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NC State is about to embark on an 18 game journey through the ACC. Each game counts as one; however, we all know that some games are worth more than just a notch in the win column. Saturday will mark the opening of ACC play for NC State. What does the ACC schedule bring? It brings the toughest games and demands energy and discipline. There are no so-called easy wins in the ACC. An off night will almost guarantee a loss, but the beauty of the Atlantic Coast Conference is each night is an opportunity. The ACC is the best conference in America and the best place to prepare for the NCAA Tournament.

On December 29th, 10 ACC teams are ranked in the top 50 in RPI. The RPI is used to measure a team’s strength of schedule and their wins and losses. NC State currently sports an RPI of 38 and will face the other nine ACC teams inside the top 50. Thus far NC State has not faced the type of competition they are about to experience; however, they have improved. Mark Gottfried has lots of talent and depth that will allow them to compete in each game.

Dennis Smith Jr is as talented as they come and should find an extra gear as the competition increases. In addition to Smith, NC State has talented players on the perimeter who compliment Smith’s skill set. Torin Dorn has been rock solid doing all of the little things necessary to win games. Dorn’s efficiency from the field and willingness to rebound has helped NC State. Terry Henderson is thriving at guarding opposing teams best wing player, and knocking down shots. Henderson is averaging 16.4 PPG while shooting 47% from the field.

Mark Gottfried also has a full compliment of post players that offer diverse skill sets. Malik Abu is rounding into form by attacking the rim and not settling for jump shots. Abu is being physical and using his natural abilities to gobble up rebounds. In addition to Abu, NC State has prized freshman Omer Yurtseven at its’ disposal. Omer has the skill set, basketball IQ, and size that coaches dream about in a center. Beejay Anya and Ted Kapita have also been vital to NC State’s success giving the Pack toughness and more bodies to rotate in and out.

Maverick Rowan’s role from last season makes him an important piece off the bench. With Rowan anchoring the second unit and providing versatility NC State will be able to keep players fresh. Markell Johnson gives NC State a serviceable backup point guard who can run the team and pressure opposing teams on defense. The play of the bench for the Wolfpack will be critical to their success.

NC State has potential and positive attributes that make them a dangerous team in the ACC. Their depth and overall unselfish play make this a fun team to watch, but their youth will rear its ugly head in spurts. If the Pack can stay together trusting the process they should finish in the top half of the ACC or better.

What do you see in store for this team in ACC play? Will they find success? Will they be able to challenge Duke, UNC, Louisville,Notre Dame, and FSU? It all starts this Saturday as State plays Miami.

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Wormncsu
Wormncsu
7 years ago

This team will be lucky to win 6 conference games playing this way.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
7 years ago

Come on Lou, Tony. Write something that will spin this mess because I just open a whole can of Kool-Aid. Guess I will just fill it with vodka or gin and enjoy watching other teams beat the Pukes and Cheaters.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
7 years ago

Looks like in the toilet. Coach has to make up his mind on the lineup before the season is over.

NC State Basketball

An NC State Win Over Marquette in the Sweet 16 Would Be…

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Awesome. Obviously.

#11 seed NC State will play #2 seed Marquette tomorrow night in the Sweet 16. What would a win mean for the Wolfpack? Many things, but here’s just a few:

It would give NC State 25 wins on the year (25-14), which would be the most wins since 1982-83, when the Wolfpack went 26-10, winning the National Championship.

It would mark the 12th time in school history that NC State has won 25+ games in a single season.

1982-83 – 26-10 

1973-74 – 30-1 

1972-73 – 27-0 

1954-55 – 28-4 

1953-54 – 26-7

1952-53 – 26-6 

1950-51 – 30-7 

1949-50 – 27-6 

1948-49 – 25-8 

1947-48 – 29-3

1946-47- 26-5

It would be the 7th time NC State has advanced to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament.

1950

1951

1974

1983

1985

1986

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NC State Basketball

NC State has Won 5 ACC Championships this Year

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NC State has won 5 ACC Championships this year, which is the most of any athletic program in the conference this year.

The Wolfpack has won ACC Titles in Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Swimming & Diving, Wrestling, Men’s Basketball and Gymnastics.

The last time NC State won 5 ACC Championships in one year was 1979-80.

As far as I can tell, here’s a look at the Wolfpack Conference Titles from 1979-80:

Football
Women’s Basketball
Women’s Cross Country
Men’s Swimming & Diving
Men’s Tennis

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NC State Basketball

NC State is 1 of 4 Schools to Have Both Men & Women’s Basketball Teams in Sweet 16

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NC State is 1 of 4 schools to have their Men and Women’s Basketball teams BOTH advance to the Sweet 16, along with Duke, Gonzaga and UCONN.

NC State and Duke are the only two schools in the country to send both Basketball teams to the Sweet 16, and also send the Football team to a bowl game.

This marks only the third time in school history that BOTH teams made the Sweet 16.

Years NC State’s Men & Women’s Teams Made the Sweet 16

1985
1989
2024

Despite the fact that the Men’s team has made the Elite 8 six times (1950, 1951, 1974, 1983, 1985, 1986), and the Women have made it 2 times (1998 & 2022), in the three occasions they both went to the Sweet 16 in the same year, neither team advanced to the Elite 8.

In 2024, Why Not Us?

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NC State Basketball

#3 seed NC State Holds on Against #6 Seed Tennessee, Defeating the Vols 79-72 to Advance to the Sweet 16

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#3 seed NC State held on last night, defeating #6 seed Tennessee 79-72 in Reynolds Coliseum to advance to the Sweet 16 for the 5th time in the last 6 tournaments.

The Wolfpack led by only 1 after the 1st Quarter, but they looked like they had things under control at halftime, leading by 18 points.

At one point, NC State led by as much as 20 points in the 3rd Quarter, but the Lady Volunteers weren’t about to give up.

With 4:19 left in the 4th, Tennessee cut the lead to 2 points, but NC State might have bent, but they wouldn’t break.

Junior Guard Aziaha James led the way with 22 points and 7 assists, which were both team highs. She scored 7 points in the final 3.5 minutes, helping to squash tue Last Vols’ comeback attempt.

Junior Guard Saniya Rivers had 20 points (6-14 FG) and 6 boards.

Freshman Zoe Brooks was clutch off the bench, chipping in 16 points and 6 boards.

This marks the 16th time the NC State Women’s Basketball team has advanced to the Sweet 16.

The Wolfpack will play #2 seed Stanford on Friday night at 7:30pm on ESPN in Portland.

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