What CJL Means To The Coaches

Picture courtesy Ethan Hyman/N&O. Click the photo for more pictures.

There’s an old Chinese curse: “May you live in interesting times.”  For NC State’s coaches, these times are indeed interesting, and those coaches are not just the ones who lead the basketball program.

Yesterday’s word of heralded recruit C.J. Leslie’s re-commitment to play hoops for NC State and head coach Sidney Lowe will have an effect further than the long-sleeping Wolfpack program. It also will have an affect on football and head coach Tom O’Brien as well. Finally, Leslie’s commitment for NC State might mean something different for Coach Lowe than one might believe. Consider:

While Tom O’Brien and his football program currently enjoy widespread support, there are also the first murmurings of discontent starting to echo where Wolfpack fans gather. O’Brien has yet to have a winning season on the Wolfpack sideline, and for some that’s not good enough. O’Brien has been rebuilding a depleted team with depth and skill in many key areas, this season could well be a turning point for him one way or the other in terms of fan opinions.

The game-changer, however, is that with Leslie and the rest of the heralded incoming class of freshman coming into the basketball program.  It will be understandable if all eyes turn towards the RBC Center and hoops more quickly than it has in almost any season in recent memory. That in turn will ease the pressure on O’Brien, especially if the program has a mediocre record — something that may well come to pass given the difficult 2010 schedule.

For Sidney Lowe, Leslie’s commitment actually will not lessen the pressure on him to bring a winner to the court. In fact, it will only increase it, because now, Lowe will have the players he needs to compete and to win.  No excuses, no what-ifs, no blaming his players when times get hard.  That will not work this year, and for Lowe, the time has come: now or never.  If the Wolfpack has a bad year on the court next season, the hue and cry from the fanbase will resemble something like a banshee scream and Lowe’s seat won’t simply be hot, it will be in flames.  That said, State has to win in 2010-11 if Lowe wants to stay in Raleigh.

On the other hand, if Lowe and company leads the Wolfpack to something meaningful — meaningful being an ACC Title or Final Four or better, that will cement him as the long-term coach of Wolfpack hoops, and satisfy the long-hungry Wolfpack fanbase.  If that happens, it will also set a standard of expectations that Lowe will need to meet on a somewhat regular basis.  While reasonable NC State fans don’t expect a national title every season, and while they also understand full-well the competition the program faces from not only the Royal Blues but also from the rest of the traditional ACC members, it collectively also believes that it can and should compete regularly in the upper third of the conference — and also be regular entrant into the NCAA Tournament field.  If Lowe can accomplish that — and he will have the tools starting this fall — he will become one of the beloved legends of the university and will enjoy the collective support of  ardent fans for as long as he wants to lead the program.

One other person that may feel the benefit of Leslie’s commitment is Lee Fowler.  State fans suddenly have hope again, and when there’s hope, there’s generally a lack of finger-pointing for past failures.  Fowler has been the focal point for the overall failings of Wolfpack athletics of the past decade, and even though CJ Leslie has yet to play a single game in a Wolfpack uniform, Fowler can (and almost certainly will) point to him and to the other signees as a ratification of his leadership, wisdom and patience as the CEO of Wolfpack athletics.  While many knowledgeable Wolfpackers may not buy that and think that it smells worse than a two-cent cigar, others –especially those who never read a Wolfpack-oriented message board or blog — may well believe it and in turn they just might drop the pitchforks they have pointed in Fowler’s direction…for a while anyway.  Given that Lee Fowler is biding his time and happily collecting his paychecks at his Lake Gaston hideaway, that’s just fine.  For him, time is money, and it’s plain that money is what Fowler loves above all else.

At the end of the day today, it’s indeed fair to say that we are living in interesting times.  What it means for some may not be readily apparent, but what is obvious to everyone is that CJ Leslie’s coming to NC State will make a splash not seen in quite some time.   The ripples of that splash will extend far beyond the confines of the basketball program, and it will mean different things to different people.  How it all plays out this fall and winter will be nothing short of intriguing.  Stay tuned.

'10 Football 10-11 Basketball Sidney Lowe Tom O'Brien

53 Responses to What CJL Means To The Coaches

  1. Wisc-Wolf 04/29/2010 at 10:17 AM #

    “He still has not proven he can coach”

    I cannot disagree more. If anything I think Lowe proved he could coach this year by taking one of the least talented teams in the conference this year and finishing as strong as he did. I think we have a right to criticize but also recognize him when he is doing things well. Lowe has this program on the right track lets enjoy the off season and hopefully we will all be delighted next March with a team that contends for a conference championship and makes a run in the tournament.

  2. tuckerdorm1983 04/29/2010 at 10:30 AM #

    Until I am sitting there on Sunday afternoon and the clock expires and these three freshman, along with a couple of SOs and one SR win the ACC Tournament, THEN I WILL BELIEVE. Until we go to the big dance and find our way into the sweet 16, THEN I WILL BELIEVE. When we don’t fold the first round in the NCAAs to a nobody from the middle of the mid-majors, THEN I WILL BELIEVE. I have been burned before (thanks to Mr. Costner). Until the FAT LADY SINGS and the Band quits playing and she is buried in the ground and the pope his frigging self has canonized her, THEN I WILL BELIEVE. SHOW ME THE F****** MONEY.

