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Dear NC State fans,

Twitter, Facebook and message boards can be a harsh world. It’s clear that many thought former NC State shooting guard Trevor Lacey should have stayed for his Senior season, and after not getting drafted last night, people feel validated in their disproval. In my personal opinion, this response is shortsighted and ungrateful.

It’s shortsighted because as a fan you don’t look at this situation through Trevor Lacey’s eyes, and aren’t standing in his shoes. He wasn’t ignorant of the fact that their was a high chance he might not get drafted. He can read mock drafts just like you and me. He is an intelligent individual. He knows he’s 24 years old, going on 25. The average span of a professional basketball players career is roughly 5 years. Prospects don’t necessarily become more financially appealing to professional teams as they age.  He knew professional ball overseas was a high likelihood, and he knew he might be more worth their money this year, rather than next year.  He also probably knew that he more than likely wouldn’t be a lottery pick next year if he stayed, but by going and working out for every team this year, he put his face and talent in front of all of them right now, so they would remember him when they have a need in the future.

It’s ungrateful because NC State would not have made it to the Sweet Sixteen this year without Trevor Lacey.  They wouldn’t have finished 24th in the nation without Trevor Lacey.  NC State’s future of bringing in high caliber transfers was brightened by Trevor Lacey.  Future recruits are more likely to come because of the national platform he put NC State on this past year.

Fans think that players are there simply for their pleasure.  When players leave it ruins our hopes for the future and we are filled with “What if they stayed?” questions.  We have to remember that players are filled with “What if?” questions that actually pertain to their lives, and not simply our entertainment.  

Wolfpack fans should be thankful for Trevor Lacey, and they should be supportive of him wherever he goes.  

You have my support and appreciation Trevor,

Matthew Bradham

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Matthew is Publisher and Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He is also the Lead Pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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Real_Pack_Man
Real_Pack_Man
8 years ago

wolfpack74 Because a large number of NC State fans are making it their business to project their opinions on what he should have done.  It’s relevant to our fanbase and Trevor was an essential part of our last S16 team…. he means SOMETHING to NC State…

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
8 years ago

carl2591 Chucky Brown did not leave early.  You really know your NC State basketball.  He lives in Cary, Carl.

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
8 years ago

Get your facts straight.  He is 23 going on 24.  Why do we spend time on someone that is gone and only played one year.  Please concentrate on the existing players and future players that might have NC State at heart and not themselves.

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carl2591
carl2591
8 years ago

He will make real good money in europe.. My friends niece Bria Hartley, point guard at UConn, won 2 national championships, plays in Turkey and makes BANK.. While it not WNBA or NBA money it not half bad.  I tend to think over all pro athletes are OVERpaid. Look at Cam Newton 100 million over 5 yrs.. that make tickets cost go sky high.  He college football game tickets are starting to get re-dick-u-lus. Florida State game tickets $85 bucks.. outrageous.  I would have liked for him to stay and play his senior year but that is his decision and… Read more »

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Real_Pack_Man
Real_Pack_Man
8 years ago

I generally agree with your statement, especially given
the context that there are many fans who over-zealously proclaim their opinions
and are happy to relish in the misery of a young-adult when “they knew
better”, whether they did or didn’t.
If I could offer one suggestion, it may be to add
something about this context to the letter.I’m not certain that those who think Trevor Lacey should have stayed are
being “short sighted”, but many of them are certainly being s***ty
people to someone they don’t know via social media.
Best of luck, Trevor.Thanks for everything you did!

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Pack in the Pros

Mike Tomlin’s Thoughts on the Steelers Drafting NC State’s Payton Wilson

Published

4 days ago

on

April 29, 2024

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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was ecstatic that NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson was available for Pittsburgh to pick up with the 98th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“Man, we’re really excited about Peyton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the type of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skillset. He’s a fluid mover. He can run. Had an opportunity to lay some real up close eyes on him down there in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, we’re thankful we had an opportunity to get him. He’s got all the hardware that comes with some of those things that I described being a Butkus Award winner and so forth. We had to get comfortable with his medical and we brought him in on a pre draft visit. We allowed Our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort. And so from that perspective, man, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

“I think you could characterize it as surprised. I mean, he is an award-winning linebacker, Butkus Award winner. Had an opportunity to get really familiar with him down in Mobile as well. But the linebackers themselves weren’t coming off the board at that juncture. So sometimes they make runs on positions at different times and it hadn’t been a lot of linebackers to that point. I think what he was number five or so.” (Link)

“We’re really excited about Payton. When we turn his tape on, we see him making all the types of plays you need linebackers to make. He’s a volume tackle player. He makes plays in the passing game from a coverage perspective via interception and pass breakup. He gets after the quarterback in the blitz game. He’s got a very well-rounded skill set. He’s a fluid mover. We had to get comfortable with his medical, and we were. We brought him in on a pre-draft visit to allow our medical experts to really get a good evaluation of him. We talked to him about his injury history. We were at a place of comfort, and so from that perspective, we’re really excited about having him.” (Link)

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Pack in the Pros

Payton Wilson will Wear #41 for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Published

5 days ago

on

April 28, 2024

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Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in 3rd round on Friday night, will wear the #41 for the Steelers.

Wilson spent his entire collegiate career at NC State wearing the #11. He wore the #11 at Orange High School.

It will take some getting used to recognize him in the #41 jersey. Currently, Steelers Wide Receiver Van Jefferson is wearing the #11.

Here’s a look at other Pittsburgh players who have worn the #41.

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NC State Football

NC State CB Shyheim Battle Receives Invitation to Jets Rookie Mini Camp

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6 days ago

on

April 28, 2024

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NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.

Battle had 1 year of eligibility remaining, but declared for the NFL Draft on January 3rd.

He finished this past year as the most experienced player on the Wolfpack’s defense, starting in 41 of the 51 games he has played in dating back to 2019. In a rarity in this day-and-age, Battle was a 4-year starter at the Cornerback position for NC State. He graduated with a degree in Communications.

In his final season in Red and White, Battle had 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery. His PFF Grade of 70.6 was the 7th best on the Wolfpack defense.

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NC State Football

NC State PK Brayden Narveson Signs Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Titans

Published

6 days ago

on

April 27, 2024

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NC State Place Kicker Brayden Narveson has signed an Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Tennessee Titans.

In his one season in Raleigh, Narveson made 18 of his 23 Field Goal attempts for the Wolfpack, and made all 38 Extra Point attempts. Narveson made some history in his one season at NC State, kicking a 57-yard Field Goal against Duke, breaking the school record for the longest Field Goal.

Narveson ranked 4th in the ACC in Field Goals attempted (23), and 5th in Field Goals made (18) this season. He ranked 9th in conference in scoring (7.1 points per game).

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