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Pack in the Pros

WATCH: Dennis Smith Jr. drops 20 on Nuggets, becoming a different player

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6 years ago

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Former Wolfpack PG, Dennis Smith Jr. led The Mavs to a 122-105 win last night against the Nuggets. The freshman point guard dropped 20 points (on 9-16 shooting), grabbed 5 boards and dropped off 3 assists (highlights above).

This brings Smith Jr’s average to 14.5 points, 4.2 assists and 4 rebounds per game, which is pretty great for a rookie PG. The key has been his ability to adapt to the NBA game and learn that it’not all about highlight reel dunks.

“That’s how the season has been going — taking so many hits off screens, you ain’t trying to dunk on too many more people because you’re going to feel it,” Smith told Dallas News “That’s all that really is.”

His coach, Rick Carlisle has also noted a drastic improvement in his maturity and his style of play…

“Better all the time. The quick decisions, the quick drives are great. You’re seeing less yo-yoing of the ball, which really allows the defense to load up on you. The adjustments he’s making, he’s having success with, so it gives a nice reinforcement.”
”
Look, there’s so much coming at him every day. Just to digest everything is a real challenge, but he’s doing a good job with it.”

Although the Mavs are only 6-17, Smith Jr. is learning how to run a basketball team. Dallas may not be a contender this year, or next year, but with Smith as a foundation, they will be near the top of the standings eventually.

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Former NC State G Terquavion Smith Earns a Spot on the 2023-23 NBA G-League All-Rookie Team

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16 hours ago

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April 19, 2024

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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.

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NC State LB Payton Wilson Visited with the Steelers Yesterday

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3 days 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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3 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.

 

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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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7 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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