BULLETED: Kevin Keatts talks about win over BC, Bates injury, Hellems value

Kevin Keatts met digitally with the media after NC State’s 79-76 win over Boston Collge. Here is what he had to say in bulleted form…

• Not often you start 2-0 in this league. NC State hasn’t started 2-0 in ACC since 2014
• Knew this would be a hard-fought game. BC has played all of their opponents close except Syracuse. Knew guards would be good shot makers.
• Told guys that to win championships you have to win all sorts of games. Games when you are up 20 and close ones like this.
• Taking tomorrow off. Guys need to get guys back in shape. Cam Hayes needs to get back to the level he was playing before he had to sit out a few games.
• Manny Bates will get MRI on his knee as a precaution. Keatts not overly concerned and it was coach’s decision to not play him in 2nd half.
• Funderburk was the best Keatts has seen him. Hellems had a bounce-back game and Shakeel Moore and Seabron came in and provided a nice lift off of the bench.
• Funderburk was out longer than most but worked himself back into shape q; quickly. He plays best when he plays inside-out and he was needed big time with Manny out.
• Funderburk said “We’re right where we need to be.” Keatts says he’s probably saying that out of excitement and hasn’t told the team that. But says he likes where they are.
• Keatts says he has multiple guys who can take over different roles when needed.
• Devon Daniels didn’t play especially well, so it was a frontcourt game and they showed up. Says it was good to see Hellems get credit after he played so well defensively (but poorly. offensively) against UNC.
• Shakeel Moore was great. Has put a lot of work into being a better offensive player. Doesn’t know another freshman that would take that shot with 20 seconds left, with all the upperclassmen on the floor. He’s put a lot of work in.
• Hellems is a kid who they say isn’t quick enough or doesn’t jump high enough, but if you watch him, the value he brings is toughness.