NC State Wolfpack

It's time once again to take your calls on my little radio show. No, we're not on the air, but who says you can't do a radio talk show in print. In honor of the late, great Garry Dornburg, we'll call our show Sportsline. Now let's get to the telephones. Fay from Benson, you're first up.

Hey Tony, nice haircut.

Thanks-I did it myself. What's on your mind Fay?

NC State quarterback Jamie Barnette had a great junior year, but wasn't able to match that level of performance in his senior season. How much of that had to do with Torry Holt's departure?

Well Fay, I think the loss of Torry had something to do with it, but there were other factors that really held Jamie back this past season. The injuries suffered by Ryan Hamrick and Chris Coleman didn't help matters. Continuity and timing are so vital in the passing game, and when a quarterback is constantly faced with different receiver combinations every other week it makes the task more difficult. I think you also have to look at pass protection. On those days when Barnette had time to throw, he put up some very good numbers. Unfortunately, those days were few and far between last season. Let's take another call....

Tony, this is Mike from Youngsville. Do you think North Carolina would make a wise choice in hiring Mike O'Cain as their offensive coordinator. I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

Mike-oh-Mike. I guess he hung up. I wanted to tell him that this show isn't on the radio. Hopefully he'll have a chance to read the answer to his question because he's not going to hear it. I think Mike O'Cain would make an excellent offensive coordinator. Let's face it; the UNC offense lacked imagination the last few years. O'Cain believes in utilizing multiple formations, spreading the field, and sprinkling in the option to keep the defense off balance. You think Ronald Curry would be effective in an offense like that? It's kind of scary to think about it actually. Next caller please.

Tony, this is Josh from Raleigh. I have a question about NC State's search for a new football coach. Do you think we should hire an established head coach or go with a rising assistant?

Josh, by gosh, that's a tough one. Florida State assistant Chuck Amato and Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen have reportedly spoken with NC State Athletics Director Les Robinson already. I think both of those guys would do a good job. Amato certainly understands what's needed to build a big-time program. He's been a big part of FSU's success. The fact that he played at NC State is less significant, but it certainly may help his cause in the eyes of some. As for Friedgen, I believe he is perhaps the most innovative offensive coach in the country. Georgia Tech isn't paying him 200-K a year for nothing. Assistant coaches who become head coaches sometimes have a difficult time putting together strong coaching staffs, whereas established head coaches bring most of their staff members with them. It's still too early to determine which way NC State may go. Let's take one more call.

Hi Tony, my name's Betty. I was wondering, what's your sign?

Apparently I'm a rat. At least that's what the placemats say at the Chinese Restaurants. Do you have another question?

Yes I do. What are the biggest differences between this year's NC State basketball team and last year's squad?

Betty, three things standout to me: Depth, athleticism and mental toughness. Even with Kenny Inge and Tim Wells out, coach Sendek has nine good players he can put on the court at any time. Not only has the addition of Damien Wilkins, Marshall Williams and Clifford Crawford given the Pack more depth, they have also given this club an element of athleticism that last year's team was missing. As a result, this team is better able to generate offense from its defense. Finally, this team does a better job of dealing with adversity. When the going gets tough, these guys really hang in there. Last year's team only won one game on an opponents home court because it just wasn't mentally tough enough and together enough to win on the road. The 1999-2000 edition of the Wolfpack should be much different.

Well fans, that's about all the time we have on this week's show. Until next time this is Tony Haynes saying, SOOOOOOO LONG everybody.