Keatts Presser after win over Robert Morris :: Bulleted

NC State used a strong second half to beat Robert Morris 81-69. After the game, Kevin Keatts talked to the media. Above is the full presser, and below are the cliff notes.

• Game of 2 halves. 1st half played bad defense and Robert Morris was the aggressor on both ends of the floor. Went into break down 3.
• Give guys credit. Talked about it at half and made adjustments. Sat down and defended and held them to 25% from the field
• Post guys were great. They are the strength of this team.
• Abu had best game yet scoring the ball, but still rusty.
• Told guys “If there are defensive breakdowns, you are held accountable for them and you’re coming out of the game.”
• Until last 3 games, this team has been a top 50-75 team in defending the 3. Since then, given up 20 3s. Needs correcting.
• Decided to switch more screens and it helped.
• Freeman and Yurtseven shooting such high percentages. Team needs to recognize and get them the ball.
• Right now playing guys who have never played together. Dorn has been the 4. Now Malik is the 4 and Dorn is the 3.
• Timing and chemistry aren’t very good. Will take time to adjust.
• Keatts does not expect Markell Johnson back next game.
• Batts got to play because he’s had great practices. Has been PG on scout team to get confidence back. Has done great.
• Batts earned every minute he played. He ran the team and valued the ball. He is the one guy who can pick up full court and turn guys. Playing with lost of energy and passion.
• Freshman have peaks and valleys. Batts and Braxton have had this.
• Team can be great but they need to be stingy. Must be better of stopping 3s and can’t give up 15 offensive rebounds.
• Half court defense is not bad, but too many transition points and offensive boards.
• Not shooting it well. Hoping Braxton, Al and Sam can make some shots.
• Team can learn from losses like UNCG, but rather would learn like tonight, through a win.
• Al Freeman is a confident player. Senior or grad seniors sometimes press a little bit. He is doing that. Need to just sit down with him and show him tape where he could make a pass or score the ball.
• Hope Abu getting closer to 100%. Right now, fumbling ball and a step slow. Last two games have tried to get him lot of minutes.