State excited to have healthy Tracy Smith back

Senior leader Tracy Smith is finally back in the lineup to help out the three freshmen that have led the way for N.C. State and the Pack is excited about the prospects.

"We're coming off a good showing," Wolfpack coach Sidney Lowe said of State's 76-54 win over San Diego. "Last game we had Tracy Smith back and obviously we're excited about that."

Smith has been out for all but three of State's games because of a knee injury but he scored 16 points against San Diego and looked in midseason form.

Smith had been concerned about coming back too early but with only one nonconference game left Wednesday against Elon, the Pack needs him for the ACC run.

"He was a little hesitant to give it a try even with little slight discomfort," Lowe said during his weekly media teleconference. "It's a matter of him going out and understanding that there will be some discomfort but that the injury is gone."

Smith told Lowe during the game that he felt great and wanted to stay in the game. As a result Smith played more minutes than Lowe originally anticipated.

So far, so good, Lowe said. "We'll see if there is any further discomfort," he said.