Pack Pride is reporting that DraftExpress is reporting that NC State star center, Cedric Simmons has signed with an agent and will be inegible to play for NC State in the future. (Link)
If true, Simmons’ departure would leave State’s roster extremely thin of depth and talent for next season, particularly in the post. The only true post player that would remain on scholarship would be Ben McCauley, who has been rumored to be seeking a transfer. (Link to McCauley’s recruiting biography)
Looking to next season, one would expect that (So) McCauley and (R-Fr) Brandon Costner could/would claim significant playing time along side (Jr) Andrew Brackman in the 5C and 4PF post positions for the Wolfpack. For all intents and purposes, Andrew Brackman will move to the “center” position on the roster. But, it won’t matter who is listed as “center” as the two post positions will probably be more interchangeable next season in the absence of a true offensive threat on the post.
* Brandon Costner is a blend of a small forward/power forward who reportedly prefers playing with his face to the basket. Costner definitely has the height and strength to contribute in a post role as needed.
* With guaranteed significant ACC playing time now in his immediate future, if McCauley is still considering a transfer then most fans would be very perplexed. With so much playing time and opportunity now falling in his lap, a transfer at this juncture would be curious.
* Simmons’ departure could also play a factor in recruit, Dan Werner’s decision. Werner, listed as a very versatile power forward (rated the #16 PF in the country) could see more early playing time in Raleigh than was otherwise projected.
* In a perfect world, the Pack would be able to find a stud post presence from the junior college ranks to help cushion the loss of Simmons AND help with scholarship spacing problems that are developing on the roster – State currently has only three scholarship players in the combined junior and senior class.
* State is not currently listed as a potential choice of any uncommitted junior college centers or power forwards; but quite a few JUCO centers remain uncommitted, including 6-feet-10-inch Hernol Hall. Hall may be tempted by State’s ability to offer immediate playing time in the ACC now that Simmons is (reportedly) out of the fold. Hall seems to be interested in the general geographical area since he currently lists schools like Charlotte, Georgia, Maryland, Clemson, and Wake Forest on his list. Additionally, national programs like Kansas, Ohio State, Washington, and Oklahoma are also pursuing him.
* Hall, an NJCAA All-American was recently released from his commitment to Duquesne and may represent a little different profile of a typical JUCO player because he is of Costa Rican decent. This may play better with admissions and compliance officers at State than a US player that has more academic problems and was forced to go JUCO out of high school. From Scout.com:
The Limon, Costa Rico native finished his sophomore season at Lon Morris College in Texas as the the Co-MVP of the NJCAA Region XIV. Hall averaged 14.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.3 steals. He shot 61.8 percent overall (123-199), 37.5% beyond the arc (3/8) and 64.3 percent from the charity stripe (90/140) in 24 of LMC’s 28 games.
