Can anybody name me a player that played at State that at some point during his career or even during a season he didn't have a 2 or 3 game stretch where he essentially sucked it up and played well below his talent level?

I doubt it.  If you can, you probably wouldn't need all the fingers on one hand to count them in total.

Give the young man a break.  None of you perform at the highest level that you're capable of performing at your job every single day that you go to work.  The difference is you don't have a bunch of people on a message board attacking you every time you don't produce at the highest level.

CJ behind you 100% like always. GO PACK!!!

If I had one of these threads when I was played, I'd be in the NBA right now.

Signed,
Brandon Costner

Bryanth1a wrote: If I had one of these threads when I was played, I'd be in the NBA right now.

Signed,
Brandon Costner

Funny....but also some truth.  Truth in that both players have gotten some serious negative juju thrown their way from the fans.

preacherfan80 wrote:

Bryanth1a wrote: If I had one of these threads when I was played, I'd be in the NBA right now.

Signed,
Brandon Costner

Funny....but also some truth.  Truth in that both players have gotten some serious negative juju thrown their way from the fans.

Calvin does quite a few of good things.  Rebounds, blocks, steals and even some assists.  It looks like he draws a lot of attention and forces either a fast break or shots.  He will get there hopefully this season.  I like his passion for State.  You guys don't know the work these players put in and then they have school.  It's real easy to judge.

RedTerror29 wrote: He certainly is.  This team will go as far as Leslie takes them.  Final Four or first round flop, he will be the single biggest factor.

That doesn't bode well then. He's not playing like did last year.

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--- wolfpack87 wrote:

RedTerror29 wrote: He certainly is.  This team will go as far as Leslie takes them.  Final Four or first round flop, he will be the single biggest factor.

That doesn't bode well then. He's not playing like did last year.

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He had a pretty poor game at Clemson on this very day last year IIRC.

Edit... Just checked it was the 25th and he missed a game winner in regulation and a shot in overtime to tie. His numbers overall were not bad but he took a ton of shots that day.

... when you need a turnover.

When was the last time we split with UNC and Duke? And who was the main player(s) in those wins? I'd love to see him and Lo back for their senior years, but I don't know their financial situations. Depending on how we finish out, I think Lo has driven his stock up. CJ may need another year, but his supporting cast won't be that helpful without Lo. Like to see both of them back. I think if they were at UNC or Duke, the coaches would recommend they play one more year (like Plumlee and so many others).

Can a 21 year old kid live on $15 million for the next 50 years. Yeah, easily. But if you spend it all in 3 years and then get no offers after that, then you're close to living on the streets.

I am one that is looking for Calvin to take us into the tourney and take us deep.  I am on his side.

Calvin you know this is all on you and your teamates.  Make it happen big guy and we are behind you all the way.

Unrelated to this thread but some insight to his personality and character...  My son's current 5th grade teacher taught CJ in elementary school (or knew him well, not sure) and she asked him recently if he'd come visit her class - so he stopped in one day last week and hung out with her class at recess for no real reason.  He played a little ball with them, chatted with them, and let the teacher take a class picture with him in the middle.  Most of the kids are State fans and they were ecstatic - those that weren't really enjoyed it also.  I don't think I've ever seen my son more excited when he got home from school than he was that day.  Very nice thing to do - he could have been hanging out in his apartment with his friends or girlfriend and instead he came and did this just to be a good guy.

0newolf wrote: Unrelated to this thread but some insight to his personality and character...  My son's current 5th grade teacher taught CJ in elementary school (or knew him well, not sure) and she asked him recently if he'd come visit her class - so he stopped in one day last week and hung out with her class at recess for no real reason.  He played a little ball with them, chatted with them, and let the teacher take a class picture with him in the middle.  Most of the kids are State fans and they were ecstatic - those that weren't really enjoyed it also.  I don't think I've ever seen my son more excited when he got home from school than he was that day.  Very nice thing to do - he could have been hanging out in his apartment with his friends or girlfriend and instead he came and did this just to be a good guy.

Riveting tale, chap!  Thanks for passing it on..folks have to realize this kid's problems in a very small portion of games (last one notwithstanding) doesn't reflect the great character he's had as a representative of this school and its athletics program.   We're lucky to have him!!  We're smart enough, I hope, to separate our armchair basketball scrutiny from CJ's overall contributions to the area and the excitement he's given to our fans.

Ditto, the whole team. take out the close loses to  MARYLAND, MIAMI,VIRGINIA, WF Then we are 23 and what 5. this team WILL step up>

Cj is definitely a talent, but he has so m uch underachieved that it's ridiculous, he should step up, or just accept the Joe Jackson-type punishment.

gregpage wrote: Cj is definitely a talent, but he has so m uch underachieved that it's ridiculous, he should step up, or just accept the Joe Jackson-type punishment.

