Ryan Parry
Freshman guard Rodney Purvis holds his hands above his head after a foul is called against N.C. State Saturday, March 16, 2013. Purvis had 6 points in the Wolfpack's 81-71 loss to the Miami Hurricanes at Greensboro Coliseum.
On April 2nd, it became clear that freshman Rodney Purvis’ decision to transfer was no April Fool’s joke. Many N.C. State fans had to face the harsh reality that the talented guard with the bright smile was breaking up with them.
Speculation had surrounded Purvis transferring for a week or so after the team’s season. While his decision to leave was not totally unforeseen, the reasons surrounding his departure have been blurry to many Wolfpack fans.
With the departure of four starters, it seemed that Purvis would have his chance to shine next year. Many reports have speculated that Purvis wanted to play in the point guard position. Others said he was not fitting into the system. People can talk all they want, but the only way we will know why Purvis wanted to break the hearts of Wolfpack Nation is if Purvis comes out and says it.
According to N.C. State Athletics, Purvis cited he was ready to step out of his comfort zone and get a fresh start. While his explanation still leaves many unanswered questions, we shouldn’t attack Purvis.
After the news broke, many people took to twitter to announce their frustrations. One user tweeted: “I hope @rpurvis_0 gets a Kevin Ware injury.” Another salty fan made a Twitter account, @PurvisSucks, and tweeted “I hope @rpurvis_0 dies in a car wreck on his way to UCon.” He doesn’t deserve any of this. During the year, Purvis gave Pack Basketball his all. He battled through his slumps to help the team succeed. Even when Purvis saw his minutes decline, he never quit.
We can’t forget the great memories Purvis gave us throughout the season. In the Puerto Rico Tip Off final, on a night when most of the veterans went silent, Purvis stepped up and delivered a 16-point, 4-rebound performance. While we lost the game, Purvis showed determination and continued to play despite being down for most of the game. Also, who can forget Purvis’ breakaway one handed slam during the Duke game? The dunk sent the crowd into frenzy and provided one of the loudest moments in the PNC Arena all year. Another highlight play from Purvis was the monster he threw down versus Miami.
Purvis’ freshman accomplishments go on, but the point is he does not owe N.C. State fans anything.
How many of us have felt unsettled at a job or a school after one year and wanted to leave? How many of us thought we had fallen in love just to realize it was not going to work? We should not be the ex that hates to see their ex succeed. We should understand things don’t always work out and wish Purvis good luck at his next location.
The right thing to do is let him go. An unhappy basketball player is a bad basketball player, and that is the last thing N.C. State needs on its roster next year.
Besides, Purvis’ departure opens up a ton of potential playing time for a junior college guard named Desmond Lee, who is considering N.C. State. Lee could provide the Pack with a scoring threat who also has lockdown perimeter defense.
Keep it real, Wolfpack Nation.