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NC State Basketball

NC State Push Past Hokies 69-53

Published

9 years ago

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Ralston Turner found his shot from distance as he led the team with 18 points while shooting 4-8 from three point land. NC State finally had a relatively stress free game at PNC Arena, which has seen some real nail bitters this season. The keys to this game was always on the Pack’s shoulders as they were by far the more talented and established team. We had to be focused both defensively and offensively in order to come away with the victory. Although the team played well there were a handful of moments that the team looked dead on defense. To close out the first half State allowed Justin Bibbs to get clean looks, which he did not waste. Fortunately for the Pack Bibbs 19 points were not enough for the Hokies as he didn’t have much help on the night.

I was impressed with NC State’s help side defense. VT does not have any threat on the block; however, they are quick and use a 5 out offense that generates lots of cuts and movement. On a number of occasions I was pleased to hear our guys communicating with one another to help navigate through all of the screens and backdoor cuts. Trevor Lacey was excellent on defense in my opinion as he took away passing lanes that helped prevent a couple of sure layups with his ball pressure. BeeJay Anya officially registered 3 blocks on the night, but he altered many more shots. He was also much improved in pick and role defense. He hedged the ball well and didn’t give any clean looks to the guard looking to shoot the three pointer. This is a sign of improvement and shows that BeeJay is working hard to become more than just a shot blocker.

Offensively our guys moved the ball well and were able to use our size to overmatch the Hokies. Not only did our length help down low, but our guards were able to get clean looks on the perimeter. Ralston looked great tonight. His movements were much more fluid than previous games. I also noticed that he was not wearing a heavy wrap on his knee, the light schedule has been beneficial for Turner. One of the surprises on the night was the fact that Kyle Washington didn’t play a single minute. This is his first DNP on the season. I am not sure we should read too much into this decision by Gottfried, but I think it speaks volumes about the depth that we have in the front court. Anya, Freeman, and Abu played well and consistently play within themselves. Kyle sometimes has a tendency to play outside of the team given his aggressive nature on the offensive end. As he learns to play within his strengths I am confident that he will gain some of his minutes back. Most importantly for this team is to play to our strengths and not do too much. The beauty of our team is that we have a number of guys that compliment each other and when we play together we are capable of beating any team in the country. We must stick to the script!

This was a good win but lets be honest Virginia Tech is not very good. State must put this win behind them and get ready for a step up in class as they take the short trip to Chapel Hill this Tuesday. UNC looked solid today as they dismantled Georgia Tech winning by 29 points. NC State must come ready to play. Tip-off is slated for 8PM and can be seen on ACCN/Raycom.

 

 

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NC State Basketball

Georgetown Transfer Dontrez Styles Commits to NC State!

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8 hours ago

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April 18, 2024

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Georgetown Forward Transfer Dontrez Styles (6’6″/212) has committed to NC State!

Styles was the 2nd leading scorer for Georgetown this season, averaging 12.8 points per game, while grabbing 5.8 boards. He shot 36.8% from three.

Originally, Sytles was a consensus 4-Star prospect in UNC’s 2021 recruiting class. 247Sports ranked him as the #62 overall player nationally, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina, playing for Kinston High School.

After two seasons with the Tar Heels, Styles entered the Portal, and took an Official Visit to NC State and Georgetown, and ultimately chose the Hoyas.

ON3 ranks Styles as the #104 overall player in the Portal.

With his final year of eligibility, Styles’ made the right choice this time.

NC State now has 2 scholarships remaining after Styles’ commitment.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Forward Katie Peneueta Enters the Transfer Portal

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1 day ago

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April 17, 2024

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NC State Forward Katie Peneueta is entering the Transfer Portal.

Peneueta transferred to NC State last offseason from Sacramento State, where she averaged 8.4 points, shooting 45.5% from three.

In her one year at NC State, Peneueta only played 8 games for the Wolfpack, battling injuries throughout the year. Peneueta has 1 year of eligibility.

With Peneueta entering the Portal, NC State now has 3 scholarships available heading into the 2024-25 season.

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NC State Basketball

Boston Center Caitlin Weimar is on an Official Visit to NC State

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1 day ago

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April 17, 2024

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Boston Transfer Center Caitlin Weimar (6’4″) is currently on an Official Visit to NC State.

Weimar is the reigning Patriot League Player of the Year, and has been named Defensive Player of the Year the past two years. She has earned 1st Team Patriot League Honors the past two seasons.

This year, Weimar averaged 18.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. As a Junior, she averaged 15.5 points and 10.0 rebounds. She shot 55.5% this year, and 59.7% last year.

With NC State not having River Baldwin at Center next year, adding Weimar is an extremely exciting possibility.

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NC State Basketball

What did an ACC Title & Final Four Mean to NC State Legend TJ Warren?

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2 days ago

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April 17, 2024

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What did an ACC Title & Final Four mean to NC State Legend TJ Warren? I caught up with the man who won the ACC Player of the Year Award in 2014 to get his take.

What was it like for you watching NC State go from the #10 seed in the ACC Tournament, to winning the Championship, to going to the Final Four?

I’m a second generation Wolfpack basketball player. Wolf blood runs through my veins, so to be able to witness a ride like that was truly amazing.

What did this run say about Kevin Keatts and these players? In what ways did you see them adapt, change or persevere?

I think that is speaks to the heart that the players have. As a 10th seed in the ACC tournament, it’s easy to pack it in and look towards the offseason, but they did the opposite. They bonded together over adversity and that’s what made them so endearing. Hard work in the face of adversity, that’s something that Wolfpack fans can relate to.

As one of the best players to ever wear the Red & White, what did this run mean to you personally?

As I mentioned earlier, NCSU hoops has been in my family for a long time, so it meant a whole lot personally. This run definitely took me back to some of the fond memories I have of putting on the Red & White and playing in front of a packed house at the PNC.

What was the most memorable moment for you?

I think Mike’s shot to tie the game at the end of regulation. It just felt like destiny at that point. Anytime you get to beat UNC and Duke days apart is special too.

How do you think this run can change things for the NC State Basketball program going forward?

I think that it puts us back on the national radar where we belong. After a magical run like that, I think it makes players want to be a part of that. A run like that reinvigorates a program definitely.

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Warren is 1 of only 6 NC State players to ever be named the ACC Player of the Year. In his Sophomore season, Warren was named a 2nd Team All-American by Sporting News and the AP. He averaged 24.9 points per game, which is the 5th best mark in a single season in NC State history. Warren scored 871 points that year, which is the most points ever scored in a single season by a Wolfpack player.

TJ was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 14th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

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