North Carolina State University Athletics
A Trend the Pack Doesn't Want to End
10/27/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 27, 2004
By Tony Haynes
Raleigh, N.C. - Keep the free throw percentage high and the turnover count low. Those are two primary goals Herb Sendek's men's basketball team at NC State will try to achieve once again in the upcoming season. Over the last three years, no team in the ACC has done a better job of using that particular combination to its advantage. Deadly at the free throw line last season, the Wolfpack led the entire nation and set a new all-time league record by knocking down 79.9 percent of its free throws. The Pack also did an excellent job of valuing the basketball, with an average of just 13.5 turnovers per game.
Since installing its current offense prior to the 2001-02 campaign, NC State's turnover numbers have fallen, while the field goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage has continued to go up. The result? More wins, higher league finishes and three straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
Recruiting to an offense that requires a certain level of skill at all five positions, Sendek has focused more than ever before on bringing in players who, above all else, can shoot, dribble and pass. And while it hasn't necessarily featured a primary ball-handling point guard, the Pack has taken care of the ball simply because it usually has more than just one or two players on the floor who have the ability to handle the basketball fairly well.
Nothing will change this year. Even with the addition of Georgetown transfer Tony Bethel, it's highly unlikely any one player will dominate the ball-handling duties.
"There's always a place on a team for someone who's a leader, who can help set the table, get guys organized and who can help transport the basketball under the influence of pressure without turning it over," Sendek said. "We've taken a great deal of pride in our ability to take care of the ball. I think over the last three years, we have the fewest turnovers in the league. As much as we have tended to focus on that point guard, I think we've assembled a team that is able to share the ball and handle the ball effectively. I think Tony, together with some other guys, will be able to do that."
When he was at Georgetown, Bethel did play the roll of the traditional point guard and did so very well. A two-year starter with the Hoyas, he averaged 10.5 points and 3.1 assists. But as he now slides into the NC State system, Bethel understands he won't have the ball in his hands nearly as much.
"In this system, the positions are interchangeable, so it's not like being a point guard," Bethel said. "There are a couple of things I can key on doing like penetrating, getting people open shots on the break and being a leader on the court."
Bethel will also fit right in at the free throw stripe, where he converted on 78 percent of his attempts at Georgetown. Of course on last year's NC State team, he would have been only the 7th most accurate free throw shooter.
It's really no accident that the Wolfpack's free throw shooting percentage has improved over the last three years. For two seasons running, the Pack has been the league's best free throw shooting team primarily because the recruiting focus has turned towards players who can shoot the basketball.
Since that time, the improved skill level has translated into a higher free throw percentage and a lower number of turnovers.
"Those are two very important stats," Sendek said. "So many games are close; they come down to the final minute. Free throws are equivalent to extra points and field goals. They're really an important part of the game. It's really hard to score if you turn the ball over. Not to say that other stats aren't equally important, but those are two important ones."
NC State will open its exhibition schedule on Wednesday, November 3 against Fayetteville State at the RBC Center. Game time is 7:00 p.m. The Wolfpack Radio Network will carry the game beginning at 6:30 p.m.
