Connect with us

NC State travels to Syracuse to face the Orangemen tomorrow at 2 o’clock. It should be an interesting game featuring some dynamic players, the Cuse are paced by Michael Gbinije who is averaging over 17 points per game. Not only does Gbinije lead the Orangmen in points but he also leads in assists. NC State will have to keep close tabs on him tomorrow, expect Cody Martin to get the assignment. Martin at 6-7 will not be giving up any size on Gbinije, but must keep his focus as the senior has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

Outside of Gbinije Syracuse looks to senior Trevor Cooney and freshman Malachi Richardson. Both players are averaging 13 points per game, and can get hot from beyond the arc. Cooney has had the reputation as a sharp shooter his whole career, but is only a career 33% shooter from distance. Richardson has had a good start to his college career, the 6-6 freshman has been solid for the Orangemen. On the season he has proven he can score, especially considering he had a season high 23 against UVA. State will need to force him into some tough long two pointers. Run him off the three point line, and then contest.

There are a couple of factors that are going to make this game difficult for the Pack. First off Syracuse has had a week off to prepare. I am sure Jim Boehiem has made great use of the extra time, and will have his trademark 2-3 zone primed and ready to contain Cat Barber. Secondly it is senior night, which means they will play with even greater intensity and energy. State has got to be ready come 2 o’clock to match their energy, if they are not then it could get out of hand quickly. Lastly Syracuse is on the bubble when it comes to the NCAA Tournament, simply put they cannot afford a lost tomorrow.

The Wolfpack must get some help from everyone not named Cat Barber in order to play spoiler. Maverick Rowan needs to be efficient and stretch the 2-3 zone. Cat needs to be aggressive and penetrate the zone and find his teammates. He has to trust that they will make a play. I know that can be difficult especially given the inconsistencies this season, but all he can do is make the right read and let the chips fall where they may. One thing that cannot happen tomorrow is complacency on the offensive end. State cannot just stand around and pass the ball around the key and then settle for long range bombs.

The key for the Pack is to play their game, which is to push the pace. The best way to beat the 2-3 is to attack before it can be set. Once in the half court the Pack must probe the middle, and find ways to get the ball to Abu in good spots to make quick moves. State can play spoiler but they will have to play team ball, that means having multiple guys in double figures, and not needing Cat to score 30 plus.

Tip-Off is scheduled for 2PM and can be seen on ACCN (WRAL).

Check out NC State Basketball preview below on their YouTube Channel:

Related Topics:
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

NC State Basketball

Louisville Transfer Guard Mike James is Currently Visiting NC State

Published

5 hours ago

on

April 19, 2024

By

Louisville Transfer Guard Mike James (6’5″/200) is on a visit to NC State currently, according to a source.

Indiana State Transfer Ryan Conwell was on campus last week, but he just committed to Xavier.

From what I hear, the staff preferred James over Connell anyway. A plus with James is he has 2 years of eligibility, whereas Conwell has 1.

News broke about James entering the Transfer Portal back on March 25th, and NC State was quick to reach out. Kevin Keatts and his staff recruited the former 4-star prospect out of high school heavily, but he ultimately chose the Cardinals.

Rivals ranked James as the #71 overall player in the 2021 recruiting class, and ESPN ranked him as the #7 prospect in the state of Florida.

After redshirting his first year in Louisville due to torn achilles, James has been a starter for the Cardinals the past two years. This year, he averaged 12.6 points and 5 rebounds.

For a more extensive look at James’ game, click here.

Rivals ranks James as the #77 overall player in the Transfer Portal.

Continue Reading

NC State Basketball

Louisville Transfer Guard Mike James is a Priority for NC State

Published

8 hours ago

on

April 19, 2024

By

Louisville Transfer Guard Mike James (6’5″/200) is a priority for NC State, according to a source.

News broke about James entering the Transfer Portal back on March 25th, and NC State was quick to reach out. Kevin Keatts and his staff recruited the former 4-star prospect out of high school heavily, but he ultimately chose the Cardinals.

After redshirting his first year in Louisville due to torn achilles, James has been a starter for the Cardinals the past two years.

This past year, James averaged 12.6 points per game (3rd on the team) and 5 rebounds. He’s extremely physical and aggressive, taking 47% of his field goal attempts at the rim (making 46%). As a result, he draws a lot of fouls, ranking 10th in the ACC in Fouls Drawn, and 4th in Free Throw Rate. James made opponents pay this year when they put him on the line, making 81.8% from the charity stripe, which ranked 15th in the ACC.

James shot the ball better as a Redshirt Freshman, than he did this past season. His Effective Field Goal Percentage in 2022-23 was 55.8%, which ranked 19th in the ACC, and his True Shooting Percentage of 59.6% ranked 14th.

He does have the ability to knock down a three, making 34.8% for his career.

NC State already hosted Indiana State Transfer Guard Ryan Conwell last week, and while the Wolfpack coaches like both players, from what I’m hearing, James would be their preference.

NC State hasn’t had James in for a visit, but that could happen soon.

James has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

Continue Reading

NC State Basketball

NC State’s Casey Morsell is the 4th Player in NCAA History to Start 41 Games in a Season

Published

14 hours ago

on

April 19, 2024

By

NC State Guard Casey Morsell started 41 games for the Wolfpack this season, becoming the 4th player in NCAA history to do so.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NC State Basketball (@packmensbball)

Prior to this season, the record for most games started in a single season in NC State history was 37, with three Wolfpack players doing so: Lorenzo Brown, Richard Howell, CJ Williams.

Morsell now sits atop the list, and a fellow teammate, DJ Burns ranks second, with 40 games started this season.

Continue Reading

NC State Basketball

Georgetown Transfer Dontrez Styles Commits to NC State!

Published

1 day ago

on

April 18, 2024

By

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.

Continue Reading