McDonald's All-American Game 2012: 3 Recruits Put NC State's Revival on Display

The North Carolina State Wolfpack has experienced some rough times in recent years, but it appears those days are over.

This year’s team shocked everybody by making the Sweet Sixteen as a No. 11 seed, beating No. 6 San Diego St. and No. 3 Georgetown. Sophomore CJ Leslie has NBA potential and has been one of the standout players of the tournament.

Now fans get a chance to watch the future of the program next Wednesday on ESPN. Somehow, NC State has three of the top 24 players that have been selected to the 2012 McDonald’s All-American Game.

Here’s a breakdown of the future of the program. (2012 class rank in parenthesis)

(No. 18) Rodney Purvis, SG (Raleigh, NC)

The 6’4’’, 190-pound slasher is very strong with the ball in the paint and is a big-time finisher. His passing ability is strong, and he can hit the 15-foot jumper with ease.

The knock on him is his lack of range for a guard, and that tends to make defenders sag off him considerably.

Regardless of his shooting woes, expect at least one highlight-worthy dunk in the All-Star game.

(No. 29) TJ Warren, SF (Durham, NC)

Warren is a versatile wing player that is terrific at creating off the dribble from the wing. He is a catch-and-shoot-type player that is great moving off screens and is terrific at drawing the contact on a foul.

While defense is going to be a problem his freshman year, with his father playing for the Wolfpack (’74-’76), he is going to bring a strong knowledge of the game to the table right off the bat.

Warren has all the makings of playing the “glue guy” role for NC State.

(No. 44) Tyler Lewis, PG (Statesville, NC)

This guy is fast.

The 5’11’’, 185-pound playmaker played his high-school ball at Oak Hill Academy, so he is as ready as anybody for college ball.

Lewis is fearless when attacking the rim and has the uncanny ability to deliver the ball to his teammates on time and on target. Lewis is a true point guard that is a dangerous scorer.

The only knock on him is the lack of strength, but you could say that about plenty of players entering the collegiate ranks.

He is going to be one of the most exciting players to watch on Wednesday with the ball in his hands. 

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