USF, Chris Perry Could Be Pack’s First Test

NC State vs. USF
4pm | PNC Arena | ESPNU

The USF Bulls come to Raleigh Sunday, as both teams will put their undefeated records on the line. USF is coming off of an overtime victory against UAB and NC State handily beat Jacksonville in a physical contest that had a couple of flagrant fouls called on the Dolphins.

Sunday will be NC State’s first test of the season, especially our post defense, as the Bull’s have prized big man Chris Perry. Perry was an ESPN Top 100 recruit and played an important role as a freshman in route to averaging close to 9 points and 5 rebounds per contest. He was also named to the American Athletic Conference All-Rookie team a year ago.

Standing at 6-8 242 pounds Perry has the physical strength and skills to give State problems. Perry has started the season off on a good note currently averaging 19 points and 8 rebounds a game, while shooting 58 percent from the field. If State wants to beat the Bulls they will have to limit Perry. I am sure Perry will see a variety of looks out of the Pack.

Undoubtedly BeeJay will be matched up with Perry throughout the game. This will be a great matchup within the game to keep an eye on. It will be important for Beejay to play great ground defense, and not be bated into fouls. Perry has shown an adequate touch from the charity stripe this season, connecting on 76 % of his attempts. Anya must move his feet and keep Perry in-front of him and not be to eager to block his shot. Last game BeeJay set the single game record for blocks; however, the Bull’s will use the pump fake to play into BeeJay’s pension to block shots.

A tactic that we will likely see in this game is for State to occasionally send a double team to keep Perry uncomfortable. As good as Perry has been, he hasn’t shown the ability to pass effectively out of the double team and has registered 0 assists on the season. The guards can make life difficult for Perry as well by pressuring the ball and not allowing clean entry passes.

This is an exciting matchup for State. It will be a great barometer at just how good our post defense can be. Early on this season they have yet to be tested by a low post scorer; however, it’s likely the guys are equally excited to face a team that has a post attack. Gottfried and his staff should be anxious to see how his group responds defensively against an inside attack, especially since the ACC has some talented big men right now. We don’t have to look far as both Duke and UNC have had great success inside the paint early this season.

Overall USF is coming in with a 3-0 record on the season and coming off an emotional 2pt overtime win over UAB. There’s no questions that the Bulls are going to be ready. Will the Pack?

Tip-Off is slated for 4PM at the PNC and can be seen on ESPNU