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.
He's been #MustSeeACC for @PackMensBball all season.
The best of the best from @Dennis4Smithpic.twitter.com/nJd3gcX4wX
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) March 2, 2017
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.
NC State Basketball
NC State’s Casey Morsell is the 4th Player in NCAA History to Start 41 Games in a Season
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.
One and dones never comes back.
Dennis may because he’s a local guy. JJ was from Georgia so it makes sense he doesn’t come back.
Wrong post
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.
Try “backingthepack.com”. There a bunch of them on that website.
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.
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.
Just like J.J. Hickson. J.J. who?