North Carolina State University Athletics
Haynes' World: Summer News And Notes
6/25/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Tony Haynes
Call it a Date: Mark it down. Thursday, September 6 will be a big night for NC State football. Besides the fact it will be opening night at Carter-Finley Stadium, the game against Indiana will provide NC State with one of those can't miss opportunities to show off.
Not only will ESPN's cameras be focused in on what should be a very entertaining game, the network will likely sprinkle in stories about the ongoing renovations to Carter-Finley Stadium. There will be shots of the new closed in area behind the south end zone and a mention of the ultra-modern video scoreboard that will be in operation for the first time.
You can be sure that every prospect on NC State's recruiting list will be made aware of the telecast, which will be seen from coast-to-coast and beyond. Needless to say, Coach Chuck Amato and his staff are giddy over this opportunity to showcase the incredible excitement that is building within their program.
Damon's Destiny: Don't be surprised if Damon Thornton has his name called in the second round of Wednesday night's NBA Draft. While not necessarily spectacular, the former NC State forward's play in three spring draft camps certainly opened some eyes.
NBA scouts like Thornton's unique combination of strength and quickness. With his ability to rebound and defend, Thornton is seen as a Dennis Rodman-type of player, only without the women's clothes.
One team to watch is Vancouver. The Grizzlies, who have the 6th, 28th, 33rd and 48th picks, have liked what they've seen from Thornton in workouts. And for what it's worth, Vancouver is coached by former Wolfpack great Sidney Lowe. Orlando is another team that has shown some interest. And by the way, NC State hasn't had a men's basketball player drafted since Todd Fuller was a first round pick of the Golden State Warriors in 1996.
For Whom The Bell Tolls: Michael Bell is finally playing basketball again. It's been a long road back for the Raleigh product, whose freshman season with the Wolfpack was wiped out by a pair of uncooperative knees. But for the first time since undergoing surgery on both knees six months ago, the lanky forward is playing competitively. Bell is one of many current and former NC State players who are participating in the Raleigh Chavis League this summer.
As a redshirt freshman next season, Bell will provide the Pack with a nice blend of size and skill. Although he's probably around 6-10 now, Bell has what can only be described as a perimeter oriented game. Players of his ilk normally create a lot of match-up problems.
Bell is one of 11 scholarship players on Herb Sendek's roster who could compete for playing time next season. That's pretty amazing when you consider that the Wolfpack lost six contributors from last season's squad.
Pack Plus: Once mailed to a relatively small group of recepients, the NC State athletics staff newsletter is now available on GOPACK.com via PDF format. Pack Plus features a monthly update from athletics director Lee Fowler along with many other interesting tidbits of information. The Pack Plus link is on the right side of the main page just below the Haynes' World icon.
In fact, now that we're done, you can head over there right now. Go Pack!
