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.
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T Henny was on fire. I would have just fed him all game. Abu sticking to his strengths… dunking. Anytime Abu does anything other than dunk it usually ends in a turnover. Where has Dorn’s game gone? He looks lost out there on offense and defense.
LOL T Henny started getting hot early. I like the way we came out. We need that every game. If we can get Kaptia and Y7 up to par and on the floor more with how we played last night oh boy… I’m not saying that Kapita does’nt foul but the refs give him some calls I want to see replays on. lol Abu keep playing physical down low and that mid range J consistent. Great job! #GETEMRIGHTGOTT!
Dorn will come along. We just got alot of weapons (which includes Dorn) and he will find his place and groove.
It’s the ACC’s agenda to wussify college basketball. A lot of Kapita’s fouls should just be no calls.
Yeah it seems to be a trend of him getting called for fouls that shouldnt be called. smh.. They dont want us to be GREAT!!! lol
Agreed, same with Yurtsy
I agree with everything you said except the Dorn comment. These guys are human after all. One game where he doesn’t score that much isn’t a reason to panic. We are blessed to have him on our team. And I disagree, I don’t think he looked lost. Abu for the first 12 games actually looked lost and confused, and he’s fine.
it’s crazy that there are only 2 NC State players to put up triple doubles.
I know its early but I’m like the way we are playing.. #GETEMRIGHTGOTT
That 1st half was the best this team has played all season
Should have taken Mav out and put in Dorn.
Mav played a hell of a game today
Mav did have a good game. I’m not knocking Mav. I just feel he comes in the game to early sometimes. What I liked last night is that we just didnt have him and T Henderson running the baseline from side to side all night hoping to get open.
I agree, I hate when Gott has his guys just running baseline to take turnaround 3 pointers. Even though Mav didn’t have a great shooting night from outside, he took it hard to the rim and even made some nifty passes.
Henderson is HOT! Why are we taking him out? I dont understand… I like the play..Lets keep it up guys!!
Playing at home definitely helps. This team has not performed well on the road and at neutral sites. I think the key will be Yurt7. He needs to bring more physicality than he did last game. It’s ACC time so man up.
Lets go Pack! Lets come out with intensity, play smart ball, Hard nose D and get this W!! It will be a good win… #GETEMRIGHTGOTT!!!
This is going to be a gut check for the Wolfpack. VT is going to go all out. Will the Pack be able to match the intensity? Will this team remain disciplined and run their sets or will it turn into another one on one fest?
I’ve always liked Buzz’s coaching style. Even when his teams were undersized he got the most out of them by utilizing team defense and rebounding.