Lowe stresses unity, up-tempo attack

Wolfpack wants to put turbulence in the past

Senior center Ben McCauley said Tuesday that he has apologized to his basketball teammates and coaches for a "miscommunication" in practice that led coach Sidney Lowe to leave him home while N.C. State traveled to Toronto for two August exhibition games.

"I've done something that I really regret," McCauley said at N.C. State's media day. "Coach decided that the punishment was for me to stay home, and I take full responsibility. I really do. That's something in the past now, and I'm looking forward to this year."

With that, N.C. State's players and coaches said they are finished with turbulent times. While freshman J.J. Hickson led the team in scoring and rebounding last season, veterans such as McCauley and Brandon Costner faded.

So did the Wolfpack, finishing 15-16 after a season-ending, nine-game losing streak. Players said this team will be different. They vowed to be united, and Lowe promised to hold them accountable.

"There's only one voice, and that's my voice," Lowe said. "... It's my way. And our guys understand that."

Lowe's team has experienced some offseason changes. Hickson is in the NBA now. Gavin Grant, the second-leading scorer, was a senior in 2007-08.

Quentin Jackson, who served as director of operations for Lowe's first two seasons, no longer is with the program, Lowe confirmed. Justin Gainey, like Jackson a former Wolfpack point guard, is serving as administrative coordinator in Jackson's place.

Lowe said Jackson is going back into private business, which is what he was doing before Lowe hired him. Gainey is on his third year on the staff and will assist with day-to-day projects and scheduling.

On the court, starting point guard Farnold Degand appears ready to return after tearing a knee ligament during the 10th game of last season.

Degand looked strong and quick during a 45-minute offseason skills session Monday, Lowe said.

Degand said he expects to be ready for the Nov. 15 opener at New Orleans, although he will await a final decision from team trainer Charlie Rozanski.

"I'm feeling good," Degand said.

Wing Johnny Thomas also is making progress recovering from a knee injury, but Lowe is uncertain how much Thomas will be able to practice or play.

On the court, Lowe has committed to a tactical change after N.C. State ranked last in the ACC in scoring (67.3 ppg) en route to the conference tournament's 12th and final seed in 2007-08.

After two years of preaching a methodical, half-court style on offense, Lowe wants the team to fast break more. Moving athletic wing Courtney Fells from shooting guard to small forward could aid that change.

So could an 11-pound weight loss by forward Brandon Costner, who scored a team-high 24.5 points over the two exhibition games in Toronto. With a faster tempo and McCauley back on track, the Wolfpack is looking ahead toward Friday's first preseason practice in hopes that the dissension of the past 12 months is finished.

"I can assure you, we will never have that situation again," Lowe said. "They're going to accept their roles, and I think our guys know that. And if they don't, they won't play."

PACK HOLDS OPEN PRACTICE: Lowe will open a practice to fans from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Reynolds Coliseum. Admission and parking are free.