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Maverick Rowan is #3 overall pick in G-League Draft

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6 years ago

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(I know we keep saying this, but many people still are unaware that the NBA D-League is now sponsored by Gatorade and called the NBA G-League.)

Former NC State shooting guard Maverick Rowan was chosen #3 overall by the G-League’s Lakeland Magic (an affiliate of the Orlando Magic.) It was unclear what Rowan’s plans were when he left school early to turn pro. At first, it looked like he was going to spend a few years in  Serbia. We reported the 3-year deal when it was announced. Apparently, it didn’t work out. Rowan barely played and was waived after 3 games. he then decided to take another route and will suit up in the G-League. This is honestly probably a better move if he wants to end up in the NBA.

In the past, the NBA really didn’t have a farm system set-up like say, Major League Baseball. They would pull from one of the hundreds of high-end overseas leagues. I’m guessing that keeping tabs on players in so many different players and having scouts fly all over the world for what usually end up being roster fill-ins, was probably pretty costly. This year the NBA G-League expanded and now every NBA team either has (or will have) and G-League affiliate. It will serve as the team’s minor league club.

Rowan will be playing at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida. He should be right at home since that is the same arena that he dropped 60 points over 2 games during State Championship weekend to finish off his high school career. We will keep close tabs to see how his season progresses and if he can play well enough to get an audition with the big club.

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NC State LB Payton Wilson Visited with the Steelers Yesterday

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21 hours ago

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April 17, 2024

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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.

Wilson has already had Top-30 visits with the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers.

PFF ranks Wilson as the #1 Linebacker in the 2024 Draft, and #26 on their Big Board.

1. LB PAYTON WILSON, NC STATE

PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 26

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.

 

 

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NC State’s DJ Horne Declares for the NBA Draft

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1 day ago

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April 16, 2024

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NC State Guard DJ Horne has officially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.

 

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A post shared by DJ Horne (@djhorne)

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.





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Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is Receiving Interest from NFL Teams

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5 days ago

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April 13, 2024

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Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is receiving interest from NFL teams. Thus far, those teams are the Rams, Chargers, 49ers, and Broncos.

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.

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Former All-NC State Forward Richard Howell Named Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach at Green Hope

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7 days ago

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April 11, 2024

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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!

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