This was the game that NC State has, in recent history, lost pretty consistently. This was the hump that Gottfried’s team could never get over. This was a mental toughness win and it may prove more than the UNC or Duke game, that Keatts isn’t just winning basketball games, he’s changing a culture. The local media didn’t want to crown the Pack after they beat Duke and UNC, because they were almost sure a let down was coming. But an 18 pt beatdown of Notre Dame should have some of these doubters jumping on the bandwagon.
We wrote a full on article about it this morning, but Torin Dorn has been an ‘x-factor’ for this basketball team. I think if you really examine why he’s had so much success, it’s because he allows Keatts to play small ball without giving up much of anything. Not only is giving you a huge mismatch on the offensive end when he slots in at the 4, but on defense, he’s no liability. He gives you the toughness and the rebounding that you thought you’d be getting from Abu or Freeman, but he’s able to guard those stretch 4s as well. Credit Keatts for giving Dorn his mojo back. This is a totally different player than we saw that the second half of last year, or even early on in ACC play this year. He’s found his role with the team and he’s become one of the most important guys on this roster.
Markell Johnson was unreal. Another double-digit assist night, making it 4 straight and breaking Chris Corchiani’s record. Johnson has changed this team. He’s creating so much havoc off the dribble, getting in the lane and then looking to create for his teammates. This type of PG is the most dangerous type of player that you can have on your team. He can single-handedly ruin your defense, and that’s what Johnson is doing. Add in the fact that he has elite vision, and he’s just scratching the surface with his scoring abilities and Pack fans may be witnessing the emergence of a kid who could end up being one of the best PGs in school history. Yeah, we said it and we really do believe Johnson is going to be THAT good.
Abu finally breaking out of his slump. He had 8 points and 5 boards in 30 minutes, which was good to see. He’s still not playing at the level we believe he can, but at least he really got after it vs. Notre Dame. It’s tough to say what was going on with the senior big man. It’s either that his injury has lingered or created some doubt in his mind, or something was going on off the court that twas affecting him. Either way, it seems like he’s finally back and ready to give NC State a whole new look. With Abu playing up to his capabilities, this team can get go big without getting slow and that’s a look they haven’t shown much of this season.
Beverly isn’t getting much hype, but the kid has been a savior for this team. Keatts should be credited for putting him in a position to be successful as well. You wouldn’t think a 5’10 kid would be who you want slotting into your 2 spot, but it has really worked out. He gives you a second PG on the floor, but also a shooter who can stretch the D. His ability to compete at his size, as a true freshman is really unbelievable. He quietly dropped 16 pts and 6 assists vs ND. He’s going to have a long, successful career in Raleigh.
Keatts is the real deal. All you have to do is watch this team on the floor and listen to them in the locker room to understand what’s going on. Keatts is working with 2 seniors (who haven’t really been giant factors as of late), a bunch of freshmen, some grad transfers, one junior and one sophomore. This team shouldn’t be 6-4 in the ACC, but here they are. This is what happens when you demand buy-in, take training seriously and preach togetherness on and off the floor. This is fun to watch.
This week could be a huge week for the Pack. They go to VT, where it won’t be easy to come away with a W. Then they welcome UNC to the PNC. If they can come out of this stretch with one win, then they should be just about ready to punch their tournament ticket.