Kevin Keatts Presser After Win Over Clemson :: Bulleted

Kevin Keatts met with the media after his team’s 78-77 win over Clemson. Above is the full press conference and below are is the bulleted summary.

• Proud of the guys. Question was, could NC State win another big game, coming off the win over Duke. Thought guys were tremendous. Played with great effort and shared the basketball
• Omer Yurtseven was unbelievable. Scored inside and out.
• Team had 15 assists on 28 made FGs, Only turned the ball over 4 times. Played very aggressive. Turned them over 17 times and had 40 deflections and they only had 10 assists.
• Clemson is a very good team. Won 10 in a row. Guys answered the bell tonight.
• After game, didn’t want to focus on last few minutes and take away from great win.
• Told team to get used to winning. Saw a group of guys so excited to be there and not used to finishing games. Saw some breakdowns in final minutes. Think the team was a little surprised we were winning, but this is a good basketball team so need guys to learn to finish.
• Excited for Markell. Told Keatts he wasn’t involved in altercation. His return gives team depth.
• Beverly and Batts have grown up faster than expected. Having to play minutes no one envisioned. With Markell out they got great experience that will help team down the road.
• Can’t remember last time he called timeout to ice a free throw shooter. Glad he missed and time out helped, but fans were great. And just glad it didn’t go in.
• Markell can play next game, but no decision has been made if he will. Hasn’t practiced with team, so needs to get back in flow. If he’s ready, he will play Sunday.
• Gave Yurtseven a pitch in the off-season that he would be able to do things like this if he returned. Had a big shoot 80% and UNCW. They get touches because there is a lot of freedom and lots of pick and rolls.
• Clemson did great job in first game of taking away the pick and roll. This time, worked with Yurtseven about picking and popping and creating space. And he just made shots.
• Freedom and confidence have helped Omer. He believes in coaching staff and this group of players believes in him and gives him the basketball. He took 18 shots and everyone was happy for him.
• Torin Dorn scored 7 pts in final minutes. He is a guy thats been moved around. Played 3 and 4. Been asked to play more with Malik out. Leads in rebounding. Makes shots. Didn’t have a great game, but didn’t pout and made big plays at the end.
• Team plays a fun style and . fans seeing that. PNC probably will be packed every game.