September 5, 2006
Having coached on both the collegiate and pro levels, people often ask me about the differences between the two. On the college level, you have to get involved with fundraising, public relations, dealing with alumni, NCAA rules and regulations. You almost have to be a lawyer to know the rule book!
The easiest transition is the Xs and Os. Coaches have the knowledge of the sport. It is difficult for a guy who has never coached on the college level to get acclimated. It is tough for college coaches to make the transition up to the NBA, as we have seen in recent years.
In college, coaches have a two to three hour practice. They have intensity and emotion involved because practice is so important at that level. In the pros, with so many games in a week, you have to make adjustments and not practice as often or as hard.
Sidney Lowe is getting ready to start his career as a college coach. He has a great passion and love for his alma mater, N.C. State. He displayed it by representing his university in a classy way as a player. He was the quarterback, the guy who made it happen magically in 1983 when Jimmy V's Wolfpack stunned the basketball world by beating Phi Slamma Jamma in Albuquerque.
Lowe created opportunities for his teammates as a leader on the court. He was very cerebral, had a great mindset of the game and the team concept. Lowe has had no problem adjusting to his new challenge.
He has formulated an outstanding staff with about 100 years of basketball experience. Larry Harris remains from the Herb Sendek era and he brings a wealth of knowledge and familiarity with the NC State program. This will be his 22nd season as a collegiate assistant coach.
Monte Towe was a vital part of the Wolfpack history and he gained experience as the head coach in New Orleans. Remember how Towe teamed with David Thompson to lead NC State to the national championship in 1974. He also played two seasons in the ABA under Larry Brown, a very good coach in his own right!
Peter Strickland played at DeMatha and was the head coach at Coastal Carolina for seven seasons. Quentin Jackson was a starter on NC State's 1987 ACC tournament championship squad. He'll contribute as director of basketball operations.
Lowe was smart to put together a group that can provide all sorts of basketball information. They will be familiar with the NCAA rules.
The new head coach said he is excited and thrilled to represent his university. He has a love affair with the alumni. The staff is working hard to bring in new players and recruiting has gone well.
I can tell you that Mr. Lowe is a class act. When I mentioned to him the President's Club with the Jimmy V Foundation, which entails a five-year commitment, Lowe gladly accepted a role. My friends, he cares about people.
Lowe helped N.C. State win the championship under Jimmy V. He also played for a Hall of Famer at DeMatha in Morgan Wooten. I spoke to people in the NBA and they said Lowe had a great basketball mind. His record in the pros was very misleading because of a lack of personnel.
One key to NC State in the upcoming season is the status of Andrew Brackman. Lowe feels he will be an NBA first-rounder. The coach also realizes he throws a 97-MPH fastball and a lot of major league people are interested in him as well.
After all the waiting and chasing, N.C. State athletic director Lee Fowler appears to have hit a home run. He has a guy with tremendous enthusiasm and energy. Lowe has received rave reviews as he has been accepted by the fans down in Raleigh. In time he will get players and his NBA experience will help him as he teaches future stars.
There certainly was confidence in Lowe as he received a six-year contract. N.C. State did well by getting a guy who will be a positive force. Lowe is a flat-out winner. Just look at his success as a player and understand he will do it as a college coach as well.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
