ECU BsB Coach’s Saltiness Reemerges as NC State plans On Swiping Star Transfer From Pirates Roster

During this college baseball postseason, there has been a significant focus on the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules and the transfer portal on the current landscape of the sport.

NC State’s head coach, Elliott Avent, recently shared his perspectives on this matter, shedding light on how his baseball program manages player transfers during the offseason.

Avent, whose Wolfpack team successfully progressed to the Super Regionals recently, was questioned about recruiting star infielder Alek Makarewicz last year. Makarewicz, who previously played for in-state rival East Carolina, had a solid record with the Pirates, maintaining a .272 batting average over more than 200 games. In his final two seasons at East Carolina, he hit double-digit home runs and had over 45 RBIs each year.

Following his graduation, Makarewicz chose to transfer for his final season. Avent had initial reservations when meeting with Makarewicz, as he was concerned about potentially interfering in a relationship with a fellow coach.

“I said Cliff – Godwin – if I like the guy, I’m gonna have to take him if he’s leaving. I hope you’ll understand & he said, ‘I do, and you’re gonna like him, he’s a great kid.’”

NC State’s Elliott Avent on Alek Makarewicz in the Transfer Portal#CollegeBaseball #Pack9 #PIRATES pic.twitter.com/cgUXYWpcho

— Noah Bieniek (@NoahB77_) June 4, 2024

“The transfer portal has become a permanent fixture that we must all adapt to, and it poses challenges, especially when it involves programs with close relationships… Cliff Godwin, the baseball coach at ECU, and I share a strong friendship.

“The day before my scheduled meeting with Alek, I reached out to Cliff and expressed my reluctance about recruiting him. I made it clear that I was not comfortable with the idea of taking a player from East Carolina… It’s not something I typically engage in.

“However, Alek had made the decision to leave as a graduate student… I explained to Cliff that if I found Alek to be a good fit for our team, I would have to proceed with the recruitment since he was leaving. I hoped for his understanding, and Cliff responded, ‘I do, and you will appreciate him. He is a remarkable young man.'”

 

ECU baseball coach’s feelings of bitterness resurface regarding a star player who left for NC State

Elliott Avent’s account indicates that there were no lingering hard feelings following the player’s decision to transfer. Makarewicz had completed four successful seasons with the Pirates, graduated, and aimed to conclude his collegiate career in the ACC.

On the other hand, Cliff Godwin’s initial reaction to the departure appeared more resentful. His remarks were shared on the day Alek Makarewicz revealed his decision to join NC State’s baseball team.

It appeared that Godwin had no means to retain his star player, yet he chose to make a disparaging remark rather than acknowledge Makarewicz’s contributions to ECU.

Such situations are increasingly common at mid-major programs following the emergence of the transfer portal and NIL regulations. Developing talented players often leads to transfers to larger programs, resembling a farm system for Power 5 schools.

Gary Gilmore, the head coach of Coastal Carolina, also addressed this issue, criticizing the NCAA during his final postgame press conference as a coach.

“There’s not a level playing field… It’s ridiculous. As much as I’m going to miss the kids, and I’ll miss the heck out of them, [I won’t miss] dealing with that mess.”

– Gary Gilmore, CCU Baseball