Keatts Presser After Win Over VMI: Bulleted

NC State opened the Kevin Keatts era with a 102-67 win over VMI. Here is the bulleted version of his post-game press conference.

• Excited about the game. Proud of his players. Team played with tremendous energy.
• An improvement over the Mars Hill game. Everyone who got in, affected the game in a positive way and it produced balance scoring.
• The guys really shared the basketball. 18 assists on 37 FGs.
• Defensively, did exactly what we wanted to do. Played aggressive. Mixed pressure up and forced 21 turnovers.
• On Lennard Freeman: Proud of him. He had a career-high 15 points. He played aggressive on both ends of the floor and was able to get some baskets. Always has been a great rebounder, but now he’s feeling more comfortable around the hoop. It was exciting to see him get back out there.
• On what he was looking for from his guys: Wanted to see them come out and play hard. Told them he knew they wouldn’t do everything right, but wanted them to play hard on both ends of the floor. Really proud of how they shared the basketball. Thought they got out in transition and got out to a great start. Ending the first half with 56 points was good for them.
• On what he liked best and least: Liked the energy best. Thought the guys played with passion but relaxed a bit at the end of the game. Didn’t like that VMI got to the line so much. Thought his guys played a little too much with their hands on defense.
• On of Yurtseven could be a starter: Looking at it like, you have 9 guys dressing and every game is different. There may be different starters for every game. Don’t get caught up in who starts. Everyone is going to play on this team because there is only 9 bodies. You’ll see games that Yurt starts. He didn’t’ do anything not to start this one. Just wanted Lennard to get the start.
• On Tucker Thompson not being on the bench: Tucker was in the library studying. He will no longer be with the team any longer. Was struggling with classload of being an engineer and playing college basketball. Outstanding young man and if he wants to come back on the team, he can.
• On Braxton Beverly: Still hoping to get that call of him being eligible at any time. Been talking to him, just keeping him positive and hopeful that the NCAA seees that he didn’t do anything wrong. Very hopeful on the NC State side and can see it happening. Really hoping it does happen.
• On Markell Johnson’s growth: Blame him not getting double-double on me. Had game under control and coaches came and told me. Basketball gods don’t like that and didn’t want to risk putting him back in in case of injury. He’s playing well and really embraced his role. Starting to understand. One thing about a good point guard is knowing where his teammates are on the floor. He’s doing a good job with that.