North Carolina State Wolpack 2010-11 Season Preview

North Carolina State Wolfpack

2009-10 Record: 20-16

2009-10 ACC Record: 5-11

Last season was a pretty off season for the Wolfpack. They just couldn't seem to get things right. Inconsistent, is the perfect word to describe their season. 

However, all wasn't bad for the Wolfpack. They were able to defeat the National Champion Duke Blue Devils by 14, and competed against every top 25 team they played.

They ended up with a decent record, but it only put them in the NIT. In the tournament, the Wolfpack survived all the way into the second round before being defeated by UAB.

Key Returnees

NC State was able to bring back a substantial amount of players from last year's NIT squad. Tracy Smith was the most important player that returned. He is the reason they are a lock to finish in the top-five of the ACC.

Smith is a statistical prowess. Not only was he a great scoring addition in the low post, but he rebounded, shared the ball, blocked shots, and got into the passing lanes.

NC State is grateful to have him return for his senior year. 

Javier Gonzalez is a deceht point-guard that returned as well. He seen a bump in his minutes, and his stats grew.

Scott Wood has returned as well, along with a lot more role players.

Key Departures

Denis Horner gave you production in every statistical category. Horner was beneficial on offense. He gave the Wolfpack instant scoring in the frontcourt.

Farnold Degand also reached his final year of eligibility. He was a role-player, but approached the game with such passion.

He gave good contributions, and dished the ball well.

Josh Davis and Julius Mays decided they were going to transfer. 

Despite the lack of stats, these two players were beneficial to the depth of the Wolfpack. Without them, the bench is looking lonely.

Key Additions

C.J. Leslie from Word of God decided NC State was the right fit for him. 

His play in high school this past year solidified him as a McDonald's All-America.

He is a 6-foot-8 monster on the court. He can post-up, shoot, rebound, run in transition; anything you want in a forward, Leslie exceeds.

Have you ever seen 6-foot Ryan Harrow? He is a whiz' with the ball in his hands. He displays nifty cross-over moves, and can dunk consistently for his size.

He is the complete floor-general NC State was looking for.

To edge out the recruiting class is Lorenzo Brown. Brown is a 6-foot-4 shooting guard that will provide instant help to the wing.

He is a high energy guy that makes the small plays to get his team the victory.

NC State outdid most teams with this recruiting class. They were able to grab two ESPNU top 100 recruits, to compliment their four-star shooting guard.

Overall

Even with the loss of senior Degand, NC State is primed to make a big splash next season. 

Once the Wolfpack were able to have C.J. Leslie re-commit to the program, they locked up a chance to do big things next year because of its young-tandem of players, to commend its soon-to-be seniors.

They will have one of the best backcourt rotations in the ACC--except Duke--with Harrow, Gonzalez, and C.J Williams. 

Mix that with the wing threat of Leslie, and frontcourt power Smith and you have a top 25 type of team.

DeShawn Painter and Scott Wood are going to be the x-factors next season. 

They will have to play a different role on this team and the way they handle that will dictate how successful Head Coach Sidney Lowe can be with this team.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell