JJ Hickson Back on Track



JJ Hickson/Photo: Bruce Ely/ Oregonian



Former NC State star JJ Hickson is trying to continue a career resurgence with the Portland Trailblazers. So far through 2012-13 NBA season the Trailblazer’s forward-center JJ Hickson for the Portland Trailblazers is averaging 12.2ppg, 11.0rpg, 0.8bpg, and 1.0apg through 38 games as a starter. Hickson career seemed to be off the rails after being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Sacramento Kings in 2011 and then the NBA lockout happened. During the lockout Hickson decided to play basketball in the Israeli basketball leaguefor Bnei HaSharon, but he ended up playing only one game for the team before returning to the United States. After the lockout was over he returned to the Kings and averaged 4.7ppg and 5.1rpg before being waived by Sacramento. After being waived Hickson was picked up by the Portland Trailblazers finishing the 2011season strong averaging 15.1ppg and 8.3rpg starting 10 of 19 games played. Before the beginning of the current season Hickson and the Trailblazers reached an agreement on a one year deal and so far he seems to be making the most of this opportunity.

Former Wolfpack Players Help Kickoff College All-Star Season

Safety Earl Wolff

Today, January 19, 2013, four North Carolina State football players start their journey towards an NFL career by participating in two college all-star games. In the East-West Shrine Game on the East squad will be 6’2” 205 pounds safety (30) Brandon Bishop and 6’ 207 pounds safety (27) Earl Wolff. The East squad will be coached by former Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons head coach Jerry Glanville, and the West team will be coached by former Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Leeman Bennett. The game will take place at 4pm in St. Petersburg, FL at Tropicana Field and can be seen on the NFL Network.

DE Brian Slay/GoPack.com

After watching that game you can enjoy the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at 6pm taking place in Los Angeles, CA at the Home Depot Center and can be seen on ESPN2. During the game look out for 6’1” 260 pounds defensive end (97) Brian Slay on the  American Team coached by former Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets head coach Herm Edwards. On the other side 6’6” 312 pounds Offensive Guard (60) R.J. Mattes will line up for the National Team coached by former Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, and Kansas City Chief head coach Dick Vermeil.