A win is a win.

Ok, I’m not gonna beat around the bush here. That phrase is a phrase that really means ‘We won, but we stunk.’

NC State took out the Wildcats 65-48 in the annual Heritage game in Reynolds, and while there’s not a ton here to hang our hat on here, it wasn’t all bad. So lemme get right into it.

3 Things I LOVED

1. Ebe Dowuona keeps on getting better and better

NC State’s loss of Manny Bates turned NC State from a legit competitor into a team that needs to be world-beaters. But what we’re seeing is certain guys starting to step up as they get more playing time. One of those guys is Ebe Dowuona. The 6’11 big man is coming into his own. He’s now strung together five good games.

The streak started on November 21st when he had 7 rebounds. Then he had a game where he didn’t rebound as well, but put up 10 points and 6 blocks. He followed that with a 8 block and 7 rebound performance. Then it was a 7 point, 2 block, 3 rebound game, followed by this 8 point, 8 rebounds, 4 block, his most well-rounded so far.

If NC State is going to compete, they’re going to need this to continue for Ebe, and I think it’s time to start rewarding him with block touches. As his confidence rises, he’s going to start showing flashes offensively, but he needs the guards to pass him the rock if he’s going to have that chance.

2. Hellems coming out of his funk?

Over the previous 7 games, Jericole Hellems has shot an abysmal 33% from the floor. That’s coming from a guy who shot over 45% just a year ago and was being relied upon to be the leading scorer for this team, coming into the season. His offensive struggles have been a big reason that this team has failed to really gel offensively to this point. However, maybe, just maybe we just witnessed him break out of his funk.

And honestly, JUST IN TIME! Hellems was hot and scored 13 points in 32 minutes, on 5-7 shooting and 2-3 from 3pt range. They need a consistent 1-2 punch from him and Seabron on offense. And with Terquavion Smith starting to find his footing, they would have 3 quality scorers on the court. This will be needed this weekend when they face off against #1 Purdue on Sunday.

3. Terquavion Smith is becoming a reliable scorer

I told you early in the season, Smith’s biggest hurdle in reaching his potential during his freshman season was going to be shot selection. And was I right? Or was I right?

Obviously, the kid is starting to figure it out. He’s taking better shots and making better decisions daily. His play and confidence have seemingly boosted since being placed in the starting lineup (something Keatts should note going forward). He scored 14 points in this one, and that was coming off 17 point game vs Louisville. He’s shooting 39% from the floor and 35% from 3 point range on the season, and I think he should be shooting for about 41% from the floor and 40% from 3 point range. Shot selection will get him there, but there is no doubt we have a superstar on our hands with Smith. He’s going to be key this season, but if he gets serious about adding bulk in the offseason, we’re looking at an All-ACC level talent.

Honorable mention: Seabron with another double-double. Obviously this is always the most impressive thing each game, and his play has been other-worldly this season, but there’s only so many times I can say the same things about this kid. He’s amazing and he’s the reason this team is 7-2.

3 Things I HATED

1, 2 & 3. The bench needs to STEP UP and MAN UP!
Don’t get me started on these guys. What is going on? Over the past 2 games, the bench has only scored 8 points? (By the way, all 8 were in this game vs. a low-quality opponent, after scoring NONE vs. Louisville). Now, Keatts isn’t giving these guys a ton of minutes, but when they get minutes, they aren’t doing much with them. I’m lookin’ at you, Thomas Allen. Look, I went to bat for you when you didn’t play much vs. Nebraska. I thought Keatts was doing the kid wrong and needed to give him more looks. And now he has been. However, Allen, a senior, is not making much of an impact on either end of the floor, making me look like an idiot for the suggestion.

And Jaylen Gibson… Look, my whole schtick here is to be an angry Italian and to call it like it is, but even I have my limits. I can’t say what I want to, because I don’t think this kid can take it. But I’ll just refer him to the Julius Hodge quote from 2002 “If you’re scared, get a dog.”

Ross and Pass, they’re freshmen, but with the loss of Bates and the PG struggles of Cam Hayes, they are in a unique position to earn minutes. Unfortunately, they look nervous and unsettled in their roles. This will come, but it’s a shame they aren’t capitalizing when the teams is dying for a little help.

Th the end of the day, the Wolfpack bench is soft. Period. Hate me for saying it. Tell me it’s too harsh to say to 19-year-olds in 2021. Cancel me on social media. I don’t give a #*&%. This is a man’s game and if you’re not willing to play with a chip on your shoulder and compete like a man, then you’re going to have to keep walking back to your dorm room wondering why coach won’t put you in, or why the whole B-group can’t muster more than 8 points in 2 games. The answer is simple. You’re playing soft and weak and that doesn’t work at the highest level of college basketball.