The run the NC State Men’s Basketball team went on in March had the whole country watching, but what was it like to watch through the eyes of an incoming Freshman who will be joining the team next year? 4-Star 2024 Shooting Guard Paul McNeil shared his thoughts with me on the Wolfpack’s unforgettable run.
What was it like for you to watch NC State as the #10 seed in the ACC Tournament win 5 games in 5 days to win the Title?
What we did this year shows seeding doesn’t matter. What our guys did was just another level, and when you get between those lines, it’s a different type of static. I believe it took a lot of discipline and focus to win five games in five days. I also feel like the fan base played a huge part to the team by bringing extra energy and not making them feel alone.
What do you think happened to turn this team around?
You have to give God all the glory because without Him guiding us, we wouldn’t have made it how we made it. Also, it’s about the jersey you put on and the pride of it all. It’s like there’s no way we go out this way and they clicked at the right time. The team was just rolling and I also think the mentality of all the players changed.
As a player signed with NC State, how proud were you to see NC State go on this run, from the ACC Championship, to the Final Four?
I’m very proud of the guys. They deserved to win it all, but it just didn’t happen that way. I’ve been saying they were the best team in the ACC and I always knew we had the right pieces to be the best.
What does it mean for you to see Coach Keatts get the recognition he’s getting?
Oh man, he deserves it, especially coming from where he comes from and all the things he dealt with. With all the media attention, he still stayed focused and locked in towards the team. Coach Keatts is very blessed and very humble.
How do you think this run will help the future of NC State basketball?
It will put more eyes on us and teams know now to not overlook us and underestimate us ever again. It was never a Cinderella story — it was never ‘oh they just got lucky.’ This run will definitely help us a lot and I’m forever grateful for what the boys did.
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McNeil (6’7″/185) led Richmond to the semifinals of the NCHSAA 4A State Playoffs this season, before losing to #1 Hanover 55-53.
As a Senior at Richmond (Rockingham, NC), McNeil averaged 31.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.6 assists per game.
ON3 ranks McNeil as the #49 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class, the #15 Small Forward, and the #6 player on the state of NC.
McNeil is a part of a 2-man 2024 Freshman Class that includes 4-Star Guard Trey Parker.
Yow had a real chance at shaping the future of Wolfpack basketball and she hired a car salesman.
I’m glad you didn’t say used car salesman, because that would imply that players stay around. Look how many have left and more will after this year. It’s musical chairs at NCSU. Problem is it’s not the head coach that is leaving. How much is his by out?
BTW, guess who is the highest paid State of NC employee? Our awesome coach.
On a good note for today NC State Women’s basketball doing their thing! Dang I said i wasnt going to post but I had to give a shout out to them!!!! Keep up the good work and coaching!!! WFU up next on Sunday 2pm lets take care of business on that day also!! Great Job!!!
Ok PackInsider Staff, turn this bunch of shit into a positive. Times up. Bring on wrestling and girls basketball and baseball.
51 points… didnt want to put any explicit words up here…
WTF why is Hicks in the game instead of Kapita!!!! I think coach Gott is senile…. Real talk! not trying to be funny but it dont add up… Any good players we have will most likely transfer its been a trend.
My bad I said I wasnt going to post anymore today…………………………………….
Check out what Kyle Washington is doing at Cincinnati.
For that short stint he was in Ted Kapita gave us the most energy and effectiveness down low. Why is he not in the game? You know what Im done posting is making me more depressed….
I’m at a point where performances like this aren’t surprising and I’m not even getting upset anymore. Wolfpack Nation has to decide if they want to compete for ACC and National titles. If they do Gott is not the guy. People keep comparing Gott to Lowe and Sendek. Those guys are not where you set the bar because a bar shouldn’t be set that low.
Why is Abu in the game? He can’t play defense, he can’t catch a pass, he can’t hold on to the ball. And he’s walking back on defense and losing his man time and time again?
No discipline on offense, defense, transition defense. Can’t pass, don’t know the difference between a good shot and a bad one. Just a horribly coached squad out there.
SMH. We look like a HS team out there. I’m trying and have tried to hang in there with coach Gott but he is just not qualified for NCAA. Sorry…. Even if we come back which I doubt he needs to go..
I’ve been saying it for years now. He is a shit coach. That half was an embarrassment.
No comment. Packinsider Staff wants only positive comments. Damn bunch of snowflakes.
I didnt see any positive in the first half of this game. So cant post whats not happening. NCSU needs to put up money or somehow entice a quality and qualified coach to come to NCSU. I feel bad for the kids on this team. SMH