The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/896287
92 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2017-18 acher, current senior center Akela Maize and guard Chloe Jackson, who transferred after her freshman year]. "I was at a dinner at Angus Barn with them and my parents and some of the players, and Miah Spencer basically made me decide to come here. Chloe and Akela had already committed, but I hadn't. Miah asked me if I thought I wanted to come, and I said yes — and she takes this hammer, taps a bell and tells everyone 'Chelsea has an announce- ment.' So I said, 'I think I want to come here' — and she says, 'You think?' I look at my parents and say, 'Uh, I want to come here?' I was so uncomfortable …" Though she was more of a ball-handling guard in high school and was recruited mainly as a four-position player, Nelson found her niche in the post last season — but could be taking on a more versatile role this year. "We've talked about playing her and Akela together [which would move Nelson out to the four spot]," Moore said. "Chelsea's worked on her range and extending her shot, so we have that option — but we have to be able to keep both of them in the game [and out of foul trouble]." That — and taking a more vocal role — are two major goals for Nelson as she begins her final season. "I wasn't vocal at all my first two years, but I know I have to be this season, especially with all the young players we have," she said. "They're still trying to figure things out and not talking at all, so it's important for me to let them know what they're supposed to be doing and where to go if they don't know. "Better communication is one of our main goals as a team this year." The one-time aspiring model and Okla- homa City Thunder fan is on track to gradu- ate with a communications degree next May, and if a career in hoops doesn't work out she hopes to eventually become an anchor for ESPN. For now, NC State's newest team leader is just working to become "an overall player — one who can lead their team in every area." ■ "I have high expectations for Chelsea this year. She's gotten better every year, and she plays hard — I love how hard she plays. If everyone played as hard as she does, I'd sleep a lot easier." ■ Head coach Wes Moore Nelson compiled nine double-doubles a year ago and was also the Wolfpack's most accurate shooter with a minimum of 50 attempts, converting 56.7 percent of her 240 tries from the field. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN