Game Day: Preseason Opener vs Queens

State basketball is finally back today as they open up the preseason against Queens, tipping 45 minutes after the football game ends.

According to GoPack.com “When NC State called the coaching staff at Queens to set up a closed scrimmage, that set into motion a chance for the Division II Royals to come and play the Wolfpack. NC State’s staff inquired about playing a Nov. 1 closed scrimmage at Queens, and the Queens coaching staff asked for a chance to play NC State in an exhibition. The Wolfpack happened to need an opponent for its season-opening exhibition and the connection was made.”

Here are some things to watch for in today’s game:

1) What will the rotation look like?
I think we all expect to see a Barber, Lacey, Turner, Washington and Anya start this one, but with a team this deep it will be interesting to see how Gottfried handles things. There is a bit of a log jam at the 3/4 positions with Turner, Washington, Lenard Freeman, Abu and the Martin twins. That’s 6 people for 2 positions. I’m guessing Freeman will shift to the 5 when Anya needs a blow and Abu will sub for Washington, but how with the Martin twins shake out? Caleb and Cody both bring different things to the table and while we thought Caleb would get the most run this season, we’re starting to rethink things as Cody has come on very strong in early workouts.

2) Who’s the scorers?
Cat Barber wants to be, but Trevor Lacey will have to be. Lacey was very tentative and was more of a distributor in the red/white game, however they need him to score it if this team wants to be competative. Of course you’re going to get 10-12 from Ralston Turner and we’ll all be hoping to see more of a coming out part from Kyle Washington who could be this teams X-factor.

3) More of a defensive identity?
Without Warren this team is going to have to find ways to put up points, and there’s been a ton of talk about that, but I think if this team really wants to shock this conference they’ll have to take a little more pride in getting stops than they have in the past. This is a long, quick and deep team that has the pieces in place to be an elite defensive unit. It’s going to start up top with Barber harassing opposing guards and end down low with Anya altering shots, but can Lacey or Lee become a stopper? Cody Martin has the tools and work ethic to be that and could carve himself out a role.

I guess we’ll start finding some of this stuff out tonight, 45 minutes after the football game.