Backstage after NC State's win over Cal, Coach Herb Sendek walked to his locker room escorted by Wolfpack AD Lee Fowler. They were strictly talking basketball strategy and what just unfolded in the win over Cal here in Dallas. As both men entered the Pack's dressing den, a quick clap by Sendek was the cue for a huge howl by the Pack. It was a feeling they haven't had since February 19th!!
State's 4 game losing streak heated the coals under coach Sendek in the court of public opinion but that criticism led to a show of support from several key members of NC State University. The Athletic Council met last week and came away with nothing but praise for Herb Sendek. Earlier this week, Nina Allen, Chairman of the Faculty Senate Committee, sent 2 e-mails to NC State Chancellor James Oblinger. The notes were filled with strong support of Sendek from the faculty.
I spoke with Ms. Allen, who continued to rain praise. "He (Herb Sendek) should be lauded and continue as head coach." She pointed to the basketball's success on the court with 5 straight trips to the NCAA tournament and positive numbers in the classroom. "He's done all the things you ask a coach to do. He's an all-around good coach. He cares about the student-athletes, their progress academically...he develops the players and cares about their futures."
A strong supporter of Wolfpack athletics, who asked not to be identified, said "It would be cruel, inhumane and a mistake to dismiss Herb Sendek." NC State Athletic Director Lee Fowler said like every year with every coach, he will sit down after the season with Sendek to discuss the state of the program. Don't read anything into the lack of comment by Fowler.
Sendek does have many vocal critics. "If Sendek's the coach next year I won't buy season tickets and don't expect to see me at the game." But from all of the people from various parts of the NC State family that I spoke with, I just don't think anyone on the academic or athletic side feels the need to fire Herb Sendek. He has 4 years left on his contract and with Friday's win over Cal, Sendek moves into 14th place on the ACC's all-time win list with 191 wins against 131 losses. Unless something drastically changes, I don't see a change at State and Herb Sendek would return for his 11th season with the Wolfpack.
