(ACC Digital Network) NC State vs. Pittsburgh: The Panthers won their second ACC game in a row with a 71-69 win over the Wolfpack. The win was Pitt’s first win over NC State since 2014. Pitt dominated the glass, out-rebounding NC State 45-25. John Hugley led the way for Pitt with a double-double. Hugley scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, plus he had six assists. Ithiel Horton and Jamarius Burton each scored 17 points. For NC State, Dereon Seabron led the Wolfpack with 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
This season has been brutal. Not that I expected any miracles in this game but man, at least a space to breathe with a win but nope, not gonna happen. And honestly, I want that breath of air for the players because they need something to latch onto. Oh well.
Yea, would love to see some positives so the players have some enthusiasm for next season. If we lose out – a definite possibility since we couldn’t even beat Pitt – it would be the worst season in Pack basketball history by a lot. Corrigan may decide to burn it down.
I dread the idea of starting over once again.
Corrigan stated he supported Keatts and seemed strong on the idea of keeping him. While things can change, I personally think it’d be a bad idea to let Keatts go at this point. Starting over would require so much more momentum than going forward with what we have, especially if we can hold onto the major pieces. But who knows?
The Wolfpack drew a no-nonsense first game, playing against Kansas, the defending National Champions. Then, they will either play Wisconsin or Dayton. Wisconsin finished last season with a 25-8 overall record, a #14 ranking in the AP Poll, losing in the 2nd of the NCAA Tournament to Iowa State. Dayton finished last season with a 24-11 overall record, losing in the 2nd round of the NIT to Vanderbilt.
A couple of days ago, Terquavion Smith and Greg Gantt were handed the camera to show State fans just what gameday is like through the player’s eyes. The guys chronicle a day in the Bahamas as they participate in walkthroughs, downtime at the hotel and pregame shootaround.
Watching his highlights from games is probably a better indicator of what we’ll see on the court come November. bit watching these workouts (which are kind of showcasing his skills without any defenders) give a better glimpse of his potential.
While everyone was focused on the upcoming football season, or discussing NC State basketball’s coming trip to the Bahamas, something happened.
NC State landed a commitment from 7-foot stretch forward, Mady Traore. And he’ll be eligible to play THIS season.
Surely, a guy committing this late in the process isn’t going to be a difference maker, right? It’s probably a guy no one has heard of. Someone who has slipped through the cracks.
But what if I told you that Taore, a French native (who has moved around quite a bit in recent years) had offers from Auburn, Kansas, Oregon, LSU, Arizona, Illinois, Florida, and many, many more.
Intrigued?
Well, we are. Especially after watching some of his recent film.
NC State got in on Traore late after seeing him at the NBA camp in early July. But the story is kind of strange because after coming over to America midway through high school, he really jumped around to different schools. Maybe he was trying to find a place where he’d be showcased? But either way, all the moving made it hard to keep track of him. The one connection he does have to the Pack is LJ Thomas. The NC State incoming freshman, Thomas, played for Bull City prep and during all his moving, Traore spent a small amount of time with the AAU team at one point.
Whatever the story is, Traore committed to NC State on July 29th.
Here he is talking to Pro Insights, explaining what Pack fans can expect of him.
Traore wasn’t on campus yet, so he couldn’t make the trip to the Bahamas with the team, but he should be ready to go when the team returns.
What can we expect?
Well, we’re not sure. It’s likely Traore won’t be in the main rotation to start the season, but it wouldn’t surprise me for him to start seeing minutes at some point this season. He is 7 feet tall and can guard almost any position.
So is he a project player? Depends on your definition of that. I think this kid has all the tools necessary to be an eventual NBA talent. The question is, can he put it all together? He needs to bulk up, get more physical and just get more experience at a high level.
He’s got a 7’3 wing span. He can shoot it. He’s athletic, shifty, and has great footwork and coordination for a 7-footer. His handle is a little suspect, but he seems to have a pretty good court IQ. He looks like a coachable kid with a high motor. Pair that with his God-given tools, and well, Keatts and company may have just snatched up an eventual elite level talent under everyone’s nose.
NC State added a 6'11 piece to their 2022 recruiting class in Mady Traore. What will he be able to bring to the table for the Wolfpack? #PhenomHoops
This season has been brutal. Not that I expected any miracles in this game but man, at least a space to breathe with a win but nope, not gonna happen. And honestly, I want that breath of air for the players because they need something to latch onto. Oh well.
Yea, would love to see some positives so the players have some enthusiasm for next season. If we lose out – a definite possibility since we couldn’t even beat Pitt – it would be the worst season in Pack basketball history by a lot. Corrigan may decide to burn it down.
I dread the idea of starting over once again.
Corrigan stated he supported Keatts and seemed strong on the idea of keeping him. While things can change, I personally think it’d be a bad idea to let Keatts go at this point. Starting over would require so much more momentum than going forward with what we have, especially if we can hold onto the major pieces. But who knows?