  3. beer03 04/29/2010 at 10:42 AM #

    I haven’t seen this supposition anywhere else….do you suppose that CJLs comment about having all the information he needed to make a decision coupled with other comments about how the incoming personnel might allow the team to be great could possibly imply that L. Brown will, in fact, qualify? I don’t have the faintest idea, but the comments seem suggestive to me.

  4. newt 04/29/2010 at 10:44 AM #

    It’s nice to be chosen over the Calipari Kentucky program, and to listen to Jacey Zembal and Julius Hodge discuss CJ’s recruitment yesterday, Lowe painted a picture for CJ based on a set of values that were different than what Calipari offered – rather than trying to out-Calipari Calipari. That news bodes well for the future.

    We’ve lost a few recruits to Memphis and Kentucky, maybe the pendulum will swing the other way when other players see how well this works out for CJ.

  5. NCSU84 04/29/2010 at 11:13 AM #

    I am pulling for Sid, I really am. But for all those who think this incoming class is destined to win championships, just remember this quote from last year: “UNC Basketball will remain affixed atop the NCAA Championship picture for years to come with yet another stellar recruiting class. This 2009 crop of incoming freshman is an absolute boon…” We all know how that “stellar” class turned out. It may take Sid a few years to get this team to a championship level. Unfortunately for him, he does not have that much time.

  6. statered 04/29/2010 at 11:14 AM #

    Actually we have three PGs on the roster next year. Brown can play that spot too. But heck we only had two last year anyway. The two we have brought in are better than the two we had last year already. This position is not of concern relative to past years – and by past years a refer to the last 20!

  7. statered 04/29/2010 at 11:15 AM #

    And another thing – highly ranked classes don’t prove anything ala UNC last year. All they do is increase the odds of success. It is beyond stupid to act like this is not the case.

  8. PoppaJohn 04/29/2010 at 11:38 AM #

    AW – Terrific stuff, a great reminder that one recruit does not fix 20+ years of program wide mediocrity.

    It is great to have a reason for hope, and I think we definitely have something to look forward to this fall, but the overall NCSU Athletics program needs an overhaul. Still hoping Woodson will get engaged and right the ship.

    Perhaps a taste of success in basketball will inspire raised expectations elsewhere.

    BTW- LOVE the Sgt Schultz picture!!! “I know NOTHING!!!”

  9. Rick 04/29/2010 at 12:18 PM #

    ” If anything I think Lowe proved he could coach this year by taking one of the least talented teams in the conference this year and finishing as strong as he did. ”

    He proved nothing. Until he has some actual success he is still a coach with 10,11,10 and 9 place finishes.

    But this seems to be a difference I have with most Wolfpack fans, I look at results.

  10. Lumpy 04/29/2010 at 12:29 PM #

    I’m beating my chest as much as anybody about yesterday’s signing. And I really am trying to use this nice moment as a springboard to becoming a less cynical Pack fan. But, there’s that nagging feeling that until I see Leslie, Harrow, and Brown in Wolfpack uniforms and on the floor, I’m not gonna really consider the corner turned. Injuries, grades, car crashes, some test the NCAA feels a player should have taken at 6 in the morning instead of 7, dust ups with the law, a f__king bolt of lightning, always seems to set us back before we even get started.

    As far as next year goes. I want them to be good, I want them to get exposure, and I want to be a force in the conference and feared opponent in March. Now someone lock this team in a padded room only to be let out for meals and practice until Fall semester starts.

  11. Gowolves 04/29/2010 at 12:33 PM #

    Now we have Tracy Smith declaring for the NBA? WTF! This is crazy! Doesn’t he know he has a starting roll on team that has great potential. I don’t see his minutes draining that much just because of CJL committing.

  12. Keg Man 04/29/2010 at 1:09 PM #

    First you have to recruit at a high level then you can win at a high level. I am very happy for Lowe and his staff. Rebuilding NCSU on the basketball recruiting trails has been a long process so glad to see it paying off. Friend of mine close the situation had thought CJ would end up at NCSU all along although it was never certain till now. Shows how little those that claim they are in the know are usually so full of crap. Much like we suppose to have a new AD by now. Lets hope the addition of CJ and this year’s class is the beginning of something special in B-Ball. Certainly I expect the RBC Center to be sold out every game this year. Its been 20 years since I can remember being this excited about an upcoming B-Ball season, how about you?

  13. NCStatePride 04/29/2010 at 1:15 PM #

    “Now we have Tracy Smith declaring for the NBA? WTF! This is crazy!”

