The Wright Stuff

Several people boosted their stock this spring, but maybe none more so than junior floor leader Chris Wright - who became a free agent one month ago when his future head coach opted to change addresses.

Chris Wright, like the rest of the country, was shocked when he heard the news that Herb Sendek was leaving Raleigh for Arizona State.

The 6-foot, 185-pound junior point guard, who has re-opened his recruitment since the coaching change, estimates that Sendek and the former N.C. State coaching staff was about 80-85 percent of the reason why he committed to the Wolfpack.

``Things happen for a reason,” Wright said. “I wasn’t happy about it because I wanted to play for Herb Sendek, but you’ve got to move on.”

Wright has moved on with a vengeance, playing just about as well as anyone in the country throughout the spring period. In fact, he basically carried his Boo Williams teammates on his back this past weekend in Dallas in winning the Next Level Ballers tournament.

A year ago while playing with Boo Williams, he was impressive – but was a role player on a loaded team that featured guys like Vernon Macklin, Duke Crews, Eric Hayes and Stefan Welsh.

``I’m playing with more confidence,” Wright said. “Also with more aggressiveness. This year I’m in more of a leadership role. This year my team needs me to step up to the plate and I’m taking it upon myself to do that.”

``It’s not that I’m really playing any different,” he added. “It’s just a different role.”

In the process, Wright has become one of the hottest commodities among the high-major coaches.

``I’ve been happy with how I’ve played so far,” Wright said. “Our team is a little inexperienced, but we’re going to get it together.”

Wright has lost a few pounds since a year ago and it’s evident in his ability to get past defenders – both in the paint and also turning the corner. He’s also smarter and is making better decisions.

``I don’t play as reckless as I did last year,” Wright admitted. “Last year they needed me to be a spark off the bench and score.”

Wright’s recruitment is still taking shape since he’s been back on the board for a little less than a month.

He mentioned Wake Forest, Clemson, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Villanova, DePaul, Miami and Ohio State as those who have recently expressed interest. He said he hasn’t completely ruled out N.C. State, but it would be tough for him to re-commit to the Wolfpack when they finally name a new coach.

``I’m going to look at all the pros and cons, like I did last time,” Wright said. “I just might take a little more time and go a little more in-depth this time. I don’t regret choosing N.C. State last time; the only thing I make a mistake with was the timing.”