Basketball: Painter picks N.C. State

DeShawn Painter liked Maryland. He played in a pickup game with NBA star Kevin Durant and was impressed with Comcast Center , the Terrapins’ home court.

He liked N.C. State more, though. S o on Wednesday night, the former Booker T. Washington star made it official and announced he’ll be playing for the Wolfpack.

“It’s just a great fit all the way around,” Painter said from Hargrave Military Academy, where he’s finishing his senior year.

The 6-foot-9, 200-pound Painter clicked with N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe and decided the former NBA player and coach is the best man to help develop his game. He praised the Wolfpack’s academic support staff and the 19,700-seat RBC Center. He noted the lack of returning big men at N.C. State and believes he’ll be able to play right away.

“They need a 'big,’ and I fit right into their system,” he said.

Painter ended a whirlwind recruiting process that he reopened last month, when he was released from the letter of intent he signed with Florida in November. Painter, rated the No. 64 player in ESPNU’s Class of 2009 top 100, wanted to play closer to home, he said.

Painter visited Virginia Tech last month and N.C. State two weekends ago. He made his final visit to Maryland last weekend and was eager to make a decision.

“Now I can focus on my career and getting better,” he said.

Painter, who graduates from Hargrave on Sunday, said he is on track to qualify academically, needing a “B” in one class to meet NCAA requirements.

Ed Miller, (757) 446-2372, ed.miller@pilotonline.com