North Carolina State University Athletics
NBA Season Starts for Former Wolfpack Players
10/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
RALEIGH, N.C. - Four former NC State standouts are preparing for action this week, as the 2009-2010 NBA season gets underway. Former players Vinny Del Negro, Nate McMillan, J.J. Hickson and Josh Powell all reach the playoffs a season ago, and look to continue that trend for their respective teams this season.
In his second year with Chicago, head coach Vinny Del Negro will lead the Bulls into their season opener on Thursday against San Antonio. Last year, Del Negro coached the Bulls to the first round of the playoffs, where they fell to Boston in seven games.
Portland Trailblazers head coach Nate McMillan, will begin his fifth season with the Trailblazers on Tuesday against Houston. McMillan led the Trailblazers to the playoffs last year, where they were lost to Houston in the first round.
Last year, Del Negro and McMillan squared off twice, with Del Negro winning both outings. This year, Del Negro’s Bulls and McMillan’s Trailblazers will again meet twice, when the former Pack teammates face each other on November 23 and February 26.
J.J. Hickson will begin his second season in the NBA on Tuesday, when Cleveland takes on Boston. In his rookie season, Hickson provided a spark off the bench for the Cavaliers, playing in 62 games and averaging over 11 minutes a game. Hickson had an impressive preseason for the Cavaliers, despite suffering through flu-like symptoms.
Josh Powell will help Los Angeles begin its NBA title defense on Tuesday, when the Lakers take on the Los Angeles Clippers. He became the fourth former NC State player to win a NBA title. Powell will look for an increased role with the Lakers after a successful preseason campaign. Powell scored 15 points in wins against Charlotte and Denver.
In his second year with Chicago, head coach Vinny Del Negro will lead the Bulls into their season opener on Thursday against San Antonio. Last year, Del Negro coached the Bulls to the first round of the playoffs, where they fell to Boston in seven games.
Portland Trailblazers head coach Nate McMillan, will begin his fifth season with the Trailblazers on Tuesday against Houston. McMillan led the Trailblazers to the playoffs last year, where they were lost to Houston in the first round.
Last year, Del Negro and McMillan squared off twice, with Del Negro winning both outings. This year, Del Negro’s Bulls and McMillan’s Trailblazers will again meet twice, when the former Pack teammates face each other on November 23 and February 26.
J.J. Hickson will begin his second season in the NBA on Tuesday, when Cleveland takes on Boston. In his rookie season, Hickson provided a spark off the bench for the Cavaliers, playing in 62 games and averaging over 11 minutes a game. Hickson had an impressive preseason for the Cavaliers, despite suffering through flu-like symptoms.
Josh Powell will help Los Angeles begin its NBA title defense on Tuesday, when the Lakers take on the Los Angeles Clippers. He became the fourth former NC State player to win a NBA title. Powell will look for an increased role with the Lakers after a successful preseason campaign. Powell scored 15 points in wins against Charlotte and Denver.
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