A Season Comes to an End

It still doesn’t seem quite real. But indeed, Kansas held on for a 60-57 victory. Two weary fighters staggered to the finish line, with State landing a nice flurry of punches in the 11th round. Alas, there was nothing left for #12…and Kansas remained upright, winning on points.

I’m not angry, and I’m fully satisfied with the 2011-12 season. But I am sad, sad that there is no second act to look forward to this weekend. Sad that this particular, never say die unit will never play together again. We have seen the last game action for CJ Williams and Alex Johnson, probably for Calvin Leslie as well (at least for those of us who can’t bear to watch the NBA).

But they’ve all secured a place in our hearts forever. That never dies, never stops, never even really fades away. They brought back NC State basketball’s pride, and self-respect. That second part is more important than any media recognition, and Mark Gottfried’s greatest achievement.

I hope Calvin comes back, and leads an even greater run. But he’s a legend regardless, for his heart, determination, and quiet (unless you count gum smacking) leadership.

Thank you, players and staff. Thank you, one and all. Good night.

About BJD95

1995 NC State graduate, sufferer of Les and MOC during my entire student tenure. An equal-opportunity objective critic and analyst of Wolfpack sports.

NCS Basketball

77 Responses to A Season Comes to an End

  1. state73 03/24/2012 at 9:42 AM #

    As a longtime WOLFPACKER I could not be any more proud of the heart and fight in this team. The “blues” better watch out next season. Good luck to Williams and Johnson.

  2. highstick 03/24/2012 at 10:07 AM #

    Rough game…and I mean physically rough. But, I’m proud of this group and they definitely got me excited with their run in the NCAA’s.

    I’m not going to jump “off the edge” though and get expectations too high…I’ll just take it as it comes!

    Now, big question? Who was that guard from last year? Ryan somebody???

  3. mak4dpak 03/24/2012 at 10:16 AM #

    I just hope when we start up next season, that Richard Howell can stop getting in foul trouble, and stop makin bone headed plays. It happens way too much, and didn’t help against Kansas.

  4. rtpack24 03/24/2012 at 10:19 AM #

    What a tough damn ball team we became. Thanks to the coaching staff and players for such a great year. We should all be proud!

  5. gotohe11carolina 03/24/2012 at 10:26 AM #

    So proud of these guys. God this was fun. Let’s do it again next year guys.
    We looked not just tough but mentally tough last night. Every punch we took and just came back for more.

  6. JT 03/24/2012 at 10:35 AM #

    Huge props to Yow, Gott, the staff and the players (and also to Lowe for getting the players here). So glad CJW got a good run in his senior year. Most fun season since the V era. Ugly game but damn, we were there at the end. Early season it would have been a blowout, but this team grew together and fought together. Hell of an effort. Props to all.

  7. backnine 03/24/2012 at 10:41 AM #

    The Official Leslie and Brown watch are now on. I guess we should know in the next two weeks (prior to April 10th) what they are thinking. I suspect one or both may declare for the draft, but not hire an agent, just to assess their standing. Should they make that announcment we should all remain calm, realizing it does not neccessarily mean they will “remain” in the draft.

    I think we all realize they must do what’s best for them, but seems so obvious to us that one more year for both could really bolster their play, and thus greatly improve the payday they stand to make. Whether they are mature enough to see the bigger picture at this point is anyone’s guess. It will also depend on who is whispering in their ears. Hopefully it will be mature adults who have their long-term best interest at heart and not some “hanger-on” types who want to ride coat tails.

    Lastly, due to the NBA lockout last year, many early entrants into the draft stayed in school. That will makes this years draft board crowded, which is not the ideal circumstance you want when coming out early.

    Already dreaming about what this team could be with both Calvin and Zo back.

  8. wolfpack_83 03/24/2012 at 10:49 AM #

    As disappointed as I was about the outcome, I couldn’t help but think that my team was going to pull out a win. What a great change of personality for a program! Congratulations on a fantastic evolution over the year, a “thank you” to both the players and the coaching staff, and looking forward to next November for a new chapter in this rebirth.

    By the way, my favorite point of the game – after the loss, the picture of Wood patting Howell on the back after his shot fell short. Now THAT is a good teammate!

  9. BJD95 03/24/2012 at 10:58 AM #

    I don’t want to overlook how much Woo grew over the last few weeks. Although his shot was off last night, his body language stayed positive, and he was pretty effective rebounding and…gasp…even on defense.

    Next year will be fun, even if it doesn’t go quite as far into March. Remember that progress is often “two steps forward, one step back” – and don’t be rash in your judgments if that happens.

  10. PoppaJohn 03/24/2012 at 11:00 AM #

    Wow, what a fun season. It is great to be optimistic.
    Next year’s “dream team” (including Calvin, Zo, JV and the FOUR McDonald’s All Americans – yes, I’m counting you Amile)would win the ACC and take a #1 seed to the NCAAT. Final Four, here we come.

    While I believe that to be true, I don’t believe it will happen. It just seems to be too much to hope for to have Zo AND Calvin back. Let’s hope for one of them. And it seems like Amile will say ‘yes’ to the last guy that talks to him. As Telep says, “he just wants to make everyone happy.” So no real passion for our program – or any other.

  11. StandUpAndHowl 03/24/2012 at 11:33 AM #

    I am prouder of this 2011-2012 team than I have been of any team in Wolfpack history. The 1972-1973 and 1973-1974 teams are still the greatest, but they were expected to be great.

