June 23, 2006

It is, perhaps, another clear sign that Cedric Simmons has really caught the NBA's eye. Simmons, a 6-9 forward who made himself available for the NBA Draft following his sophomore season at NC State, has been invited to next Wednesday's annual selection process in New York. It's a general practice for the league to invite those players it believes will go in the first half of the first round.

In becoming one of the ACC's most improved players between his freshman and sophomore years, Simmons helped the Wolfpack qualify for its fifth straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament by averaging 11.8 points and 6.3 rebounds last season. He also led the Pack in blocked shots with 80.

The Supply, North Carolina native decided last month to make himself available for this year's draft.

"He really does like NC State, but he had to make a decision based on his situation," said new NC State head coach Sidney Lowe. "Right now, he's doing pretty well. I've talked to a couple of people in the NBA, and he's actually moving up the ladder to where people are now talking about a possible lottery pick. He's doing well for himself."

If Simmons does indeed go in the lottery or is chosen in the first round, it will mark the second straight year in which a Wolfpack player has been taken in the opening round of the draft. Twelve months ago, Julius Hodge was the 20th pick in the draft, taken by Denver.