Keatts explains what he looks for in his players

NC State head coach Kevin Keatts isn’t going to be star chasing as he builds his program. I think we all knew that already, but Keatts comment in this video makes it pretty clear. He’s betting on desire over talent and I think that’s a smart bet.

What does a @CoachKeattsNCSU basketball player look like? pic.twitter.com/nyg0UeK21s

— NC State Men's Bball (@PackMensBball) July 26, 2017

NC State, over the past 20 years has tried to go and get talent, and for the most part, they have. But talent alone doesn’t win basketball games. Talent without true desire and true work ethic can actually work against you, and I think it has in NC State’s case.

You have to face the facts. NC State, at this point, is not going to be able to compete with Duke, UNC, Kansas and Kentucky for the top name guys. Sure, State might pick off one or two, but over the long run, it’s going to be a losing battle to go up against these juggernauts. The question then becomes, if you can’t match them in talent, how will you beat them?

Keatts is looking for warriors. He’s looking for guys who may not have the height but will make up for it in the effort. He wants guys who will not accept losing and will not back down to the bright lights and top competition.

This, in our opinion, fits perfectly with the NC State fan base. Pack fans want a blue collar team that will out work you. They don’t want to be handed anything. They want to earn it. Keatts seems to be on the same page and ready to lay a foundation of these guys. It’s a smart play because once you have seven or eight work horses, you can bring in the elite talent and surround them with a positive, work-first culture.

We are excited to see this type of foundation being laid.