North Carolina State University
Wolfpack lands 7-foot Australian center
By James Henderson, PackPride.com Apr 28, 2009
Australian 7-footer Jordan Vandenberg, a player N.C. State made a priority this spring, has reached a decision.
N.C. State has landed a commitment from Vandenberg to join the class of 2013. He will enroll in the fall.
"It wasn't an easy decision, but I have decided to attend North Carolina State," Vandenberg told PackPride.com. "Academically, I felt like it was a great fit and I will have a chance to play in the best conference in college basketball.
"I finalized my decision around 2 a.m. I was struggling with it but it came to me so I called [N.C. State assistant coach Pete] Strickland to let him know. I also spoke with coach Lowe and they were all very happy."
Vandenberg informed PackPride.com of his decision on Thursday but wanted to notify all coaches before releasing his commitment.
He picked N.C. State after considering USC, Utah Valley, Nevada and Boise State among others.
Checking in at 7 feet and 230 pounds, Vandenberg feels that he brings a lot to the table but admits he can still improve as a player.
"I'm left-handed, but I can score with either hand in the paint," he said. "I also feel like I have good post moves and can score out to 10 feet. The things I do well are use both hands around the basket, and I am a good shot-blocker and can change shots.
"I do need to get stronger and do that quickly. That is what I need to improve the most. I know I'll need to be stronger to play consistently against big men who are 20 or 30 pounds heavier than me. I can also improve my off-the-dribble shots and add more variety in the post."
Vandenberg hails from Melbourne, Australia, and spent a year at the Australia Institute of Sport. He is fully qualified and will be N.C. State's fifth signee in the 2009 recruiting class, joining guard Lorenzo Brown, guard Scott Wood, forward Josh Davis and forward Richard Howell.
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Most Recent Comments
RE: Wolfpack lands 7-foot Australian center
Can anyone remember the last true 7 footer we had at State?
There was a guy on the bench for a couple of years recently, but I don't think he had a single minute of playing time.
The last one I can remember before that is either Todd Fuller (was he a full 7 feet tall?) Before him, I think it was Chuck Nevitt.
- Posted by TruthBKnown Returns
Todd Fuller at the most was probably no taller tham 6'8 or 6'9. An the last 7 footer that we had was Chuck Nevills under Valvano.
RE: Wolfpack lands 7-foot Australian center
You don't feel gonzalez can fill the role? he averaged almost 7 pts. per game. he improved every aspect of his game including passing, and 3 pt. shooting. I was very impressed with his play in most games. Don't you feel he will improve more next season, and his confidence should also improve.
- Posted by tarheelbasketballfan
I thought Javi did MUCH better. He's definitely improved, and if he continues to improve, he can be an ACC-calibre PG. At this point, he's more of an ACC-backup-calibre PG.
I like what Sid has coming in this year. I hope we do well enough to keep Sid through 2010 so we can see what his recruits can do.
RE: Wolfpack lands 7-foot Australian center
You don't feel gonzalez can fill the role? he averaged almost 7 pts. per game. he improved every aspect of his game including passing, and 3 pt. shooting. I was very impressed with his play in most games. Don't you feel he will improve more next season, and his confidence should also improve.
RE: Wolfpack lands 7-foot Australian center
Until we get a true point guard that can score, assist and penetrate the middle, we will continue to be a mediocre team who will build up their wins with a front end cupcake schedule. Also, Sidney needs to let the team play the game on the court and stop whistling and directing every single play. It shows no confidence and avoids leadership potential. Another 15-15 season forthcoming with an ACC record of 6-10.
- Posted by tplatania
You're right about the PG situation. We do have a guard coming in this year that can do exactly that. Although Brown would ideally play the 2, he can more than hold his own at the 1. As long as nothing crazy happens, we'll have a guy named Ryan Harrow coming in 2010 that is a stud PG. The future is def bright for Sid and the Pack.
RE: Wolfpack lands 7-foot Australian center
One thing for sure TBK, you can't teach 7 ft.
- Posted by tarheelbasketballfan
That's the truth. And Sid was in desperate need of a big man. And we got one.
He may not be the next Shaq, but he should be able to alter or block some shots and grab a few rebounds on the defensive end. Any offense we get from him would be a bonus. I think this is all we're expecting from him this year. Another year or two, if he bulks up, he could become a force.
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