Keatts Presser after loss to Clemson ::: Bulleted

Kevin Keatts met with the media after his team’s 78-62 ACC opening loss to Clemson Here is the summary.

• Thought team fought hard but disappointed because this team has a low margin for error and needs to play together. They didn’t do that.
• Too many defensive breakdowns. Seniors need to take ownership, especially Abu and Lennard Freeman who have been here for 4 years.
• Just one game, but team needs to get better in certain areas.
• Dorn, Freeman and Batts can’t shoot as bad as they did. Each night team needs at least 3 guys to play well.  Omer and Braxton played well, but whole team needs to be on the same page.
• When the game gets to a defining moment, the veterans need to be veterans and make big plays.
• Most of the game was played with 2 freshmen, 2 transfers. Need to get more from Lennard and Malik if team is going to succeed. Those are the 4 years guys.
• Have coached at every level. Have coached against ACC teams. So coaching in first ACC game didn’t have him in awe. Flattered and excited to coach at NC State and in ACC, but didn’t phase him.
• Clemson is a good team with very good balance. 5 scorers in double figures. They have a unit that has played together and been through a lot and can get through a lot.
• This is all part of building a program. Team will get better.