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
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Barring any unforeseen events we have at minimum 9 players on the roster next season. Maybe even 10 or 11 depending on Yurt7 and Henderson. I am impressed with Keatts making a couple of late signings. Based on Keatts’ high tempo offense we will need all the bodies we can get. Would like to see us rotate 9-10 players in and out. Keep everyone breathless and happy.
Is it Huggins or Keatts at State?
Has this site shutdown? There’s been several recent events. Like Mav leaving for pro, and Baylor grad xfer picking State.
They have gone on break just like Congress.
Looks like we lost Mav Rowan.
Easy come, easy go.
According to ESPN, Batts rated 96 and Allen was not rated in top 100. Harris was rated 99.
So it looks good based on the numbers. He seems to have good athleticism and quickness. Also looked really smooth. With Keatt’s pressing defense, I imagine we will need at least 2 quick and athletic guards and it looks like we may have that now.
That’s good news. How does this kid compare to Thomas Allen?