    No one, not even crazy dreamers expected much from this team. Back in November, I would have been happy if they just looked like a basketball team. They did far more.

    The future has hurdles and challenges, but it’s bright indeed.

  12. old13 03/24/2012 at 11:35 AM #

    I’m RELATIVELY quite happy. They beat the spread. They played well above the predictions and any expectations. They fought like hELL to overcome. Our guys needn’t hang their heads. They beat the odds. They exceeded expectations. And the future is bright! Thanks for all you did to advance the Wolfpack program, CJW and AJ!!! You can revel in the contributions you made to the revitalization of Wolfpack basketball under Gott! And much thanks to DY, the real heart of Wolfpack athletics IMO. GO PACK!!!

  13. blpack 03/24/2012 at 11:38 AM #

    Good piece. I too am not angry, just disappointed. Wish we had another game to go. We would beat UNC-cheat like a drum. Oh well, KU will. I really like how this team grew over the season and we are finally poised as a program to be in the fight to win the league in ’13. “… got to wear shades.” Thank you coaches, players and admin.

  14. Astral Rain 03/24/2012 at 11:41 AM #

    BTW, April 10th is the NCAA deadline, but a player can go pro until I think April 29th or May 2nd, that’s the NBA deadline, which is the one that matters.

    Hopefully we know what Zo and Calvin do by the 10th, but if they don’t declare by then, they still could.

  15. pacman23 03/24/2012 at 11:55 AM #

    This team has set the bar again at NC State. Sweet Sixteen appearances will again be routine and the expectation will be to play for ACC and NCAA championships. Never would have expected to be saying that at the end of this special season, so thanks to all involved – players, coaches, athletic department and the fans for making it possible.

    I expect to see Leslie back next season – still much to be accomplished on a personal level and a team level. He knows what the future holds for this team next year and I sincerely believe he wants to be a huge part of it. UNC, Duke and Kansas we are coming for you!

  16. Nick Edwards 03/24/2012 at 12:55 PM #

    Anyone know when the team is getting home to rdu or campus? Really want to go show our appreciation & support

  17. gotohe11carolina 03/24/2012 at 1:24 PM #

    I think Calvin is gone. He showed the ability to take almost anyone in the lane off the dribble. He needs to get better from the stripe. Zo looked great but there are just too many 2 guards in this draft, with one more year at point I think he could be a lottery guy

  18. 74wolf 03/24/2012 at 2:14 PM #

    I think CJL’s stock could really soar with another year of college ball. Another year of maturity, training table, weight room, sharpening his jump shot and free throw shooting, national exposure… Plus, Tyler Lewis is apparently a genius at point guard. Think of the highlight films of CJ backcutting for big dunks of TL passes!
    Hope Bobby Lutz gets a nice bonus and stays…

  19. wolfie91 03/24/2012 at 3:00 PM #

    Astral Rain is right. April 29 is the important date, though hopefully our guys would know what they want to do before then, especially if they want some type of feedback from the NBA. Interesting article by DraftExpress about the impact of the new deadline for removing oneself from the draft.

    http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Testing-the-NBA-Draft-Waters-in-2012-3869

  20. Astral Rain 03/24/2012 at 3:24 PM #

    Calvin’s game may not translate well to the pros yet- lots of guys just as athletic/quick, and he isn’t very versatile yet.

    He needs some diversification to become a lottery pick.

  21. GoldenChain 03/24/2012 at 3:28 PM #

    A journey of 1000 miles begins with the 1st step.
    This team/staff leaped half way there in three weeks!
    This will mark the point in time that Pack basketball turned-the-corner, and each of you were a part of that and we as fans/boosters/alumni/lunatic fringe thank you.

  22. hiltonpeel 03/24/2012 at 5:28 PM #

    Congratulations for giving us your BEST in basketball. You will be remembered as a great team who represented State College very well at every position: coaches, players, ADs, and the walk-ons who made it all possible. We are extremely proud of you. You are a class act. God Bless.
    EE ’56

  23. Ashman87 03/24/2012 at 7:03 PM #

    Here’s the thing about the deadlines. I believe the first one is that you can declare, but you can pull your name out unless you sign with an agent. If you don’t sign with an agent, then you can take yourself out of the draft before the second deadline. If after the second deadline, you have not signed with an agent, but you have not taken yourself out of the draft, then you have been considered as one whose name will be in the draft. By the way, I am very thankful for what this team did this season. If next year’s team gets at least to the Sweet Sixteen, then I know our program is back.

  24. FunPack 03/24/2012 at 7:22 PM #

    BJD95 said:
    “Next year will be fun, even if it doesn’t go quite as far into March. Remember that progress is often “two steps forward, one step back” – and don’t be rash in your judgments if that happens.”

    I couldn’t agree more. You should put that post in bold letters on the front page of SFN from now until the end of next season.

    I’m so proud of this team. Their growth and improvement from start to finish was just amazing. I’m especially proud of CJ Williams. I’m glad he finally got to experience what he expected when he signed – a good team with good teammates that fought to the end, and a fan base unified in their excitement. Hopefully he had fun and feels the Wolfpack love.

  25. JohnGalt78 03/24/2012 at 7:30 PM #

    Beaming…head held high. And tomorrow, ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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