North Carolina State University Athletics
Tony Haynes: Seniors Bring Pack Back
3/2/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 2, 2004
By Tony Haynes
Raleigh, N.C. - When North Carolinians Marcus Melvin and Scooter Sherrill decided to stay close to home and play their college basketball at NC State four years ago, they were taking a chance on a program that was in the process of recovering from one of its darkest periods. Among other things, the Wolfpack had not made an NCAA Tournament appearance since 1991 when the two wide-eyed freshmen arrived on campus. But with the end of their careers looming, it should be noted that Melvin and Sherrill were two of the major pillars upon which the Pack's return to ACC respectability has been built.
Two weeks from now, the same NC State program that was enduring that long and miserable NCAA Tournament drought when Melvin and Sherrill arrived will be participating in the 'Big Dance' for the third consecutive year.
Perhaps it is with that historical perspective in mind that Wolfpack fans attending Wednesday night's home finale against Maryland at the RBC Center should consider getting to their seats a little earlier than usual. Although tip-off is set for shortly after 9:00 p.m., a ceremony to honor NC State's very special seniors is slated to begin at around 8:50. Also expected to partake in the senior ceremony is Will Roach, a 4th year junior from Raleigh.
"When we got here as freshmen, even though we didn't play, we always talked about making a change," said Melvin, who is in the midst of an All-ACC caliber senior season. "We always talked about whenever we do get on the court, people are going to know that we're going to make some noise. For the most part, we've done a good job of going out and playing hard and changing the look of our program."
Not only did they change the look, they changed the perception of college basketball watchers who had forgotten that NC State was once a major player, both in the ACC and nationally.
To be sure, there were bumps in the road. While Melvin and Sherrill spent most of their time on the bench as freshmen, the Wolfpack endured a painful 13-16 campaign in 2000-01.
"It was real gloomy," Melvin recalled. "We really didn't know if we were going to win our next game. Now, we go out and we really believe that we're winners and that we can win games. You can't go into games wondering if you're going to win."
The very beginning was especially burdensome for Sherrill, whose successful high school career at West Rowan senior high included a state title. Then came the unrealistic expectations that often accompany many freshmen who are selected to the prestigious McDonald's All-America team. But like many first-year players, Sherrill had to fight his way through the challenging transition from high school to college. "Why doesn't Scooter play more?" fans asked with great frequency his first two years. Primarily, Scooter spent a lot of time on the bench because he was playing behind Anthony Grundy, who eventually became a first team All-ACC performer his senior year. But Sherrill stayed with it. Once considered a defensive liability, he is now the Pack's best backcourt defender.
Melvin's time would come in year two. A gifted 6-8 forward from Fayetteville, Melvin found a place in the new 'Princeton style' offense that coach Herb Sendek installed prior to the 2001-02 campaign. His unique ability to play effectively away from the basket on the offensive end gave Melvin an edge in an offense that rewards such versatility. A major weapon from 3-point range his sophomore and junior years, Melvin is now a force in every facet of the game. Whether it's scoring inside or out, rebounding or defending, he has taken his game and leadership to a new level this season.
"Marcus has had a great year," Sendek said of Melvin, who is averaging 13.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season. "We tend to talk about his offense more than anything else, but I think he's quietly gone about having a good defensive year for us. He has been the most improved rebounder that I have ever been around. As a freshman, I don't ever recall Marcus ever being as combative and determined on the backboard. He's really improved as a defender and a rebounder and those are two things that we tend not to talk about as much with Marcus."
There was a time when no one would even so much as hear a peep out of Melvin, either in games or in practice. Now as a senior, he's become a vocal leader who regularly gives his teammates guidance on the court. Not overly talkative, Sherrill grabs your attention when he does have something to say. Such was the case when he called a players only meeting before the Pack's huge 81-69 victory at Maryland a month ago.
The memorable sendoff both seniors were hoping for in their final appearance at the RBC Center on Wednesday won't materialize. Recovering from the ankle sprain he sustained in Sunday night's game against North Carolina, Sherrill won't be able to play against the Terrapins.
"It's unfortunate for him," Melvin said of the player with whom he roomed his first two years at NC State. "To go through all the things that he's been through and all the hard work he's put in and the improvement he's shown, I know it's got to hurt him not to be able to play in this game. I don't know what I'm going to do yet but I'm going to do something to let everybody know that he's out there with me. The kind of guy Scooter is, this is something that's big for him and his family. For him not to be able to participate in that, you might see a few tears come out of his eyes."
But before the game starts, Melvin and Sherrill - along with their families - will stand together as the other seniors before them have done. With great pride, they'll soak up the applause from a crowd that will want to thank them for playing such a significant role in the Pack's comeback.
