Giglio Projects NC State’s 2018-19 Men’s Basketball Starters

The News & Observer’s Joe Giglio took to the Yellow Pad yesterday, and attempted to project the starting lineups of every ACC Men’s Basketball team heading into the 2018-19 season.

*PROJECTED* ACC lineups (in predicted order of finish), in YP form pic.twitter.com/GE4AJtyy1h

— Joe Giglio (@jwgiglio) June 8, 2018

Giglio’s Projected NC State Starting Lineup

PG: Markell Johnson, JR
SG: Devon Daniels, SO
SF: CJ Bryce, JR
PF: Torin Dorn, SR
C: Wyatt Walker, GR (2-years eligibility)

In my opinion, I think Giglio is right on.

Obviously, Johnson is back at the 1.

I think moving Braxton Beverly to the 6th man, or the 2nd group of 5 that comes in is a necessary move on two fronts. First, Daniels can shoot the three like Beverly (40% from three his freshman season at Utah), but is longer, more athletic, and not a defensive liability. Second, having Beverly with a second group of 5 is advantageous, because he brings experience to that group.

People need to realize that this is where Daniels and Bryce belong. Daniels averaged 10 points per game as a Freshman, shooting 57% from the field. Bryce averaged 17.4 points per game as a Sophomore for a Kevin Keatts UNCW team that won the conference two years ago.

Once again, it’s no surprise to see Dorn slated as a starter. It’s also not shocking to see him projected as the 4. Expect Keatts to fully implement his system this season, and in that system you will see a lot of lineups with 4 guards.

Finally, I could not agree more with Wyatt Walker starting at the 5. That is no insult to Manny Bates, Ian Steere or Derek Funderburk. Walker has two years of college basketball experience. Unlike the others who have huge upside, but are still a little raw, Walker’s game is well-rounded and developed. He averaged a double-double two years ago. Walker can run the court, has finesse around the rim, is an excellent passer, and has a decent jump shot.

Giglio’s starting lineup projections were also put in the order in which he thinks the teams will finish, predicting the Wolfpack will finish 8th in the ACC. I think this team is capable of a much better finish than this, but the league will be strong next year. In the most recent Bracketology projections, 9-11 teams are expected to go to the Dance next March.