North Carolina State University Athletics
"Tourney Tough" Seahawks Meet NC State
1/2/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 2, 2004
By Tony Haynes
Raleigh, N.C.-When a TV talking head makes the statement that they're absolutely shocked that UNC hasn't been to the NCAA Tournament in two years, they're unknowingly doing a disservice to another UNC that has indeed made back-to-back appearances in the 'Big Dance.' UNC Wilmington, to be exact, has enjoyed two memorable trips to the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons after emerging as the top team in the Colonial Athletic Association. It's for that reason that the Seahawks (5-4) should not be overlooked when they square off against NC State (6-2, 1-0) Saturday night at the RBC Center.
Coached by Brad Brownell, who's now in his second season, UNC Wilmington almost shocked the basketball world last March when it nearly eliminated Maryland from the NCAA Tournament. The only thing that stood between the Seahawks and a stunning upset was a miraculous, off-balance 3-pointer delivered by Drew Nicholas at the buzzer. Two years ago, UNCW emerged as a Cinderella team in the 2002 tournament when it knocked off Southern Cal.
In other words, this is not a team that will likely be intimidated by NC State, its massive arena or its ACC affiliation.
"We realize that," said Wolfpack guard Scooter Sherrill. "I saw them play last year when they played Maryland in the NCAA Tournament and they have the majority of their guys back. We know that they're a big physical team and they can play. They may not be known as a national powerhouse, but they're a good basketball team. To make it to the NCAA Tournament, which is one of our goals, we have to go out and win games like this."
Among the players that UNC Wilmington lost from last year's squad was Bobby Blizzard, a sharp shooting guard who was the CAA's best player. But the Seahawks do return several other key players that made names for themselves in that 'Instant Classic' game against Maryland, including guard John Goldsberry, who set a new NCAA Tournament record against the Terps by draining all eight of his 3-point tries.
Now a sophomore, the 6-3 Goldsberry is averaging only 5.8 points through nine games this season.
"He's really an outstanding passer and does a good job of making guys on his team better," said NC State head coach Herb Sendek. "Early in the season you've got to make sure you don't come to too many conclusions with numbers because they really don't become meaningful until you have enough of them. We know he's a great shooter. You don't hit eight 3s in the tournament unless you can put the ball in the basket. It really reminds us that he's capable of having a big game."
Goldsberry's relatively low scoring average is perhaps more of a reflection of how the Seahawks spread their scoring around. Seven different players have led UNC Wilmington in scoring and a total of eight players are averaging at least five points per contest. Junior guard Ed Spencer is the only double-figure scorer (10.9 ppg.). Brownell has also used seven different starting line-ups in the nine games that have been played to this point.
"It's a team that has no drop off whatsoever when they go to the bench," Sendek said. "A different player has led them in scoring just about every game."
One of the familiar faces coming off the Seahawks bench is Halston Lane. One of the ACC's top rookies two years ago, Lane, a 6-6 forward, sat out last season after transferring to UNCW from Georgia Tech.
For NC State, this will be the first outing since last Sunday night's impressive 86-69 ACC victory over Virginia. The performance was by far the Wolfpack's best of the young season.
"We needed it bad," said Sherrill, who had 17 points against the Cavaliers. "To play a strong team like Virginia and to get a win was real good for our confidence."
Sherrill, who is averaging 12.9 points per game, is one of three players averaging in double-figures for NC State. The others are Julius Hodge (18.3 points, 7.0 rebounds) and forward Marcus Melvin (13.3 and 7.8).
Freshman guard Mike O'Donnell, who left the Virginia game in the second half with a twisted knee, did not miss any practices this week and should be ready to go on Saturday night. Sendek did say that forward Levi Watkins has missed some practice time this week after pulling a muscle in his lower leg. The 6-8 junior did practice on Friday.
Airtime on the Wolfpack Radio Network Saturday night will be 7:30 p.m.
