Read Gary Hahn's Chat Answers!

Conrad Johnson asks Other than Cameron, do you think the ESA is the best arena for college basketball in the ACC?
I think it is the best in the ACC - bar none. If you look at the physical plant, nothing compares to this facility. Atmosphere in many cases is dictated by winning and a consistent winning tradition. As NC State continues to improve in that area, the ESA atmosphere will be at the top of the league.
Jim Davis asks WILL HERB GET FIRED AT THE END OF THE YEAR?
I think that is a ridiculous question. Where is that coming from - the UNC or ECU chat line? Coach Sendek has improved the basketball program at NC State during each year of his tenure. I don't understand why every time there is a bump in the road a certain number of so-called supporters always want to fire the coach. What they should do is join the Wolfpack Club and back up their support with their pocketbook.
John Winslow asks Why do you think that some of the NCSU fans didn't like the black away uniforms?
There are always some people who hate change no matter what it is. I certainly don't think that wearing black uniforms for one game constitutes the end of the world. There are always going to be some people you just can't please.
Dwight Kelly asks What do you think of the new football coaching staff? How do you see the football team doing next year?
I have been impressed with Coach Amato and the way he is putting together his coaching staff. It appears to me that he has personally sacrificed some finacially in order to be able to hire outstanding assistant coaches. That shows me how much he cares about NC State. However these coaches will have to face some problems next year in developing a starting quarterback and coming up with a way to beat opposing teams with storng rushing offenses. If you look at the schedule, I believe NC State can have a successful 2000 football season.
Steve Foster asks What's it going to take to have our offense perform more consistently?
There is an easy answer to that: getting Ron Kelley and Marshall Williams back into the flow. Dale Jarrett's Ford would not have won the Daytona 500 running on six cylinders. NC State's basketball team is no different. However, it may take time for both Kelley and Williams to get the rust knocked off and return to their previous level of performance. It is unfortunate these injuries had to happen when they did and not in December.
Chip Langdale asks Do you think more road games prior to ACC play would have changed the way the Pack has played on the road this season?
Probably not. You have to remember NC State won its first road game against Purdue, a Top-25 team at the time. I don't think playing more road games is necessarily the answer. There are a lot of factors that go into performing well on the road. Coach Sendek was trying to get his team to play as a unit and many times its easier to that when you don't have to travel a lot.
Josh Nixon asks What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting? I have a 4 year degree in Communications and have been involved in sports broadcasting for 5 years on and off.
At the top of my list would be dedication. There is so much competition in this field that you have to want to succeed so badly that you will sacrifice immediate financial success, sometimes your social life and other things that you may think are important to succeed. In short, you have to want it worse than anything else. Also, you need to listen and learn from the best. You need to be humble enough to start in a small market, pay you dues and move up the ladder. However at the same time, you cannot make broadcasting your god.
Joseph Cook asks Do you think that the five game losing streak has something to do with Ron Kelley not being able to play?
Of course. There is no doubt that NC State is a completely different team without Ron Kelley and Marshall Williams. All you have to do is check some of my game notes on gopack.com, especially regarding points from the bench, shooting percentage, etc. It's easy to draw that conclusion quickly. Ron Kelley is the Pack's best low-post scorer and is one of the ACC's top-15 offensive rebounders.
Trevor Gray asks What do you think is the greatest Wolf Pack moment, other than the NCAA championship game victory?
Obviously the 1974 National Championship and the tremendous domination of the ACC by NC State in the David Thompson era.
Gil Smith asks If State wins the rest of their games, what do you think are the chances of them going to the NCAA?
Some of that will depend on what Virginia, North Carolina and Wake Forest do in their remaining games. However, I do believe if NC State wins its remaining three regular season games they would be no worse than "on the bubble" and maybe inside it. However if the three other teams I mentioned get hot, it would probably take three straight regular season wins and a strong ACC Tournament performance to make the NCAA field.
Justin M. Parker asks Just wondering how you find time to relax during your busy schedule?
This time of year that can be difficult. Some of my relaxation comes during the spring and summer months. I like to play golf and work in the yard. A lot of people don't realize that this is a year-a-round job. When I am not broadcasting, I have sales related duties and work with our network stations.
melissa billera asks I was just wondering when are Ron Kelley and Marshal Williams going to return to the Wolfpack line-up?? They have been greatly missed!!
For an answer to that question question, please read Tony Haynes' latest story on gopack.com.
Chris Ragone asks Gary, I was wondering what you feel is the greatest thing you have gained by being the "Voice of the Wolfpack"?
The chance to work with a lot of wonderful people is the greatest thing I have gained. I don't think a lot of folks understand how many quality people with outstading character are at NC State - both in academics and athletics. My life has been enriched by just being a part of that. NC State is truly a special place.
Acey Smith asks What effect do you think that the three basketball recruits coming in next year will have on the program? Do you think that any will be able to step up and contribute right away?
I am like Coach Sendek in that I deal with the here-and-now and not the future. I have not seen any of the three recruits play and don't get excited about recruiting until I can see the young men practicing with the Wolfpack team. That is just my way of doing things.
C.S. Alexander asks I read on ESPN.com that Herb Sendek was one of the coaches Memphis is looking at to fill its head coaching spot. Is Coach Sendek thinking of leaving or talking to any other schools or should Pack fans keep their worries aside? Thank you.
Herb Sendak is committed to NC State. He is one of the hardest working coaches in the country and I don't see him going anywhere. But you can never stop other people from being interested.
Michael Scaringelli asks What would be the greatest game you have ever called for the Wolfpack?
There are a couple that come to mind. In football, the 1994 game at Virginia was certainly a highlight because not many people gave the Wolfpack a chance to win. That victory led to a Peach Bowl appearance and a win over Mississippi State. In basketball, the game at Carolina during the 1991-92 season. The Pack was a big underdog, but Tom Gugliotta and company pulled off a huge upset. I still remember Donnie Seale dunking over Kevin Salvadore.

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