It has been said not only the game of basketball, but sports in general, that practice makes perfect. For the women’s basketball team of N.C . State, finding a practice squad was quite a challenge. After putting out flyers, recruiting friends and even grabbing some guys from Carmichael Gym, the women’s basketball practice squad was complete.
For Kevin McCann, a sophomore in industrial engineering, playing on the practice squad was a great way to challenge his skill as a basketball player.
“My roommate and I had played pick-up basketball at Carmichael Gym a few times but had been unimpressed with the games there, seeing as some players were much better than us and the rest were scrubs and hacks, leaving no middle ground for us to fit into,” McCann said. “We thought this would be a way to play basketball on a higher level but in a more organized fashion that fit our playing styles better.”
Using men on the practice squad helped the women’s basketball team prepare for any challenge, as far as size goes.
“Coach Kellie [Harper] likes to use guys to practice against because we’re quicker and bigger than most of the girls they play against,” McCann said. “She likes to use me in rebounding or shooting drills because if the players can rebound and shoot over someone who’s 6’6” then they can do the same for just about anyone they will play against.”
For Rusty Mau , a freshman in economics, the joy of being on the practice squad is to help the team succeed.
“Being on the practice squad gives me a chance to continue to play basketball, to support N.C . State Athletics and, most importantly, to help the women’s basketball team excel,” Mau said. “It’s a tough job, but I know we are an important factor in the success of the team.”
For some, playing basketball with women may come off a little “weird”, but for Mau , it just became natural.
“It was a little weird at first playing against girls, but it’s just something we got used to,” Mau said. “After they threw a few elbows in practice, you forget they are girls and just play ball.”
Alex Keener, a senior in mechanical engineering, received a personal invite by the Pack’s leading scorer to join the practice squad.
“I was asked to be a part of the practice squad by Marissa Kastanek after playing with her in Carmichael Gymnasium a few times,” Keener said. “Interacting with the team and coaches and being used as a tool for trying to improving the team has been extremely fun and I have met some great people, both on scout and the girls’ team.”
For Noah Hayden, a graduate student, playing on the practice squad gave him an opportunity to keep playing the game of basketball.
“I attempted to walk on the men’s basketball team,” Hayden said. “The short tryout was unfruitful as Gottfried did not take any walk-ons this year. I wanted to keep basketball in my life, since I was used to playing my previous years as an undergrad.
“This is my last year of athletic eligibility and I wanted to make it count. I contacted the women’s coaching staff and started getting the ball rolling.”
Playing on the practice squad does have its perks though.
“It has been pretty neat to get some complimentary practice gear,” Hayden said. “Thus far I have received two pairs of socks, two pairs of shorts, two T-shirts, two undershirts, one practice jersey, one pair of shoes and a whole lot of Gatorade.”