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NC State has a handful of players in the NBA D-League that are making quite an impact. There are 22 teams in the D-League as of now with more expansions in the works. NBA teams have embraced the D-League as an environment to send young players to develop their skills and conditioning. This season a total of 79 NBA players have played in the D-League, including 13 first round selections. Let’s take a look at how some NC State guys are fairing and how likely they are to be called up.

Scott Wood | Santa Cruz Warriors | 6-5 | SG

Scott Wood received an invite from the Golden State Warriors to participate in their training camp. Wood was optioned to their D-League affiliate and has made the most of the opportunity. Averaging 14.5 PPG and leading the NBAD in made three-pointers at 102 made. The Santa Cruz Warriors play uptempo with the freedom to shoot threes in transition, and in the half-court. Scott has thrived at Santa Cruz starting all but one game and giving them a deadly weapon from the outside.

10 made three pointers is the Santa Cruz franchise single-game record which Wood most recently claimed. In his last three games, he has managed to make 21 three-pointers. His production of 102 made three-pointers out of 224 attempts is impressive. Not only has Wood been lights out from three but he has improved his all-around game. He has started to get to the rim to draw fouls. This season he is shooting 96.3% from the free-throw line. NBA teams will have to take notice of Wood’s superior shooting and should be able to claim a 10-day contract. Personally, I do not see a reason why a team would not want an inexpensive 6-5 shooter on their roster. There are not many players that can shoot the ball as efficiently as Wood.

CJ Williams | Texas Legends | 6-5 | SG

CJ Williams had a great showing in the NBA D-League showcase scoring 32 points aginst Santa Cruz. Williams is averaging 12.5 PPG and 4 RPG. CJ has a solid all-around game showing the ability to create off the bounce to hit mid-range jump shots as well as shooting the three-ball. Williams’ has a strong frame at 230 pounds allowing him to get to his spots. The NBA will be a tough destination for Williams; however, if he can continue to improve his defense and playmaking he could have a shot at a 10-day contract.

CJ Leslie | Raptors 905 | 6-9 | F

Leslie is trying to improve the skills necessary to make an NBA roster. He is averaging 10.4 PPG and 5.7 RPG. CJ has prototypical size and athleticism for the NBA; however, he has had to clean up some fundamentals. Leslie has competed more consistently on both ends of the court giving the Raptors 905 a versatile player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. This season CJ has shown improvement in his shooting form although the numbers are not there yet, he is progressing. His release is more compact and follows through is consistent. CJ has potential it is just a matter of using his skills in a way that will peak an NBA team’s interest. If Leslie can prove to be a consistently high energy defender willing to use his length and athletic ability to get stops he can be in the NBA.

Cat Barber | Delaware 87ers | 6-1 | PG

Averaging 14.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 3.9 APG Barber has been able to find ways to impact games for Delaware. Cat has elite speed and quickness that NBA teams look for but has to show he is more than just a high-volume scorer. Barber recently had a look at the 76ers as they had a roster opening but did not make the cut. Cat is still young at 22 years old and should have time to develop as a defender and playmaker. Barber will also have the chance to play overseas if he feels the need to make more money.

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NC State Baseball

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

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14 hours ago

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July 26, 2024

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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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2 days ago

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July 25, 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
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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2 days ago

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July 25, 2024

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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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2 days ago

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July 24, 2024

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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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