NC State vs App State: Halftime Thoughts

At the half State is leading the Mountaineers 43-38. Here are a few quick hits before the second 20 minutes begin:

– Dez Lee is making people forget about Rodney Purvis already. The kid has 13 points at the break and has done a little of everything. He’s scoring, distributing and really defending. He’s playing with absolutely no fear out here tonight. He’s a gigantic pick up for Gottfried who was missing that scoring 2 guard coming into the year.

– App State is knocking down some tough shots, but overall State’s defense looks good. They’re down in a stance and really communicating out there. In one half I’m already seeing that this group is a ton more bought in on the defensive end than last year’s team was at any point.

– Rebounding is tied at 14 at the half, but both teams are really scrapping. State is going to have trouble here during ACC play, but they are really hustling and Lennard Freeman and Kyle Washington and battling as best they can.

– Speaking of Lennard Freeman, he’s looked good early on. He’s got the type of body that is going to get bigger, stronger and will play well in the ACC. He’s got that Richard Howell bulldog mentality out there. (Also threw down a monster slam with some aggression. Great to see)

– Barber has been impressive. He’s out there playing within his role. He’s not trying to do too much which was a concern for me coming in. He’s played hard on D and really just let the game come to him.

– Lewis and Warren are as advertised. Warren hasn’t scored like we know he can, but it’s only because App State has gone zone for a large chunk of this game.