North Carolina State University Athletics
Primetime with the Pack Opens 2016-17 Season
10/22/2016 12:07:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NC State fans got their first glimpse of the 2016-17 men's basketball team on Friday night as the 17-member squad entertained its fans inside renovated Reynolds Coliseum at Primetime with the Pack.
The men's basketball team took the floor to a thunderous ovation as the coaching staff and team was introduced. The crowd was then introduced to suprise guest and WBC Heavyweight Champion of the World, Deontay Wilder. As the crowd watched Wilder walk to the center of the floor, the final introduction was made as head coach Mark Gottfried surprised the crowd - and his team - by entering the arena in a red robe and boxing shorts.
Gottfried took a couple of playful jabs at Wilder as he danced around the heavyweight champion, before thanking the crowd for being there.
The players were not going to be outdone by their head coach though as they also had something planned for the crowd. Senior forward Lennard Freeman broke into a song and then was joined by Abdul-Malik Abu, Beejay Anya and Torin Dorn. Shaun Kirk and the rest of the team then taught the fans how to 'Swag Surf'. The players hope the fans will bring the 'Swag Surf' to PNC Arena this coming season.
The players were then joined on the court by the dance team as the players showed off to the crowd a performance that the dance team had choreographed for them.
To wrap up the evening, the annual Red & White game was played. The White team defeated Red, 59-55, in a game that saw many dunks and little defense. Maverick Rowan led the victorious Red team with 15 points, while Terry Henderson added 13. Dennis Smith and Kirk had 12 points for the White team.
The Wolfpack open up exhibition play on Thursday, Nov. 3 against Lynn University at PNC Arena. All tickets are general admission and cost five dollars. The game will start at 7 p.m. and be streamed on GoPack.com.
