Vonwolf: Ride or Die with NC State Women’s Basketball UPDATE

I am officially Ride or Die with this basketball team. (In all seriousness, got a lot of heat and hate from media members and WPN on this article from February of this year. Was told that they have plenty of support and the media covers everything and you can’t deny their greatness, yada yada. But here we are. Italicized updates)

If you aren’t already, you need to jump on the Wolfpack women’s basketball team bandwagon…

RIGHT. NOW.

While State fans “love their basketball”, it’s been nothing but crickets for this team. They have been ranked in the Top-10 the entire year. They go all out each and every night, on both ends of the floor. Yet…the talk and following is mumbled. There shouldn’t be open seats at Reynolds, especially for any ranked matchups. (There were open seats last night versus a 17th ranked UGA…also this, thanks Cory!)

The program hasn’t seen a run of success like this since the tail-end of the Kay Yow era of the late 80’s, early 90’s. Not only do they have a chance to make a run this year, but they are uniquely positioned to be a threat year-in and year-out as recruiting has turned up a couple notches. (Still true)

I’ll admit, I was one of those casual followers, but just watching them with a chip on their shoulder to avenge what should have been an amazing run last year is just awesome to see. (Still true)

State has lost two games this year and both were fluky. One of which, an OT loss against Virginia Tech, happened while unanimous All- ACC First Team Cunane was sideline due to COVID protocol. They win if she plays. (Update: Still two losses but to #1 South Carolina and #17 on a crazy game-tying shot)

They’re only the third team in the last two decades to beat TWO #1 teams and, adding bonus points for difficulty, both were on the road.  Don’t want to say too much, but those other two teams that took multiple games from #1’s in a single season, won their last game of the year…if you know what I mean.

Elissa Cunane is a machine on the inside. Jakia Brown-Turner has found her offensive groove. Kayla Jones is pushing 50% from three. And I haven’t mentioned Perez’s steal ability, Hobby coming in to get her blocks or the rest of the bench that contributes every night. (Now add Diamond Johnson, Crutchfield still bringing it, just a loaded roster)

But we’re all too worried about whether Keatts isn’t playing freshmen enough. (Holy shit…still true)

WE HAVE A TOP TEAM IN THE COUNTRY AND WE’RE SLEEPING ON THEM!

For all the hate that we throw at most State coaches, Wes Moore might just go out and win Coach of the Year. The fact he didn’t win it last year is still a head scratcher. Did I mention he has multiple ESPN Top 100 recruits coming next year? (haha…he did)

So when someone asks or the topic of conversation turns to basketball and March Madness in the coming weeks, your response should be “Oh yeah, State’s women’s team is the best.” Take the wins and enjoy the ride folks.

Because if you don’t? You’re being a hypocritical State fan, yet again. (Yep)