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How will Dennis Smith Jr be remembered? I honestly am not sure. I’m guessing a lot like JJ Hickson. People from NC State will want to claim him as their own if he succeeds in the NBA, but overall I think the expectations outweighed the reality and that kind of stung for people. Smith Jr was supposed to save the program. Even his own coach called him the best guard in the nation. Now, even if he was, I don’t think a coach should be spreading the praise on that thick, but it is what it is. It just goes as a reminder. Most real winning teams do not have freshman leaders, and their PG is not a high volume scorer. NC State had both, and look where it got them.

Now, we say that as NC State fans, but the truth is, Dennis Smith Jr is a crazy gifted basketball player. He is just young. He made moves this season that you only see from NBA all-stars make. The kid is going to be a success, Let’s take a look at this years greatest hits.

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Wolfer96
Wolfer96
6 years ago

Dennis we hardly knew ye. Wish you had a better coach because this season could have been very special. Good luck to you in the NBA and don’t forget to join TJ back in Raleigh during the breaks.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
6 years ago
Reply to  Wolfer96

One and dones never comes back.

Wolfer96
Wolfer96
6 years ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

Dennis may because he’s a local guy. JJ was from Georgia so it makes sense he doesn’t come back.

Wolfer96
Wolfer96
6 years ago
Reply to  Wolfer96

Wrong post

Wolfer96
Wolfer96
6 years ago

BTW, where is that little twerp that was always on here telling everyone they didn’t know about basketball? Haven’t heard from him since everything I had been saying about this team came true.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
6 years ago
Reply to  Wolfer96

Try “backingthepack.com”. There a bunch of them on that website.

Wolfer96
Wolfer96
6 years ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

I feel like the average age on that site may be too young. Too many brainwashed Wolfpackers who believe State should play 3rd fiddle to our neighbors. We have the money, the facilities, the location. Only thing missing is a good coach and the right administration. Yow doesn’t get a pass until she rights the men’s basketball program.

Wolfer96
Wolfer96
6 years ago

They are alike in that they were both coached poorly. It wasn’t JJ’s fault that team chemistry took a dump. That was on Lowe for playing favorites and not integrating JJ better into the existing roster. Much like how Gott mismanaged his roster and had so many transfers over the years.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
6 years ago

Just like J.J. Hickson. J.J. who?

NC State Basketball

D.J. Burns is OFFICIALLY BACK!

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Well, it’s OFFICIAL. D.J Burns will be returning to NC State for his final year of collegiate eligibility!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DJ Burns / BIG 30♨️ (@dj.b30)

This confirms everything I’d been hearing about the return of Burns. Burns was the key to the Wolfpack offense running effectively this past year. He averaged 12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 2022-23, but he elevated his game in ACC play, averaging 16.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in conference games.

Burns is celebrating his return to run with the Wolfpack by dropping his own Big 30 merch. Go over and snag something.

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NC State Basketball

Isaiah Miranda is an Early Entry Candidate for the 2023 NBA Draft

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The NBA released the names of the 242 players that have filed as early entry candidates for NBA Draft 2023 last night, and NC State’s Isaiah Miranda’s name was on the list.

Miranda (7’1″/225) joined the Wolfpack back in December, deciding to forgo the remainder of his prep season. Miranda didn’t see the court for NC State, resulting in a redshirt season.

ON3 ranked Miranda as the #16 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class.

It makes perfect sense for a player like Miranda, with his height and athleticism, to go through the draft process to be evaluated on what he needs to continue to work on. As an early entrant, Miranda has the ability to pull his name out of the draft and remain a collegiate athlete.

I don’t expect Miranda to keep his name in the hat when the time comes. From what I hear his game has tons of potential, but he still needs to fine tune his craft. Also, Miranda shared this on social media, implying he will be back in the Red and White next year.

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NC State Basketball

Missouri Transfer Mohamed Diarra Commits to NC State

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NC State picked up their 5th transfer today. Mohamed Diarra (6’10″/215) committed to run with the Wolfpack today while in Raleigh on an Official Visit.

Diarra originally spent his first two seasons at Garden City Community College, averaging 17.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game in his second season. He landed at Missouri last year, after being rated as the #1 JUCO prospect in the 2022 class according to JucoRecruiting.com.

In his only season at Missouri, Diarra averaged 11.7 minutes per game in 25 games played (6 starts), averaging 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. Because of the extra year due to Covid, Diarra has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

With news breaking today that Dusan Mahorcic entered the Transfer Portal, the Wolfpack found his replacement. NC State’s frontcourt in 2023-24 currently will be made up of D.J. Burns, Ben Middlebrooks, Mohamed Diarra and Ernest Ross.

Check out these highlights of Diarra.

There is a lot to like in Diarra’s game. He is athletic, can hit a jump shot, put the ball on the floor, can play defense on the perimeter, block shots, and is an aggressive rebounder.

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NC State Basketball

Missouri Transfer Mohamed Diarra is On an Official Visit to NC State Today

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Missouri Transfer Mohamed Diarra (6’10″/215) is on an Official Visit to NC State today. Diarra originally spent his first two seasons at Garden City Community College, averaging 17.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game in his second season. He landed at Missouri last year, after being rated as the #1 JUCO prospect in the 2022 class according to JucoRecruiting.com.

In his only season at Missouri, Diarra averaged 11.7 minutes per game in 25 games played (6 starts), averaging 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. Because of the extra year due to Covid, Diarra has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

Diarra entered the Transfer Portal on March 28th.

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