LOL.  Everyone has awful games.  Check out Mason Plumlee against Maryland or UVa.  Seth Curry vs UNC.  Shane Larkin at Clemson or WFU.

Almost every player in college has bad games.  Leslie hasn't underachieve any more than anyone else on the team.  He just gets the blunt of the criticism because he's the most talented.

I have stayed out of this thread until now.  Only read the last few responses.  I was hard on C. J. after the UNC game because he was lazy.  It wasn't because he was not playing great on offense, but because he was not trying to make a difference on defense and rebounding the ball.  After I said my piece, I laid off of him.

Having said that, he showed those positive traits against BC on Wednesday.  He was a little off his offensive game early, but he did not take himself out of the game in the other areas.  He played good defense with 3 blocks, got on the boards, passed out of double teams, and basically let the game come to him.  I give him much credit for coming back and playing well amongst all the criticism.

What he did for the elementary class in Holly Springs is very commendable and I am glad he is representing N. C. State in a very positive way.

He is the straw that stirs the drink for this team.  Lorenzo is the driver, but for us to do good things we need an engaged Calvin showing up.  He was that person on Wednesday and hopefully he turns it on like he did at the end of last year.  We can be very dangerous if he does.

I wish he would teach me how to write poetry, and do the Texas 'propane' square dance.

Hey Drummer, I'm not sure I agree. I think Leslie is the driver and Brown is the straw that stirs the drink....maybe Howell stirs the drink and and Brown is the driver....maybe one can be "the catalyst". But with that one you'd have to bring Wood into the mix...maybe even Purvis. I got it...Leslie is the Key, Wood is the catalyst, Brown is the driver and Howell is the leader.

Well however you want to put it.  We need them all doing what it is they do to be successful.  I am just saying that Calvin has to play well and be totally engaged for us to reach our potential.  Because of what everybody else can do, it makes us extremely dangerous if he clicking too.

sbofree wrote: Hey Drummer, I'm not sure I agree. I think Leslie is the driver and Brown is the straw that stirs the drink....maybe Howell stirs the drink and and Brown is the driver....maybe one can be "the catalyst". But with that one you'd have to bring Wood into the mix...maybe even Purvis. I got it...Leslie is the Key, Wood is the catalyst, Brown is the driver and Howell is the leader.

Calvn will become the man when Pack fans no longer have to say....

o  when Calvin is engaged...
o  if Calvin plays to his potential...
o  when Calvin decides to play...
o  if Calvin plays under control...
o  when Calvin wants to...
o  if Calvin this...
o  when Calvin comes to play...

Until then, Richard Howell is the man of this team. He's the most important player on the Pack's roster. He's our only dependable rebounder and he comes to battle every night despite his lack of height. Without him, we're screwed.

/end thread/

I keep waiting for Calvin to come out of the phone booth and be super Calvin like he was in last years postseason. I think he's putting too much pressure on himself. He wants to be the man. Just needs to let the game come to him and he'll get it going.

PicklePacker wrote: I keep waiting for Calvin to come out of the phone booth and be super Calvin like he was in last years postseason. I think he's putting too much pressure on himself. He wants to be the man. Just needs to let the game come to him and he'll get it going.

I think the above has a lot to do with his performance.  He forces things and when it doesn't work out he gets frustrated and tends to give up.  His off the court actions certainly point to him being a good guy; unfortunately he doesn't have that ultra competitive I am going to beat you down no matter what happens attitude ala Michael J (who is dearly loved on this board).  There is some truth to the saying nice guys finish last.

I hope CJ gets it together (let the game come to him as said above) for a run at the end of the season and if he goes to the NBA, increase his draft status dramatically.  I would love to see him back next year.  I would also love to see him coming back to Pack games after both he and Hess have retired.

PicklePacker wrote: I keep waiting for Calvin to come out of the phone booth and be super Calvin like he was in last years postseason. I think he's putting too much pressure on himself. He wants to be the man. Just needs to let the game come to him and he'll get it going.

Oops, forgot one. 

o   if Calvin lets the game come to him....

Thanks!

I'm not so sure that we NEED Calvin doing anything. I think we're better with him on the bench.

STINKHEAD wrote: I'm not so sure that we NEED Calvin doing anything. I think we're better with him on the bench.

I am a tremendous fan of CJ.   Thank goodness he decided to come to State rather than Kentucky  Not to mention transferring after Gott was hired and followed Harrow. I think the current staff have been great in getting Leslie focused into his potential     being a team player without an attitude. 

