According to reports, Sidney Lowe’s first blockbuster recruiting class may not be so star-studded after all. While the class will still boast a pair of sought-after big men in Richard Howell of Georgia and Deshawn Painter of Virginia, the loss of the prized combo guard ESPN rated the ninth-best shooting guard in the nation comes as disheartening news to Wolfpack nation.

While unsubstantiated rumors have circulated since his signing that Brown would not suit up for the Pack in 2009, the News & Observer recently extinguished virtually any hope of the rumors proving false with a report quoting Brown’s new coach, Kevin Keatts of Hargrave.

“He just has to take care of a few academic things,” Keatts said of Brown’s rumored decision to attend the Virginia prep school.

However, the university is reportedly in the process of appealing to the NCAA clearinghouse, so Brown’s absence from the 2009 Wolfpack roster, at least at this time, is not yet a certainty.

Brown, whom many expected to crack the starting lineup as a freshman and provide immediate scoring help out the backcourt, will leave a hole at shooting guard into which the team will likely insert sophomore CJ Williams. 

Williams, who played in 25 games last season, primarily as a small forward, has earned high praise from Lowe this off-season as someone capable of playing shooting guard and of providing leadership on a young team.

At his summer press conference, Lowe said Williams and fellow sophomore Julius Mays have showed signs this summer as players he expects to emerge as leaders next summer

“[Williams] is a two. I think he’s settling in at that. I think he knows that is his position,” Lowe said.  “I think C.J. and Julius [Mays] will be two guys that I feel will step up, and step up in the right way.”

Should all go as planned, Brown will arrive in Raleigh in time for the 2010 campaign, one season later than many hoped, but at the same time as five-star point guard recruit and close friend Ryan Harrow of Georgia.