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NC State Basketball

Giant Slayers: Pack Knocks off #1 Nova 71-68

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9 years ago

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NC State used every ounce of their talent to take down the #1 seed Villanova Wildcats. There were countless plays from everyone that saw action tonight that helped seal the deal. Cat Barber was excellent in controlling the pace and hitting clutch free throws down the stretch to keep Villanova behind. NC State found the resiliency needed to withstand a hot hand by Darrun Hillard who poured in a game high 27 points. It seemed on a number of times that State would have a stress free last few minutes but Hillard was absolutely amazing in making deep three pointers that kept this game interesting, but State came away with the answer each and every time! Trevor Lacey was outstanding as he hit tough shot after tough shot in some of the biggest moments in the game. This game was a great example of why it is critical to have a player of his caliber that is capable of creating his own shot. Lacey ended the first half with a behind the back step back three at the buzzer to silence a run by the Wildcats. Then in the second half he hit a big time “and one” layup and a couple of tough mid-range jumpers that took the air out of the Wildcat’s sails!

All in all this is a great example of how a team that plays together can accomplish much more than a team full of individuals. I have said it all year long that this team is comprised of a great group of guys who compliment each other seamlessly. I want to point out just how special Dez Lee has been for this team, he has sacrificed a lot of minutes this season as Gottfried and his staff have chosen to give Caleb Martin more minutes which should benefit the program moving forward; however, Dez has not pouted one bit and he has stayed ready. Tonight his number was called again to be a spark and he was more than ready to contribute. He was all over the court defensively and took it to the hoop with power and converted a couple of big baskets for the Pack. Also not to be overshadowed Caleb Martin made the most of his limited minutes as he hit a big three pointer as he was fouled and finished the seldom seen four point play.

At the beginning of the season and even late in the season our big men have been seen as a weakness, but tonight they were terrific. Abu has gotten better and better as his role has expanded offensively. Tonight Abu worked his tail off and finished the evening with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Lennard Freeman showed off his versatility defensively as he was asked to guard on the perimeter as Villanova went with a four guard lineup and held his own. Freeman also had a double-double as he tallied 11 points and 12 rebounds. The hero of last game BeeJay Anya had a quiet night in the stat book but was a big time presence underneath as he altered many attempts. He also hedged beautifully on ball screens and contested shooters all night. It is a great testament to our staff for the improvement of our big men throughout the season.

I am completely ecstatic about the experience this team is about to have being in the sweet sixteen. My junior year I was lucky enough to make it to the sweet sixteen and it is an atmosphere like none other. Looking ahead I like our chances against Louisville or Northern Iowa. If we can continue to play with a quiet confidence and as one unit there is no reason why this team cannot continue to advance. Tonight was a great display of what it takes to win! Our players had one goal tonight and that was to leave that arena with a victory and they accomplished the task at hand!!!  NC State now finds itself as the headline as they are the darlings of the tournament…but will they be satisfied? I don’t think so, but we will have to wait and see.

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
9 years ago

Thank god, Gott played Lee.  Lee is quick and plays defense, but Turner did hit four big free throws.  Too bad we can’t combine the two kids.  Go Pack.

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Wolfer96
Wolfer96
9 years ago

DaPack Happy BDay

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DaPack
DaPack
9 years ago

Take that awesomeness Wolfpacker74! Hats off to a scrappy bunch of believers!

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NC State Basketball

NC State Forward Katie Peneueta Enters the Transfer Portal

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9 hours 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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15 hours 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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18 hours 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.

_______

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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NC State Basketball

NC State Forward Ernest Ross Enters the Transfer Portal

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2 days ago

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April 16, 2024

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NC State Forward Ernest Ross announced today that he is entering the Transfer Portal.

 

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Ross played in 14 games this year, averaging 3.4 minutes per contest. After playing in 34 games last season, averaging 11.4 minutes per contest, Ross saw his participation dip to a career low this season, but that didn’t for a second break his infectious personality. On the sideline, you could count on Ross every single game to be the heart and soul of the Wolfpack on the bench. To watch a player who played as little as he did, care as much as he did, makes me super proud that this young man represented NC State so well.

Ross was a consensus 4-star player in the 2021 recruiting class, with 247Sports ranking him as the #60 overall player nationally. ESPN ranked him as the #5 overall player in the state of Florida.

Ross has one more year of eligibility remaining.

NC State has 3 scholarships available now.

Best of luck Ernest!

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