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North Carolina State University

N.C. State freshman practiced in full for first time this week

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Nov 25, 2009

N.C. State may have exceeded early season expectations by beating Auburn for the Glenn Wilkes Classic title in Daytona Beach.  The 4-0 record has been achieved without the help of the most acclaimed of the freshmen newcomers, Richard Howell, who suffered a preseason knee injury.

Head coach Sidney Lowe had previously said that Howell would be slowly phased back into workouts in late November.  Lowe addressed his status on his weekly radio show last night, heard on 99.9 The Fan ESPN Radio.

"Richard practiced Tuesday for the first time for a full practice," Lowe said. "He had two 45-minute practices prior to us going down to Daytona, so we're trying to work him back in now. Obviously his conditioning is a factor and getting accustomed to the sets and things we're running."

Howell is a 6-foot-8 266 pound forward from Marietta, GA and is the only Wolfpack freshman that was ranked in Rivals.com's Top 100 players for the 2009 class.

"He's got quick feet, and Richard is an excellent passer," Lowe said. "He'll be an excellent pick n' pop player, inside he's got some stuff with that big body and he actually runs the floor well.

"You'll like him, you'll like watching him play.  He just needs to get in shape."

The Wolfpack take on New Orleans at 2 p.m. on Sunday.  Then competition gets stiffer as Northwestern appears on the schedule as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.  The Pack then travel to Marquette.

Most Recent Comments

By wolfbitesyourheels
Posted Nov 25, 5:45 p.m.

Rank: Sports Legend
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Joined: Nov, 2009
Location: La Grange, NC

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RE: N.C. State freshman practiced in full for first time this week

You are so correct. Our level of play really fell off when Tracy went to the bench. RH should help with scoring, rebounding and defense. But being able to spell Tracy with a player of this caliber is going to be a big positive.

By TruthBKnown Returns
Updated Nov 25, 2:47 p.m.

Rank: Sports Legend
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Location: Raleigh, NC

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RE: N.C. State freshman practiced in full for first time this week

So far, there has been a common theme for State basketball this year. When Tracy Smith is on the bench for extended periods (like when he's in foul trouble), State does worse. If Howell can sub in for Tracy, that could be a key for State's success going forward.

By blpack90
Posted Nov 25, 2:33 p.m.

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Location: Wilmington, NC

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RE: N.C. State freshman practiced in full for first time this week

He should help with some boards and hopefully put the ball in the basket. This team will need to score more, among other things, to be successful.

By jbecknc
Posted Nov 25, 1:38 p.m.

Rank: Towel Boy
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Location: Raleigh, NC

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RE: N.C. State freshman practiced in full for first time this week

Howell was not the only top 100 recruit for 2009. Painter was rated almost as high. I think their rankings were both in the 60s or 70s.

trianglehoops.blogspot.com

By TruthBKnown Returns
Updated Nov 25, 10:38 a.m.

Rank: Sports Legend
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Location: Raleigh, NC

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RE: N.C. State freshman practiced in full for first time this week

I didn't realize this kid was the best of our 2009 incoming class. Glad we've had a steady diet of cupcakes until he could get into the lineup. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do. 6'8" and 266 pounds? He's the same height as Tracy Smith, but 19 pounds heavier. We've needed someone to sub for Tracy. Maybe we have the piece we've been missing. Nice!