Most Underrated NC State Players of the 2000s

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