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Getting to Know: Kirk “KB” Brown

Published

9 years ago

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Meet the man behind the shoes! KB has been with the NC State Men’s Basketball team for over 25 years and has undoubtedly left an impact on all who have come into contact with him.  Working as the equipment manager he has had all the details on jerseys, shoes, socks, and apparel. He is a fixture on the sideline sitting on his signature stool right behind the bench closest to the scorer’s table. All of the hard work that KB puts in goes unnoticed! Only a few know just how important he is to the program.

Many of his duties revolve around making sure all of the players are prepared for each practice and game with all the needed equipment. KB is also instrumental for the Pack on road trips. Careful planning, packing, and experience have helped the Pack avoid unforeseen consequences. I can remember a trip to Michigan to play the Wolverines in the ACC/Big Ten challenge. One of our players got blood on his shorts that would not come out with the standard cleaning supplies of the team trainer. Calmly KB strolls to his “red bag” full of extra shorts to save the day. This is just one example of him being a step ahead and ready for any given situation.

Another role KB plays is in communicating to Adidas what products the players like and dislike. If something is off with a pair of shoes or a player gives feedback on what could be changed to make the shoes more appealing KB relays this to Adidas. This helps ensure that the team has every advantage possible. Randomly throughout the year Adidas will come to the practice facility to show off some new prototypes and pass on some ideas they have for planned for the Pack. This is like a mini-Christmas for the players, as they love getting a sneak peak at upcoming products.

In my years as a manager and as the head manager my senior year I was able to form a relationship with KB. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about KB, besides the fact that he can be a little stingy in giving out gear. But lets be honest when you are in his position you must be comfortable with saying no. I am sure he gets constant requests from former players and I know he receives constant request from players, especially needing socks! Throughout my four years as manger I am sure Richard Howell lost more socks than I could count, but somehow KB always had big fella covered.

I learned some valuable life lessons from KB and I know many players can say the same. He was at the Dail Center everyday with a good attitude and projected positive vibes. Few things if any could get under his skin, as he took the good with the bad. Another important lesson that “Big K” taught through his example is to take pride in your work and doing things the right way. He has a strong belief in if you do things the right way; good fortunes are bound to follow.

Countless times I would find players in his office getting some words or wisdom. KB would recall former interactions or situations to help players overcome challenges that result from a season in the ACC. It may be a story about Rodney Monroe and how he overcame a shooting slump, or how a former team battled adversity only to find success at the end of the tunnel.

KB is the type of person you can be proud of for representing NC State. His dedication and hard work should not go unnoticed; however, I truly believe that he prefers it that way. KB cares about doing a good job and helping the players become better on and off the court. He is there to help rebound for players in the summer, he’s there to lighten the mood with a joke, and he is there with an extra pair of socks.

Next time you are at a game or watching on TV look for KB going about his business in a quiet manner. Few if any represent NC State better than Kirk Brown!

 

 

 

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NC State Basketball

Guard Mike O’Connell Announces He Will Play His Final Year of Eligibility at NC State

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13 hours ago

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May 1, 2024

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Guard Michael O’Connell announced today that he will be playing his final year of eligibility at NC State next season.

 

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Today was the final day graduate players could enter the Portal.

This past season, O’Connell averaged 5.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Wolfpack, starting 22 of the 41 games he played in.

O’Connell took over as NC State’s starting Point Guard on January 30th in a win against Miami.

He only scored in double figures in 9 of his 41 games this season, but 6 of those came in postseason play (5 in the ACC Tournament). O’Connell took things to another level in the ACC Tournament, playing aggressive on the offensive end, looking for his shot, and attacking the rim.

NC State played it’s best basketball of the season when O’Connell was running the show. He ranked 3rd in the ACC in Assist/Turnover Ratio (2.5).

Heading into next season, with a lineup filled with new faces, having the calming presence of a veteran leader like O’Connell is reassuring.

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NC State Basketball

ECU Transfer Forward Ezra Ausar to NC State is Trending Up

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1 day ago

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May 1, 2024

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ECU Transfer Power Forward Ezra Ausar (6’9″/240) was on an Official Visit to NC State yesterday, and according to analysts at ON3 and 247Sports, things are trending in the right direction for the Wolfpack.

Jamie Shaw of ON3 submitted a prediction for Ausar to eventually commit to NC State yesterday morning.

Cory Smith of 247Sports submitted a crystal ball projection for Ausar to run with the Wolfpack this morning.

Ausar just wrapped up his Sophomore season in Greenville, averaging 11.4 points and 4.7 rebounds, shooting 51.4% from the field. As a Freshman, he was named to the AAC All-Freshman Team, averaging 9.8 points and 5.3 rebounds.

Ausar is a consensus 4-Star prospect in the Transfer Portal, and ON3 ranks him as the #60 overall player in the Portal and the #10 Power Forward.

Originally from Atlanta, Ausar played his Senior Season of High School at Liberty Heights Athletic Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. ON3 ranked Ausar as a 4-Star prospect coming out of high school, the #94 overall player nationally, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina.

Ausar has visited Seton Hall, Georgia Tech, met over Zoom with Georgetown, and had an in-home visit with Utah. John Calipari and his staff at Arkansas have been in touch with Ausar, as well as Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Arizona State, West Virginia, Iowa State and St. John’s. (Link)

At this point, it’s good news that Ausar has no visits scheduled after the visit to NC State.

Ausar has 2 years of eligibility remaining, and NC State currently has 1 scholarship remaining.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Signee Zamareya Jones Showed Out in the McDonald’s & Jordan All-American Games

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1 day ago

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May 1, 2024

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NC State 2024 signee Zamareya Jones has played in the McDonald’s All-American game and the Jordan Brand Classic over the past month.

In the McDonald’s game on April 2nd, Jones had 13 points, helping her East squad defeat the West.

 

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In the Jordan Brand Classic on April 21st, Jones had 15 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds. She also hit the game winner for Team Flight.

Jones is a 5-star prospect in the Wolfpack’s 2024 recruiting class, ranked 21st overall nationally by ESPN.

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NC State Basketball

NC State’s Kevin Keatts and DJ Burns Sounded the Siren at the Canes Game Tonight

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1 day ago

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April 30, 2024

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NC State Head Coach Kevin Keatts and the beloved DJ Burns were both Siren Sounders for the Canes this evening, with Carolina defeating the Islanders 6-3, winning the Round 1 series 4-1.

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