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Lots of people become infatuated with size, but Papagiannis brings much more to the table than his 7’1″ frame. The reason he is highly touted and has 5 stars is because he has a unique combination of size, mobility, intangibles, and skill. He also has a solid frame weighing around 260 pounds. On all the tape that I have seen on him, it is apparent that he is getting more and more comfortable with his size and learning how to use it. He moves smoothly and has great awareness in the half court offense. He is comfortable running sets, working the the pick and roll, and the pick and pop. He has good hands and keeps the ball high off the catch. One play in the video below highlights how well he could fit into the high-post offense. Pay attention at the 1:35 mark. Georgios starts on the opposite block and as the ball is rotated, he sets up a beautiful cross screen, and times his cut perfectly. He then catches it cleanly and pivots for an easy dunk.

Some may say this is a simple play, and I agree, but it is one that takes timing and a willingness to work off the ball. This play is built into NC State’s fast break attack. Big-G could get at least two dunks a game off of this action. Our big men rarely got any dunks off of this throughout last season.

Not only does he show a great touch around the basket, but he is willing to get physical while fighting for position and for rebounds. The thing that he does well that will bode well in college, is how he uses his feet to get open. He doesn’t use his hands to fight for position which means he will not get called for as many fouls. On the defensive end Papagianni is a game changer, as he uses his length and timing to disrupt any shot that is in his area. What I have noticed is that he does a solid job on help side without selling out. There is no question that this kid has an advanced skill set and would be a difference maker for the Pack.

If Gottfried can land Big-G then State should be able make it back to the dance without question. He is that good. However, there will be an adjustment period for him in the beginning of the season no matter what school he picks. Hopefully he will be sold on playing in the ACC and appreciate the fact that Gottfried made the trip across the pond to visit him. We will have to wait and see where he chooses to play this coming season.

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PackJunky
PackJunky
7 years ago

Dude we are a S16 team AT LEAST with him

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Basketball Recruiting

4-Star SF Jahki Howard Takes an Unofficial Visit to NC State

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1 month ago

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February 20, 2023

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4-Star 2024 Small Forward Jahki Howard (6’7″/180) took an Unofficial Visit to NC State yesterday alongside 4-Star Shooting Guard Paul McNeil, who verbally committed to run with the Wolfpack yesterday.

Howard is ranked as the #51 overall player nationally in the 2024 class by Rivals, and the #4 player in the state of Georgia according to ESPN. Howard plays for Overtime Elite in Atlanta, where 2023 NC State signee Trey Parker plays.

He also holds offers from Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Providence, Auburn, Rutgers, Illinois, Texas A&M, Mississippi St, Wake Forest, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Arizona St, Kansas, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, and others.

As far as I can tell, Howard doesn’t hold an offer from NC State at this point.

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Basketball Recruiting

4-Star 2024 Shooting Guard Paul McNeil Commits to NC State!

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1 month ago

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February 19, 2023

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What a day! 4-Star 2024 Shooting Guard Paul McNeil (6’6″/185) wrapped up his Official Visit to NC State today by committing to run with the Wolfpack, after watching them defeat their rival UNC in PNC Arena.

McNeil is the #17 overall player nationally in the 2024 recruiting class according to ESPN, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina.

In 2022-23, McNeil is averaging 23.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals per game for Richmond High School. Last year, he became the first ever Sophomore to win the Gatorade Player of the Year Award in the state of North Carolina.

McNeil also held offers from Clemson, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Miami, Georgetown, St. John’s, LSU, Virginia Tech, Missouri, and others.

 

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Basketball Recruiting

Top-25 2024 SG Paul McNeil is Taking an Official Visit to NC State Next Weekend

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1 month ago

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February 12, 2023

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2024 4-Star Shooting Guard Paul McNeil (6’6″/185) will be taking an Official Visit to NC State next weekend.

ESPN ranks McNeil as the #17 overall player nationally in the 2024 recruiting class, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina. I don’t understand how recruiting databases work, but at some point this year he will be a 5-star player according to ESPN as long as he stays in the Top-25.

McNeil plays for Richmond Senior in Rockingham, North Carolina.

This is huge for NC State to get a player of McNeil’s caliber to come in for an Official Visit this early in the process.

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Basketball Recruiting

4-Star G Austin Swartz Picks Up an Offer from NC State on Visit

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3 months ago

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January 5, 2023

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4-Star 2024 Shooting Guard Austin Swartz (6’5″/180) took an unofficial visit to NC State yesterday, and he left with a scholarship offer.

Swartz plays for Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina. ON3 ranks him as the #65 overall player nationally in the 2024 recruiting class, and the #7 player in the state of North Carolina.

He already holds offers from Virginia Tech, Clemson, Georgia, Illinois, Houston and others.

 

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