A quote keeps ringing in my head ..."The '83 team gave you hope, gave you pride."
That was from former Wolfpack coach Jim Valvano's speech at Reynolds Coliseum just before he died.
Hope and pride is something that Pack fans, and the administration, hope Sidney Lowe will provide. He doesn't inherit a drowning program, but one that has been to five straight NCAA tournaments. (For those who diminish the feat: remember the NIT!?!?) The foundation is there thanks to Herb Sendek.
What Sidney Lowe needs to do is add some more levels of success.
There are those who criticize the hire because it took Sidney Lowe 23 years to complete his college degree. There are those who criticize the hire because Sidney Lowe has NO prior experience in college coaching.
But it would be hard to criticize the hiring of Sidney Lowe after seeing what happened on Saturday. After a press conference that provided more memorable quotes than 10 years of Herb Sendek, Sidney Lowe walked down to the Paul Derr track to a howling welcome from 800-900 fans. He always has been and continues to be one of them.
Hope and pride, that's what N.C. State fans want, plus wins over North Carolina and Duke. On that point, Herb Sendek won eight games in 10 years against the two shades of blue.
As a player, Sidney Lowe went 8-12 against Duke and Carolina. Lowe understands that it's different going to school or work after losing to the Devils and Heels as opposed to Clemson or Georgia Tech.
Is it a good hire??? W's and L's will answer that question...But for the love of Pete, can we give the guy a chance?
Sidney Lowe deserves this opportunity to lead his university. Except this time he won't be wearing #35, this time he'll be wearing a suit.
