Keatts Presser After Mars Hill: Bulleted

NC State Men’s Basketball team pulverized Mars Hill last night in their sole exhibition game, before kicking off the regular season against VMI next Friday. Here is a bulleted rundown of what Wolfpack Head Coach Kevin Keatts had to say in his press conference after the game.

• So proud of the team for how hard they played on both ends.
• Go into every game trying to get 40 deflections. Had 53.
• Shared the ball well. Made the extra pass. Did a good job after rebounds getting out quick in transition.
• Thought Markell Johnson did really well. 16 points and 12 assists (9 in scrimmage against Campbell). Been challenged to be a leader in the program, and he’s doing a really good job with it.
• Did a great job communicating in Defensive press. Much improved from scrimmage. Less breakdowns.
• Need to do a better job in the half court defense keeping the opponent in front.
• “We are going to compete and play hard even if we don’t do everything right.”
• Thought the push on offense rested a bit at the end. Took some breaks. I’m trying to teach these guys how to play with a lead.
• Omer Yurtseven and Lennard Freeman are both doing a great job. They are doing a great job on the boards. They are starting to score around the basket. Guards are gaining confidence in them to throw them the ball.
• Al Freeman played thirty-two minutes. Thought he started slow. Wanted him to get in a rhythm.
• Possibility that Sam Hunt wouldn’t play, but is feeling better and played 23 minutes. Trainer said he was ready to go.
• Excited with Lavar Batts. When you have a player with energy like him, you have to live with some of his mistakes. Thought he did a great job. He lived in the paint. Got to the line. We’ll talk about the free throws he missed. He can play off-Guard or the point.
• Wanted to play Lennard Freeman and Omer Yurtseven Under 20 minutes.