this news. Let’s mourn together Pack fans as we remember one of our family.
Former NC State Guard Terquavion Smith earned a spot on the 2023-24 NBA G-League All-Rookie Team.
Smith averaged 22.3 points, 3.4 assists and 3 rebounds per game for the Delaware Blue Coats. What’s crazy, is that he only started in 3 of the 36 games he played in. With that being said, he averaged 30.7 minutes per game. Smith shot 35.6% from three.
As a 2-way player, Smith also played 16 games for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 3.3 points in 5.3 minutes per game. He shot 37.1% from three.
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.