TRI-PARTISAN: CJ Bryce's Return Makes NC State More Dangerous

Each week I submit a Tri-Partisan column to WRALSportsFan.com, and here is today's feature where I tell you how C.J. Bryce's return makes NC State much more dangerous, offensively and defensively.

WRALSportsFan.com: CJ Bryce's Return Makes NC State More Dangerous

When we discuss this year's NC State team most of the talk gravitates to point guard Markell Johnson, and rightfully so, as he's one of the best point guards in the league and the driving force of the Wolfpack's offense.

Recently we've seen DJ Funderburk start to emerge into a go-to player for the Pack as well which was apparent in the win over Miami where Funderburk was too much for the Canes in the paint.

However, the big news this week is the return of senior guard CJ Bryce, because now with Bryce back in the rotation it really enhances the Pack's most obvious advantage: scoring depth.

Bryce, who missed four games with an injury, is State's leading scorer and rebounder, and his numbers weren't great against Miami. He finished with a season-low six points and also played a season-low 21 minutes, but he brings much more to the table than just his raw production.

First of all, Bryce is a high-level one-on-one scorer. When you're going through a scoring drought as a team, nothing is more valuable than having a player you can give the ball to and say, "Go get us a basket." For NC State this season, that guy has been CJ Bryce. He hit two big mid-range jumpers off the dribble when the Canes were trying to draw close in the second half, and that's what he can be for State offensively: a drought-stopper for the offense and a run-ender for the opposition.

Also, he gives NC State another quality playmaker. There has been a lot of pressure on Markell Johnson to create for himself and others with Bryce out, and frankly, it appeared to have been taking a toll on the senior point guard. Bryce can function as the team's second point guard or playmaker, which again, he did versus Miami. Who led NC State in assists Wednesday night? Most nights the answer will be Johnson, but this time it was Bryce, who totaled five second-half assists including a couple of high-quality reads in high-ball screen situations. Click the link to read the rest of the story: LINK