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Former NC State Guard CJ Williams Starts 1st NBA Game

Published

6 years ago

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Former NC State Guard CJ Williams started his 1st career game in the NBA last night for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Williams’ journey to this point has been the epitome of perseverance. In 4 years at NC State, Williams only averaged 6.1 points per game, but because of a strong Senior season (10.6 points per game), and a good showing in the NCAA tournament, he landed a spot on ETHA Engomis, a professional team in Cyprus. He averaged 13.5 points in his first season as a pro in 29 games.

The following season (2013-14) he played for the South Bay Lakers in the G-League, and averaged 14.4 points and shot 44% from beyond the arch in 49 games.

In 2014-15 Williams jumped back across the pond, and played for Flexx Pistoia in Italy, and averaged 14.4 points in 30 games. The following year he played for JDA Dijon in France, and averaged 12 points in 35 games.

Last season CJ played for the Texas Legends in the G-League, and averaged 12.8 points and shot 38% from three in 50 games.

Prior to this season Williams signed a two-way deal that will have him see time on the Clippers and their  G-League Affiliate Agua Caliente. After averaging 14.67 points and shooting 41% from three through 6 games in the G-League, he was called up to he Clippers.

In his first 10 NBA games, Williams is averaging 10 minutes, 2.7 points, and is shooting 48% from the field.

At the end of his senior year at NC State, I would have put a ton of money down on the odds that Williams would never start a game in the NBA.

I would have lost a lot of money.

I’m glad I was wrong.

Thanks for reminding us to never give up.

 

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Matthew is Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, and is in charge of business strategy. He is an NC State alum who majored in business. Matthew is also the lead pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

Pack in the Pros

NC State LB Payton Wilson Visited with the Steelers Yesterday

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1 day 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

Published

2 days 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.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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

Published

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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