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The Good:

Expectations were high entering the season for NC State’s prized recruit. Dennis Smith was pegged as the top recruit in his class by some publication, even more prior to tearing his ACL. Fast forward nine games into the season and his averages are 18.3 PPG, 5 APG, and 3.7 RPG. At a glance, not a bad stat line for a true freshman.

The Bad:

Efficency has not been a calling card for Smith, connecting on just 40% from the field, and 26% from beyond the arc. Decision making and shot selection have also been erratic at times. Why is this? Well, let us look into a play that should be Smith’s bread and butter and one that truly caters to his strengths. The pick and roll. As basic of a play in basketball, yet one of the hardest plays to defend if used properly.

The Problem:

NC State and Smith have not had great returns on the pick and roll? On the surface, it appears that State has the parts to make this a profitable play. They have athletic bigs, and they have a point guard who thrived in the pick and roll in high school and AAU.

Smith has been paired with Malik Abu and BeeJay Anya for the majority of ball screens. However, he has had more success when paired with Abu. BeeJay Anya is problematic because he takes up so much space and is a non-threat from outside 5 feet. BeeJay’s defender can simply hang back and play safety on the ball handler. Anya can be a great off-ball screener but is not an ideal pick and roll player.

Abu and Smith have connected on some great pick and rolls; however, Abu has not garnered respect for his jump shot. Defenses have adjusted to hedge hard and then get back to Abu to prevent the lob. Leaving Smith with little space which has forced bad decisions on his part.

Lastly, there has not been the fluid movement from the other three players on the court. NC State’s guards have been spectators too often on the perimeter. Instead of actively creating space and scoring options for themselves and Smith. Maverick Rowan’s absence hindered State’s ability to create space, as he can space the floor with his shot. NC State has got to get more movement from their perimeter players to maximize their potential this season.

The Fix:

Omer Yurtseven’s arrival will be a welcome addition. He can thrive in both pick and roll and pick and pop scenarios. Abu will benefit as well as he should get more touches close to the basket. Not only will this make it extremely difficult on defenses but it will help Smith operate in space, which is what he needs to maximize his talents.

Smith can also be helped by giving up the ball and getting it back. By getting the entry pass to the wing Smith will find himself in higher percentage areas. He will be able to catch the ball on the wing coming off a screen and then can work the pick and roll out of his triple threat position. Smith can then turn more corners and have more space to operate, which caters to his strengths.

State could also experiment with mixing up pick and roll partners, for example, have Rowan and Smith work together, or Smith and Henderson. Even better have Smith be the screener on occasion to create mismatches.

NC State’s other guys must move while all of this is taking place if they can then they will get open looks. Basketball is all about movement, and State has not had the needed fluidity on the offensive end. All of the best offenses in today’s game are built upon movement and sharing the basketball.

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Wolfer96
Wolfer96
7 years ago

I could totally see his frustration with our front court guys not spacing properly and also not able to handle some passes. Dennis can shoot better than 26% from 3 but only if he shoots it in rhythm as we’ve seen a few times like when Markell passes him the ball off of penetration. Dennis can’t let that frustration lead to poor decision making. Yurt7 definitely helps but he’s not this magic pill.

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NC State Basketball

Georgetown Transfer Dontrez Styles Commits to NC State!

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10 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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2 days 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.

_______

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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