Creating NC State’s all-underrated men’s basketball team since the year 2000. The hosts discuss which players made the biggest impact with the least recognition — covering stats, roles, draft positions, and key moments that are often overlooked in program history.
Featured Players:
Lorenzo Brown (PG) – True floor general overshadowed by big-name teammates. Two-time All-ACC, pro career overseas, pivotal to State’s best teams of the 2010s.
Anthony Grundy (SG) – Undersized recruit who became First-Team All-ACC and NBA player. Clutch two-way guard whose memory has faded in the modern era. Passed away in 2019.
Courtney Fells (SF) – 6’6” sharpshooter with elite defense, never All-ACC. Modern wing skillset born too early. Long pro career overseas.
Marcus Melvin (PF) – Lefty stretch-four with range, handles, and feel. Part of Sendek’s NCAA run teams. Second-Team All-ACC, overshadowed by Julius Hodge.
JJ Hickson (C) – Averaged 15 PPG & 8 RPG as a freshman. First-round NBA draft pick. Somehow didn’t make an All-ACC team — a baffling omission.
Also Mentioned (Honorable Mentions):
Tracy Smith – Second-Team All-ACC, great low post footwork
Josh Powell – Undrafted but became a 2x NBA champion
Cedric Simmons – Defensive anchor, quiet demeanor, top-20 NBA pick
Trevor Lacey – Star one-year wonder
Cam Bennerman, Scooter Sherrill, Clifford Crawford, Javi Gonzalez – Role guys who had major moments
Themes Covered:
What makes a player “underrated” at NC State?
The impact of NBA timing and leaving early
How NIL and revenue sharing could’ve changed everything
Nostalgia and frustration: teams that should have done more
Shoutouts to fan-favorite plays and emotional memories from radio calls and Duke games