The adjustments Leslie has made from his freshman year have been amazing to watch. Unfortunately he has not mature as we all including CJ would have liked. Although if it had we probably would not have the enjoyment of watching this team give us something to cheer for in the NCAA tourney for 2 rows in a row.

Thanks CJ for helping bringing back Big Time Basketball to a proud university.  Along with Brown, Wood, Howell and a fantastic trio that i am so excited to see next year  

I would love to see CJ stay one more year. Just to see the total transformation and maturity to becoming one of the most gifted players to suit in the Red and White

I have always thought we were a tournament team  The preseason fantastic press had a negative impact which was certainly understandable   

I see three more wins      ACC tourney finals.    Then a great run in March Madness  This team if they want it can make it to the final four !

Hopefully we will see that contagious CJ smile a lot in the next month !!!

^
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL...I needed that laugh! Thanks!!!

RaleighBound wrote: Calvin hit a rough stretch.

Must be a long rough road, cause he hits rough stretches on and off during his three years here.  When you are an "all star" from high school, he have to play up to it at all times...

Packster wrote:

 

LOL.  Everyone has awful games.  Check out Mason Plumlee against Maryland or UVa.  Seth Curry vs UNC.  Shane Larkin at Clemson or WFU.

Almost every player in college has bad games.  Leslie hasn't underachieve any more than anyone else on the team.  He just gets the blunt of the criticism because he's the most talented.

You're right.  He's clearly an all-american candidate like he was picked to be before the season.

http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/ 2012-10-01/college-basketball-preseason-all-americ ans-2012-13-james-michael-mcadoo-cody-zel/slide/6

When any player of BB steps out of bounds on the baseline while trying to post up now I call it a "Leslie". If that is not respect, I don't know what is.

Gotta agree with this.  Man, I'm going to miss watching the BEard when he's gone!!  That said, I will support Calvin as long as he wears our jersey.  I really get the impression that he's a good guy and while that has nothing to do with basketball, it helps me pull a little harder when on the court he can appear to be somewhat different.  GO PACK  finish 3-0 and see what happens.

Bryanth1a wrote: Calvn will become the man when Pack fans no longer have to say....

o  when Calvin is engaged...
o  if Calvin plays to his potential...
o  when Calvin decides to play...
o  if Calvin plays under control...
o  when Calvin wants to...
o  if Calvin this...
o  when Calvin comes to play...

Until then, Richard Howell is the man of this team. He's the most important player on the Pack's roster. He's our only dependable rebounder and he comes to battle every night despite his lack of height. Without him, we're screwed.

/end thread/

I have to say he played very hard today.

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--- sbofree wrote:

Hey Drummer, I'm not sure I agree. I think Leslie is the driver and Brown is the straw that stirs the drink....maybe Howell stirs the drink and and Brown is the driver....maybe one can be "the catalyst". But with that one you'd have to bring Wood into the mix...maybe even Purvis. I got it...Leslie is the Key, Wood is the catalyst, Brown is the driver and Howell is the leader.

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Nah with big Rich the drink is shaken not stirred

___________________________________________________________________
My heroes have always been plowboys

RedWolfRisingNOW wrote: I have to say he played very hard today.

That 4 or 5 possession or whatever it was stretch in the early 2nd half where he didn't pass the ball and shot everytime down had him engaged.

STINKHEAD wrote: I'm not so sure that we NEED Calvin doing anything. I think we're better with him on the bench.

good lord .... what a moronic opinion.

We need him to play hard each and every time out. Each and Every!

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--- STINKHEAD wrote:

I'm not so sure that we NEED Calvin doing anything. I think we're better with him on the bench.

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Complete stupidity...this post is

This is his very problem. He has yet to realize that he is NOT "the man" in this conference, or even on this team for that matter. He is an important player for this team throughout March, but clearly not yet the go-to guy that many of us expected him to be after last year. All we can hope for is that his unusual game causes matchup problems in the tournaments, but unfortunately people seem to have figured him out this time around. All that said, never has a player made me shake my head in disbelief more whether that be in a good way or a bad way

CJ had a rough first half, but played better in the second tonight.

His free throw shooting is still...well, he's gonna need to focus on it at the next level is all I will say.

Let's face it, Cj has really checked out at least half the games this season. No matter what people say, he was his same selfish, mistake prone self in the first half against BC and today I found myself saying "good play, CJ" when he gave up the ball to someone on his own team rather than taking a bad shot or turning it over.

Juardis wrote:

STINKHEAD wrote: I'm not so sure that we NEED Calvin doing anything. I think we're better with him on the bench.

good lord .... what a moronic opinion.

Agreed.