    FWIW, it’s pretty universally agreed on the Wolfpack Blogosphere that Smith is just testing the waters so he can get feedback and be prepared for next season. He’s publically said he’s coming back next season and nothing about his eligability looks in danger due to the incoming of three or four new freshmen.

  14. Alpha Wolf 04/29/2010 at 1:31 PM #

    Here’s our look at Smith’s chances in the draft as they currently stand.

    I also think he is just checking things out, and for that, I don’t blame him.

  15. newt 04/29/2010 at 1:39 PM #

    UNC’s struggles this year are cause for MAJOR concern at UNC, not cause to question whether our program has taken a giant step forward.

    99.9% of the time, top-20 recruiting = top-20 performance on the court.

    Sure, some folks are too quick to jump straight to ACC/National title team based on one class, but we just got a lot better.

    Guy on the radio just put it a good way – some folks will be surprised how much Lowe will have learned about coaching over the Summer.

  16. Alpha Wolf 04/29/2010 at 1:43 PM #

    Someone told me this today, and I almost spit my tea out laughing: “if CJ Layslay is durn good how ‘come he won’t a Mack Donald’s All American?”

    That guy is the very same guy who literally bought his Duke shirt at Wal-Mart when they made the Final Four. He’s a real student of the game.

  17. JeremyH 04/29/2010 at 3:16 PM #

    AW stories like these make me really miss the NC southern drawl… *weep*

  18. GAWolf 04/29/2010 at 3:16 PM #

    I like this piece a lot, Alpha. Good work.

  19. bradleyb123 04/29/2010 at 3:49 PM #

    If Sidney succeeds, I suggest it has no bearing on Lee Fowler. Say we have a great year, get to the Final Four, etc… some might say that’s a positive reflection on Lee Fowler for having hired Sidney. Hogwash. Sidney was a last minute hire due to a completely BOTCHED coaching search. Sidney was not the one we wanted all along. He’s the one we ended up with. If Sidney fails, it is a FURTHER indictment against Fowler. If Sidney succeeds, it’s a case of Fowler being the proverbial “bling pig that found an acorn.” Best case, Fowler is still a blind pig.

    As for TOB, it is TOB that chose US. He wanted to come here, and Fowler was the willing recipient of such dumb luck. (Blind pig strikes again!) And from what I understand, Fowler almost BLEW that one, too. He almost dropped the ball, and it was TOB that followed up and made sure the deal got done, not the other way around.

    Then there’s the REST of NCSU athletics. Bad coaches not fired until the ABSOLUTE LAST POSSIBLE MINUTE. And getting back to football for a minute, from what I understand, Fowler didn’t even fire Amato until he was told that HE would be fired if he did not.

    I have to say, the Kellie Harper hiring was arguably the ONE thing he’s done right since he arrived. And improving the fuh-cilities. But as far as I’m concerned, Fowler cannot and will not do enough to amend for all the bad. There is nothing he can do to convince me he will do BETTER going forward.

  20. bradleyb123 04/29/2010 at 4:06 PM #

    But this seems to be a difference I have with most Wolfpack fans, I look at results.

    The problem with your logic is you think results are comprised of nothing but final records. Some of us are able to see the improvement by looking beyond win-loss records.

  21. stejen 04/29/2010 at 4:21 PM #

    So he has committed but he will not sign until next week? That seems a little odd since he lives in Raleigh. I am going to hold off on celebrating until he signs. This delay in signing will only give Kentucky more time to pull something to change his mind.
    Steve

  22. Greywolf 04/29/2010 at 7:55 PM #

    “But this seems to be a difference I have with most Wolfpack fans, I look at results.”

    Fans is shortened from fanatics.

    One of the most inspiring sports moments I’ve experienced occurred when Caniacs stood and cheered the entire 60 minutes of Game 7 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals. Those same fans stood and cheered the last 3 minutes of the final game of this season — cheering and honoring a team that didn’t make the playoffs. Those people are fans.

    Those of us who only cheer for a winner could take lessons from those true fans.

    It sickens me to hear “fans” booing their own team — except of course in Chapel Hell.

  23. Wulfpack 04/29/2010 at 9:35 PM #

    Getting CJL was huge for Sid and this program. I think this is where he trns it around. We’re going to be a tourney team. If we aren’t, Sid is toast. But I really doubt that will happen. The big question on everyone’s mind is just how good will we be? Will e flame out early? Or can we string together some wins when it really matters to change the direction of the program?

    My prediciton is that Sid will be at NCSU much longer than TOB. The wheels seem to be falling off for TOB. Not so for Sid.

  24. Rick 04/30/2010 at 7:44 AM #

    “The problem with your logic is you think results are comprised of nothing but final records. Some of us are able to see the improvement by looking beyond win-loss records.”

    Where did I say I did not see improvement?
    I simply said nothing is “proven” until he actually succeeds. He is not a “proven” coach. A “proven” coach has some success to point to.

  25. kyjelly 04/30/2010 at 9:20 AM #

    Lets hope Sid has greater results with this group than he did with JJ.

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