Keatts Presser after Presbyterian :: Bulleted

NC State head coach met with the media after their 86-68 come from behind win over Presbyterian. Here is a recap of what he said:

Opening statement…

• Knew tonight was going to be tough because of playing 4 games in 7 days.
• Knew when schedule was made this would be good. Getting through these first four would built tremendous confidence
• Didn’t think guys did good job of matching up until they figured out Presbyterian’s press break
• Played well on both ends in second half
• Freem and Yurtseven were both good in the paint
• Great press in second half, held them to 24 points.
• May be only team in country that has played 4 games and excited guys made it through the test.

On team’s great 2nd half…

• The way we played at the end of the game, most teams won’t have the legs we had. Working in our favor. Conditioning kicked in.
• Made free throws down the stretch. Lennard stepped up and made some big ones.
• Thought Batts came in and changed the game.
• Thought the guys got better tonight because they passed the test of playing that many games in a short time period

On Presbyterian’s first half run…

• Didn’t match up well and gambled too much
• Did a lot of uncharacteristic things like lack of communication on defense
• Happy how it played out. Gave team a chance to play from behind
• Thought team responded well

On halftime message..

• Told them to stay the course and believe in the system. We did.
• Talked about being a great pressing team, you have to be able to make big comebacks
• Though the press was effective once they got in it
• Scored the ball tonight because of ball movement and great passing in the paint

On poor 3pt shooting..

• Four games in seven days has something to do with it.
• Playing that many games wears you down
• Team will shoot it better

On Abu’s status and his impact…

• Another guy who can score around the basket
• Probably the team’s best rebounder
• Can knock down the 18 footer
• But no timetable for return. However, getting better every day.
• May try to mix him in a little more and see, but he’s not ready right now

On Torin Dorn…

• Happy with him because of how aggressive he’s playing
• Great straight-line driver. Super athletic and does a great job running the floor.
• Don’t like him falling in love with the 3 point shot.
• Ok with him taking 3s but his game is living in the paint and getting to the rim
• He’s been good

On prepping for Arizona…

• Obviously going to take a few days off.
• Haven’t really look ahead, but know we face a talented team on Wednesday.
• Arizona is one of the top 5 teams in the nation.
• Haven’t watched them yet. Don’t know what their scores are.
• Going to get some rest and then start prepping.

On where Abu fits in the rotation…

• He’s going to play. He’s a senior and he’s earned that right.
• He’s a very good player.
• Don’t know who he’ll take minutes from, but he will play