North Carolina State University Athletics
TIM PEELER: Workouts Boosted Hickson's Draft Decision
6/16/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BY TIM PEELER
Plenty of them, it seems, based on Hickson’s frequent flyer miles during the two months since he announced that he would enter his name in the June 26 draft. In recent weeks, he’s gone to
“When I first announced, I was just going to test the waters,” Hickson said. “I had some good workouts and it was my decision to keep my name in. I felt, based on those workouts, I should keep my name out there.”
So Tuesday, Hickson will sign with sports agent Andy Miller of ASM Sports, ending his college basketball eligibility after one year at NC State. Hickson who led the ACC in field goal percentage and the Wolfpack in scoring (14.8 ppg), rebounding (8.5 rpg) and blocked shots (1.52) said it was a decision he made in recent days, after yet another strong workout.
“Basically, they [all] told me I had draft potential,” Hickson said Monday afternoon in a teleconference with reporters. “They said I have a good mindset, am willing to learn and am very coachable. They told me I have a great NBA body.”
None of his individual workouts stood out more than the others, Hickson said.
“They were all about the same,” he said. “I played hard. I would say I was pretty consistent.”
Hickson, as he did throughout his lone season with the Wolfpack, has been working on his mechanics and extending the range of his jump shot.
The 6-9 forward said his season at NC State, playing for former NBA head coach Sidney Lowe, would benefit him as he embarks on his professional career.
“Playing for Coach Lowe has helped me to know what to do on the floor,” Hickson said. “Coach Lowe has coached in [the NBA], so most of the stuff we ran was [NBA] stuff. I kind of already got introduction in to league sets to some type of league offense.”
Lowe hated to see Hickson leave after only one season, but understood why he made the decision.
“This is a great opportunity for him to be drafted,” Lowe said. “He had a great season with us last year, and he will always be a part of our Wolfpack family. We are very happy for him and his family.”
You may contact Tim Peeler at tim_peeler@ncsu.edu.
