Raleigh, SC (My Sportsbook) - North Carolina State pitcher and basketball forward Andrew Brackman announced on Tuesday that he intends to play baseball only during the 2006-07 school year. The 6-foot-9 Brackman cited a stress fracture in his left hip that he suffered at some point during the 2005-06 basketball season as his reason for making the decision. "Because of the hip injury and because this is such an important year for me in baseball, I've decided that it's in my best interests to play baseball only this year and to concentrate on getting ready for the draft in June," said Brackman. The injury hindered Brackman's baseball season as the right-hander went 1-3 with a 6.35 earned run average before Wolfpack coaches shut him down for the season. In 2005, Brackman established himself as a possible top draft pick, going 4-1 with a 2.09 ERA. "My primary focus will be on playing baseball, but I still consider myself part of the basketball program," said Brackman. New Wolfpack basketball coach Sidney Lowe has left the door open for Brackman to return to the team. "He is one of our big guys inside and a pretty good basketball player," said Lowe. "I am not going to say that the door is closed on this. If he decides to change his mind or whatever, he has the opportunity to come in and play if he wants to." Brackman averaged 7.6 points and 3.5 rebounds during the 2005-06 campaign. |
