NC State Looking to Build on Momentum vs. GT

NC State vs. Georgia Tech
1pm | Raleigh, NC |  ESPN3/ACCN

The Wolfpack is riding high after a big win over Maryland in a game where they were without star TJ Warren. Today at 1pm they need to build on that momentum as they take on Georgia Tech.

The Yellow Jackets and the Wolfpack are very different teams that have seen very similar outcomes. Both are 2-4 in the ACC and both have decent wins and have lost a a few they maybe should have won. Let’s take a look at a few notes on today’s game:

TJ Warren expected to play
Gottfried told the media that he expected Warren to suit up. He’s practiced a bit and seems ready to go.

Look for Turner to have expanded role, Lee to come off bench?
Gottfried needs scorers and Ralston Turner is riding high on confidence after his 23 point outbreak last week. Look for him to have an expanded role against Georgia Tech. If he slots into the starting lineup, as we think he might, Dez Lee might be  your new 6th man. This also will likely hurt Tyler Lewis’ playing time since we may see Lee moved over to the 1 when Barber needs a breather. This would allow them to play Turner and Warren at the same time, giving State another offensive weapon on the floor and allowing them to bust the zones they’ve been seeing so much of.

State must stop Trea Golden
The only real guard that State has to worry about in this one is senior transfer Trea Golden. Golden (an ex-AAU teammate of ole’ Ryan Harrow) transferred from Tennessee to GT so he could be closer to a sick family member. It was huge pickup for GT because Golden is not their leading scorer. He’s a real do-it-all type of guard. He’s not lightning quick, but he’s very strong and a very good shooter inside the arc. He is the motor of this team though. He  handles the ball and sets the pace for GT. Along with scoring 14ppg, he also leads their team in assists, with 3.3 per game.

State must be physical with GT bigs
This team if filled with large guys that can score, so NC State interior defense needs to step up. Forward Marcus Georges-Hunt is the team’s second leading scorer and is a very capable wing guy. He will most likely be guarded by TJ Warren. Inside this team is strong and will pose a real challenge for guys like Washington, Anya, Freeman and Vandy. Robert Carter Jr., at 6’8, 250lbs is a beast. He’s nearly averaging a double-double at 10 and 9 and Miller and Holsey are still at GT (both seniors), they can both score it, averaging 10 and 7 respectively. Keeping them off the boards, not allowing them to get good position and being physical with them is very important for State. Allowing GT to dominate the paint would almost definitely lead to a NC State loss.

Barber needs to keep growing
We know Anthony Barber is going to be a star and is already a great scorer, but NC State’s success rides on him being able to turn into a floor general. I think you’re starting to see him understand what it takes. You saw flashes of it in the second half of the Maryland game. He’s taking better shots, choosing his spots and getting in the lane to disrupt and distribute…not just to score. That is what is going to bring this Wolfpack team to the next level, and I think Barber is slowly but surely coming around. This team isn’t very quick, so Barber’s ability to get into the lane will be huge.