The Good and Bad from NC State’s Exhibition Win Over Elizabeth City State

Exhibitions themselves are good and bad. Fans expect monster blowouts, while players just need to see their first-ever college minutes. It’s easy to hype up aspects, while feeling doom and gloom for low points. Keeping that all in mind, let’s look at the good and bad of State’s win over ECSU, 87-68.

Good: T. Smith is All Energy and Swagger

This could very well turn into a negative if Keatts can’t corral the energy and focus it for good. Smith got the start and ended up at 12 points, 4 boards and a steal in 21 minutes of play. But his confidence is already beyond anyone on the team. Smith finished going 50% from 3 (3-6), with some shots pushing the center court logo. He’s athletic, long and will be the ultimate boost for this team when they need it. State fans are going to LOVE what he brings, but don’t be surprised if you whisper “Oh Smith, that shot wasn’t needed” early on.

Bad: Manny and then Crickets

Bates didn’t play last night, but Keatts ensured folks that he’s fine and ready to go for the season opener. The problem is, the depth is beyond low for big men. Dowuona had a chance to show something last night and made minimal dents to the scoresheet (16 min, 1 reb, 2 points). We knew that the loss of Funderburk was massive, but if Bates is sidelined for any amount of time, this team might be in serious trouble. Making matters statistically worse, State was out rebounded last night, 38-35.

Good: Hellems is the Dude

Our hope was that Hellems would be able to go up a notch or two offensively, and it looks like he very well could. Leading scorer with 16, he was 75% from three and 83% from the free throw line. He was confident and in control. Look forward to seeing the evolution to him being the prime scoring option this year.

Bad: Can Morsell Excel on Both Ends of the Floor?

Morsell added more muscle this offseason and looks to be a premier defender. Quick, sticks to guys like glue, tenacious defender. He ended with team-high three steals and felt like he could have been more. But offensively, it wasn’t there. He has the skills to be a scorer, but he needs to break through and hit at some point. Last night wasn’t it, just hope the time comes sooner, rather than later.

Good: Keatts has his Dream Team Makeup

We’ve all heard it since he came to State that he wants a team that plays hard on defense, is fast in transition and outruns every team they play. This team is THAT team. More three point tries than you’d like to see, but against zone the opportunities were there. This team is going to be more free flowing on offense, but they have the shooters. Hayes, Smith, Pass, Allen and Hellems are all going to have their shot. Hope is for players to get in grooves and ride the hot hand a bit. Question is, can Keatts put them in position through drawn up plays? We’ll see.

Bad: Free Throw Struggles Again

Last year, State finished 9th in the ACC in free throws at 70%. Last night, State finished 23-33 at 70%. The biggest worry was they were 60% in the second half. State is going to get more free throws this year with how athletic they are. They should be attacking the rim and either getting to the line or finding an open three. If they can’t take care of easy points in big games, the struggle will continue.

Good: Pass Played Really Well

We thought that Pass would be a solid bench player that could learn from Cam Hayes. Last night, he came right out and hit. Ended up tied with Smith for second in points (12), while moving and controlling the ball well, even taking timely charges. Maybe we have a better recruit than even we thought, especially with how mature he looked last night.

The Wolfpack opens the regular season Tuesday, Nov. 9 when it hosts Bucknell on ACCN+.