North Carolina State University Athletics
HAYNES: Fells, Pack Ready for Second Exhibition
11/10/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Editor's note: Tuesday's game will be broadcast on PackPass, the premium portion of GoPack.com. Subscribers have their choice of just the radio feed, featuring the Wolfpack Sports Network's Tony Haynes and Gary Hahn, or the video feed, broadcasting live video with audio provided from the radio feed. Access the radio feed by hitting the speaker icon on the Live Events page. Access the video feed by hitting the video camera icon on the Live Events page.
BY TONY HAYNES
In an incredibly productive and efficient performance, the Shannon,
NC State will be looking for more of the same on Tuesday night at Reynolds when it hosts
A streaky 3-point shooter during his career, Fells has always been a more consistent scorer from mid-range spots on the floor. NC State’s offensive actions will get him more shots from those areas at the small forward position.
“Most definitely,” Fells said. “Playing the three spot, I’ll be more in the mid-range than at the top [of the key] and in the corners. I think I really have the opportunity to show my skills at the three’ and think it will help us out a lot.”
The small forward slot should also get Fells into some more favorable match-ups against frontcourt players who may have a difficult time dealing with his quickness.
About the only thing Fells didn’t do in the opening exhibition game was rebound. He had just one board against
“I really want to get some more rebounds to help the team,” said Fells.
But Fells isn’t alone. Rebounding will continue to be a concern and a point of emphasis as coach Sidney Lowe prepares his team for the 2008-09 season. Last year, the Wolfpack ranked dead last in rebound margin (-1) in the ACC and, in fact, was outrebounded 39-to-35 by
“It’s got to be a team mentality with rebounding,” Lowe said. “Everybody has got to get in there and rebound and then look to run.”
Clearly, Lowe is emphasizing rebounding and a more disruptive style of defense this year as a means to create a faster tempo, which he hopes will produce more easy baskets. During a challenging 15-16 campaign last year, NC State relied mostly on halfcourt sets on the offensive end because it didn’t defend or rebound well enough to ignite transition opportunities.
“We need to generate some easy baskets and then be able execute in our halfcourt sets when we can’t get that,” Lowe said. “I think we’re capable of executing in the halfcourt. We have to get better at running and making the right decisions on the break to get some easy baskets.”
Tuesday’s exhibition tilt against Catawba will be broadcast over the Wolfpack Sports Network beginning with the 6:30 p.m. pregame show. Tickets are available for $15.00.
