While some college students spent the summer vacationing, working or simply having fun, sophomore forward Scott Wood spent his time eating a lot and trying to bulk up for the Wolfpack. Unfortunately, following preseason workouts, Wood lost almost all of the weight he gained over the summer, so he had to settle for having one of the best perimeter games in the ACC this season.

Wood had one of the best freshman campaigns ever for a State player last year after starting in all 36 games and connecting on 63 three-pointers on the season, the second-highest ever for a freshman.

Following his first regular season, Wood became known as one of the best shooters for the Pack. He won ACC Rookie of the Week, was named to the ACC’s All-Tournament team and shot six three-pointers in the tournament, which is a record for State in the tournament.

Though he had a successful season last year from behind the arc, Wood feels that this year he has grown more confident shooting three-pointers.

“I have a lot more confidence when I’m shooting this year,” Wood said. “This year I feel like the coaches are letting me come out and have the free will to shoot whenever.”

Wood has also taken on another role this season, as he has become a leader on the team. With so many freshman joining the Pack this year, Wood is at times one of the most experienced players on the court.

He says that with the addition of new players, he feels like he can offer more to the team this year with his veteran leadership.

“I feel like this season I can offer more than just playing with the team,” Wood said. “The fact that I can help others, especially our underclassmen that need some help, is something I think adds to the team.”

The progression Wood has made this year has helped State in more ways than one. While he has been known as a player who can shoot the ball well, this year he has added an extra attribute to his game, defense.

Most fans of the Pack would expect Wood to lead the team in three-point percentage, which he does with .437, but he is also a statistical leader in steals and blocked shots this year, ranking 3rd and 4th, respectively.

Junior guard C.J. Williams, Wood’s roommate this year, said Wood’s improved defense has helped the Pack this year.

“Scott [Wood] has done really well this year,” Williams said. “He’s working a lot harder without the ball, especially defensively. His shooting is as good as anyone we have on the court.”

When he is not on the court for State, Wood is also an avid football fan.  More specifically, he is a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will be competing for their 7th Super Bowl win this coming Sunday.

“I’ve been carrying my ‘terrible towel ‘ everywhere,” Wood said. “I’m so excited about the Super Bowl. I’ve been waving it all over State campus.”

While he has been perfecting his game thus far, coach Sidney Lowe still believes that Wood has work to do to reach his full potential.

“The other team has their scouting report, and they’re going to make it tough for you,” Lowe said. “I told Scott earlier this year that he is going to have to move more without the ball. We run sets for him and set screens for him, but when we’re not running sets, he has to move without the ball and try to get open.”

Wood knows he still has more to work on, but he says he continues to work hard to become a leader for the Pack in every single game.

“I may not be the quickest or the most athletic, but I spend a lot of time at the gym and I work hard,” Wood said. “I give my dedication to the game because I love this game. When you do that, I feel like anyone can play.”