More Minutes for Wolfpack’s Big Ben McCauley!

Benny Mac needs more PT. Please unleash him Mr. Lowe

At The Legend, we support the hustlers and the scrappers, the guys whose emotion on the court fires up the home crowd. These guys bring us joy as fans. Let me introduce you to NC State junior Mr. Ben McCauley with a sick YouTube clip from NC State’s last-second 67-65 win over Wake Forest on Sunday.

As the first commenter points out, McCauley inbounded the ball with about five seconds left on the clock, then sprinted down the court following the play. That’s a 6′-10,” 238 lb. dude trucking down the court.

Big Ben is what we consider an old school player, and we like that. He mixes it up in there. He is a 100% effort guy with talent. The Wolfpack crowd loves him because he’s a battler. He can rebound and he’s a great passer for a big man. As a sophomore, he averaged 34.5 minutes a game on a squad that only went 6 or 7 deep in their rotation. He averaged 14 points, 7 boards and 3 assists per game. Not bad numbers for an overworked sophomore. He helped lead last year’s undermanned Wolfpack squad get to the ACC tournament final against UNC. This year his numbers are down and NC State is .500 in the ACC, sitting with a mediocre 15-7 overall record. Ben is only playing 22.4 minutes per game.

With the additions of a baddass like J.J. Hickson, and others to add some depth to last year’s 6-Pack, we understand a slight drop in minutes. But from 34.5 minutes a game to 22.4 minutes a game? Come on Coach, let Big Ben play. Screw the NIT, let’s go to the Big Dance this year. Give the Wolfpack fans what they want.