Kevin Keatts Presser After Win Over #2 Duke :: Bulleted

Kevin Keatts met with the media after NC State’s huge upset win over #2 Duke. Above is the full press conference video (Via NC State athletics) and below is the summary.

• When PNC is packed, could be the toughest place to play in America. The fans were great and got them through spurts when Duke was on a run.
• Talked all week about playing together and how that is the only way for this team to be successful. Team had 17 assists and only 10 turnovers.
• Told team if they win they’ll have to win on the boards. They did, getting 14 offensive rebounds to their 12 and beating them overall in rebounding.
• Credit to Duke. They are a good team, but credit these guys for bouncing back after two tough road losses to open ACC play and getting this huge win.
• Batts grew up tonight. He came in at a time when NC State needed energy and he provided it. He and Braxton are babies being asked to grow up quick and they’re doing a great job with it.
• Duke was ACC’s best offensive rebounding team, NC State is ACC’s 11th best defensive rebounding team, but team talked about having to beat Duke there and talked about not just the bigs, but the whole team had to fight for rebounds and block out. Outrebounding them says a lot about the team.
• Team never lost confidence during first 2 ACC losses. State was one of two teams that started ACC play on the road. Needed to get home, sleep in own beds and get home cooking.
• Sharing the ball better in this one started with Al Freeman. Sat down with Freeman and told him that if we’re is going to be successful we’re going to have to play off of each other. Best games all season are when everyone has shared the ball.
• Told team at end of first half to stay the course and not allow a Duke run. Made sure Duke didn’t get out and get points in transition. Made them play against a half-court defense.
• Told team that they were about to play against Grayson Allen and 4 freshmen who were in high school last year. Asked them to use their experience and play like veterans and they all did.
• Omer did a really good job tonight. Scored around the basket and actually played good defense, even though when you look at it, you’ll see Bagley had 31 points and 10 boards, but he’s just that good.
• First ACC win. So best so far. But told team, don’t be satisfied. We aren’t just trying to beat the #2 team in the nation, we are building a program that wins consistently every night.
• Been tough to see team not shoot it well in games, when they shoot it well in practice. Team practices really hard and it all translated to the game this time.
• Need to tell team that everyone is ranked #2. Seems like they play best when they face #2 ranked teams. But it’s key to play at home, so far in ACC, 70-80% of the home teams have won, so it was important to come home. Team felt comfortable, fans were tremendous.
• Lavar playing better has helped the team be able to give rests to Beverly and Al. Hunt playing better also, but Lavar is coming and it’s really helping the team.
• Great to have 3 front court guys that are basically starters. Can rotate them in and out and you feel comfortable with them in there. Big bonus.