Win Marks Turnaround For NC State (And Javi Gonzalez Plays A Nylon Song)

Almost everything State did looked good. Tracy Smith was sensational, particularly in the first half, but a big part of the reason he looked so good was because his teammates did such a great job of finding him. Javi Gonzalez, who has taken a lot of criticism during his career from State fans, was superb. Dennis Horner, who played with an injured knee, was inspirational. Farnold Degand, so limited last year by his own injury, was quick and lethal. And while Duke did a nice job on Scott Wood, overall, the defense was lousy. Coach K said after the game that it was the worst defense Duke has played all year.

Duke never matched State’s intensity and paid the price. […]

We’ve always liked State basketball. It’s not our school, but it’s a fun program with a great history. Since Jim Valvano left, things have been difficult. Les Robinson did an honorable job and put State back on the right track, but he was not able to compete in the ACC. Herb Sendek was able to, but he bored people to tears and frustrated State fans to no end.

For the last 15 years or so, nothing much has gone right for the Pack. Even Sidney Lowe, a hero of the Cardiac Pack, has taken a lot of heat as he has tried to build his program. State fans have all too often grown cynical and jaded as their program has struggled to keep up with the ACC powers.

Tonight though went a long way towards catching up. There is a reasonable core of players on this team, some speed and athleticism, and more on the way. If nothing goes terribly wrong, State is back, and we welcome them. The ACC is a lot better off when they’re good.