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NC State is about to embark on an 18 game journey through the ACC. Each game counts as one; however, we all know that some games are worth more than just a notch in the win column. Saturday will mark the opening of ACC play for NC State. What does the ACC schedule bring? It brings the toughest games and demands energy and discipline. There are no so-called easy wins in the ACC. An off night will almost guarantee a loss, but the beauty of the Atlantic Coast Conference is each night is an opportunity. The ACC is the best conference in America and the best place to prepare for the NCAA Tournament.

On December 29th, 10 ACC teams are ranked in the top 50 in RPI. The RPI is used to measure a team’s strength of schedule and their wins and losses. NC State currently sports an RPI of 38 and will face the other nine ACC teams inside the top 50. Thus far NC State has not faced the type of competition they are about to experience; however, they have improved. Mark Gottfried has lots of talent and depth that will allow them to compete in each game.

Dennis Smith Jr is as talented as they come and should find an extra gear as the competition increases. In addition to Smith, NC State has talented players on the perimeter who compliment Smith’s skill set. Torin Dorn has been rock solid doing all of the little things necessary to win games. Dorn’s efficiency from the field and willingness to rebound has helped NC State. Terry Henderson is thriving at guarding opposing teams best wing player, and knocking down shots. Henderson is averaging 16.4 PPG while shooting 47% from the field.

Mark Gottfried also has a full compliment of post players that offer diverse skill sets. Malik Abu is rounding into form by attacking the rim and not settling for jump shots. Abu is being physical and using his natural abilities to gobble up rebounds. In addition to Abu, NC State has prized freshman Omer Yurtseven at its’ disposal. Omer has the skill set, basketball IQ, and size that coaches dream about in a center. Beejay Anya and Ted Kapita have also been vital to NC State’s success giving the Pack toughness and more bodies to rotate in and out.

Maverick Rowan’s role from last season makes him an important piece off the bench. With Rowan anchoring the second unit and providing versatility NC State will be able to keep players fresh. Markell Johnson gives NC State a serviceable backup point guard who can run the team and pressure opposing teams on defense. The play of the bench for the Wolfpack will be critical to their success.

NC State has potential and positive attributes that make them a dangerous team in the ACC. Their depth and overall unselfish play make this a fun team to watch, but their youth will rear its ugly head in spurts. If the Pack can stay together trusting the process they should finish in the top half of the ACC or better.

What do you see in store for this team in ACC play? Will they find success? Will they be able to challenge Duke, UNC, Louisville,Notre Dame, and FSU? It all starts this Saturday as State plays Miami.

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Wormncsu
Wormncsu
7 years ago

This team will be lucky to win 6 conference games playing this way.

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
7 years ago

Come on Lou, Tony. Write something that will spin this mess because I just open a whole can of Kool-Aid. Guess I will just fill it with vodka or gin and enjoy watching other teams beat the Pukes and Cheaters.

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
7 years ago

Looks like in the toilet. Coach has to make up his mind on the lineup before the season is over.

0

NC State Basketball

Louisville Transfer Guard Mike James is Currently Visiting NC State

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5 hours ago

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April 19, 2024

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Louisville Transfer Guard Mike James (6’5″/200) is on a visit to NC State currently, according to a source.

Indiana State Transfer Ryan Conwell was on campus last week, but he just committed to Xavier.

From what I hear, the staff preferred James over Connell anyway. A plus with James is he has 2 years of eligibility, whereas Conwell has 1.

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.

Rivals ranked James as the #71 overall player in the 2021 recruiting class, and ESPN ranked him as the #7 prospect in the state of Florida.

After redshirting his first year in Louisville due to torn achilles, James has been a starter for the Cardinals the past two years. This year, he averaged 12.6 points and 5 rebounds.

For a more extensive look at James’ game, click here.

Rivals ranks James as the #77 overall player in the Transfer Portal.

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NC State Basketball

Louisville Transfer Guard Mike James is a Priority for NC State

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9 hours ago

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April 19, 2024

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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.

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NC State Basketball

NC State’s Casey Morsell is the 4th Player in NCAA History to Start 41 Games in a Season

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15 hours ago

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April 19, 2024

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NC State Guard Casey Morsell started 41 games for the Wolfpack this season, becoming the 4th player in NCAA history to do so.

 

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A post shared by NC State Basketball (@packmensbball)

Prior to this season, the record for most games started in a single season in NC State history was 37, with three Wolfpack players doing so: Lorenzo Brown, Richard Howell, CJ Williams.

Morsell now sits atop the list, and a fellow teammate, DJ Burns ranks second, with 40 games started this season.

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NC State Basketball

Georgetown Transfer Dontrez Styles Commits to NC State!

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1 day ago

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April 18, 2024

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Georgetown Forward Transfer Dontrez Styles (6’6″/212) has committed to NC State!

Styles was the 2nd leading scorer for Georgetown this season, averaging 12.8 points per game, while grabbing 5.8 boards. He shot 36.8% from three.

Originally, Sytles was a consensus 4-Star prospect in UNC’s 2021 recruiting class. 247Sports ranked him as the #62 overall player nationally, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina, playing for Kinston High School.

After two seasons with the Tar Heels, Styles entered the Portal, and took an Official Visit to NC State and Georgetown, and ultimately chose the Hoyas.

ON3 ranks Styles as the #104 overall player in the Portal.

With his final year of eligibility, Styles’ made the right choice this time.

NC State now has 2 scholarships remaining after Styles’ commitment.

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