Louisville Transfer Guard Mike James (6’5″/200) is a priority for NC State, according to a source.
News broke about James entering the Transfer Portal back on March 25th, and NC State was quick to reach out. Kevin Keatts and his staff recruited the former 4-star prospect out of high school heavily, but he ultimately chose the Cardinals.
After redshirting his first year in Louisville due to torn achilles, James has been a starter for the Cardinals the past two years.
This past year, James averaged 12.6 points per game (3rd on the team) and 5 rebounds. He’s extremely physical and aggressive, taking 47% of his field goal attempts at the rim (making 46%). As a result, he draws a lot of fouls, ranking 10th in the ACC in Fouls Drawn, and 4th in Free Throw Rate. James made opponents pay this year when they put him on the line, making 81.8% from the charity stripe, which ranked 15th in the ACC.
James shot the ball better as a Redshirt Freshman, than he did this past season. His Effective Field Goal Percentage in 2022-23 was 55.8%, which ranked 19th in the ACC, and his True Shooting Percentage of 59.6% ranked 14th.
He does have the ability to knock down a three, making 34.8% for his career.
NC State already hosted Indiana State Transfer Guard Ryan Conwell last week, and while the Wolfpack coaches like both players, from what I’m hearing, James would be their preference.
NC State hasn’t had James in for a visit, but that could happen soon.
James has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
NC State Basketball
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Dennis has an uncanny knack for stealing transition passes. Don’t recall anyone with that particular skill. Has unnaturally quick ups.
He plays Defense like a Corner back. He goes very vertical very quickly.
Man I hope the ACC refs don’t call it as tight as the refs tonight. I mean they blew the whistle for every ticky tack little foul.
It’s going to be fun to see who scores more from 3 this season: Terry or Mav?
Torin and Hicks really impressing me right now. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… Torin could be the leading scorer this season. I think it’ll be either him or Dennis. I would rather it be Torin and Dennis averaging 10 APG.
Wolfpack starting off much better than last game. A few unforced turnovers but overall good passing. Dennis and Yurt7 picked up early fouls so that is something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.