A majority of the American press and experts predicted a blowout. The majority also picked N.C. State to finish last in the ACC. Yet, with an 83-79 win over rival North Carolina Saturday, the Wolfpack startled the critics, and coach Sidney Lowe validated his hiring as the right man to lead the Pack.
Former coach Herb Sendek wasn’t fired from the head coaching position at N.C. State, and in fact, many fans supported the man who led State to five consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. Sendek left under the pressure of Pack fans who felt he was incapable of competing on tobacco road, particularly in beating Carolina. But what Sendek lacked in fan support is exactly what Sidney Lowe embodies — tradition, charisma and apparently the ability to beat the Tar Heels.
With an up-tempo offense as flashy as the red sports coat Lowe wore for the rivalry, the Pack beat the No. 1 team in the ACC for the second time in a week. Such a win has instilled a confidence and charisma that State basketball hasn’t seen in years.
“He wants to win the big game, and this was the big game for him and for us,” sophomore forward Ben McCauley said of his coach. “So, I think it does a lot for him knowing that he was the right pick for this group, and that he can come in here and show some leadership like he has, and really just direct us in the way to win.”
Lowe has his players believing they are capable of wining every game, despite youth and inexperience. Even more influential to the program is the fact that Lowe brings a sense of tradition and history that inspires fans and players alike. As a point guard on the 1983 national championship team, Lowe had already set his plate in N.C. State history.
As soon as Lowe could make his way past the students rushing the court in ecstatic jubilation, he was embraced by former State legends such as Chris Corchiani, Tom Burleson, and David Thompson. According to Lowe, his goal as coach is to represent the program with respect to the greats that preceded his playing and coaching career.
“Once I accepted the position, that became something that I wanted to do,” Lowe said. “I wanted to come in and try to represent all of those guys the best I could and do the best job I could for this University. Those guys love this University; they set the table for us when I came in here and when I was playing. They came and they followed us, and again, I just want them to feel and know this is their school. This is their home and they are always welcome back here always.”
You may say Saturday’s upset is just one win for Lowe, and though Lowe might agree, I don’t. Since I arrived at N.C. State in the fall of 2004, the Pack has lost to Carolina in football and basketball in every outing until Saturday’s upset. For that task alone, Lowe deserves credit — and security.
“It says he’s an outstanding coach,” Thompson, the star of the 1974 championship team said. “He had those guys ready to play. His strategy was great, and to come out and beat a great team like Carolina on his first try is awesome. He’s doing wonderful things here. He’ll get some more reinforcements here and he’s gonna be great.”
In terms of gathering “some more reinforcements,” Lowe has already established himself as a capable recruiter, as well as working with the talent that he already has. Since joining the Wolfpack family during the summer of 2006, Lowe received verbal commitments from two top 50 prospects in J.J Hickson and Tracy Smith, as well as landing commitments from Johnny Thomas and Tennessee transfer Marques Johnson.
“He’s definitely the right fit for the job as far as recruiting and being able to find compatible players,” junior forward Gavin Grant said. “So I think he’s going to have a long career here. I think this may be the end of his coaching road, unless he goes back to the pros. But he knows how to coach players to their strengths and he knows how to win games.”
Outwardly, Saturday’s upset over UNC was just another conference win to Sidney Lowe. He gave credit to his team for their composure and effort against a national powerhouse. Lowe also credits the addition of AtsŸr to the Pack’s recent success, as well as the understanding of each other. Yet, State fans rightfully should credit Lowe and Athletics Director Lee Fowler for his hiring.
Lowe brings to N.C. State what the recently unacceptable athletics program has lacked — youth, passion, and family. And though State prevailed Saturday, Lowe understands he will battle a talented North Carolina team for years to come.
“I’ve never shied away from the matchup, you know, the rivalry of the three schools down here,” Lowe said. “It’s a big win, and I think you can tell by the fans on the court and things of that nature. It’s not something that I made up, this was here long before me. And when I got here they told me that this was a big game, so I believed them, and I don’t see that ever changing.”
The men’s basketball team, in part and whole, deserves praise after such a heroic performance. Even if Lowe and the Pack were to lose every game for the remainder of the year, Pack fans would not despise Lowe as they did Sendek. How could one despise a man who won a national championship as a player and beat Carolina at his first attempt as a coach?
And even if Lowe struggles at times in the future, he’s already done what John Calipari and John Beilein shunned — win on tobacco road. And thus I claim, “in Lowe we trust.”
