Next season, NC State will all but certainly be without star SG Terquavion Smith and Kevin Keatts doesn’t really have someone to step into that role on his current roster.
That’s why you’ve seen the staff so focused on that position as they head out on the recruiting trail.
It’s worth noting that State shouldn’t have a tough time filling this position.
Keatts has quite the track record with 2 guards. He resurrected the careers of 2 transfers, Al Freeman and Devon Daniels, both of whom became the team’s leading scorers. Now you have Terquavion Smith, who set freshman offensive records for NC State. Aside from the year they needed to move Beverly, a PG, over to shooting guard, the 2’s in Keatts’ system have always been elite scorers who have found big-time success (and have been allowed to get big-time volume offensively).
So who is next?
Right now, it appears that 4-star guard Silas Demary Jr. is a high priority for the staff and is getting a lot of attention. He’s a physical 6’4 guard who can do it all and is almost tailor-made for Keatts system. He’s an elite defender, he can score at all 3 levels, and he’s a proven winner. In fact, Demary Jr. helped lead Millbrook HS (Raleigh) to a state title in 2021.
We reached out to Silas and his father to get a closer look at where they are in the recruiting process, and what type of player fans can expect. Here is what Silas Demary Sr. had to say about his son.
PI: NC State is likely going to lose Terquavion Smith to the NBA next season and if so, they’d have big minutes to give out at the 2. How much does an opportunity like that (immediate playing time) factor into the decision?
Demary Sr: Playing time will most definitely be a factor that will come into play as Silas Jr narrows down his list of schools. He is a fast-paced guard that has expressed wanting to go to a program where he can contribute immediately.
PI: Silas won a championship at Milbrook in Raleigh and while he’s now in Charlotte, has ties to the area. How important is location in his decision? Will it factor into the decision?
Demary Sr: Location is not a priority.
PI: This is one for all the fathers out there. We’ve heard that Silas really excels in the classroom. One report says he has a 4.0 GPA. How has he been able to prioritize success in the classroom, while also competing as a high-end athlete? (Any parenting tips?)
Demary Sr: Silas Jr has always been a high academic student. He understands that he is a student-athlete and a student first. Silas Jr has a twin sister (Sierra); the level of competitiveness academically is insane. They both push one another to do well. They make learning fun. Silas Jr always understood the importance of academics. It would never hinder nor limit him from chasing his college dreams. Parenting tips: Always stay ahead, read an article or a book regularly (not from your cell phone) and create good study habits. As training and practices get more intense and longer hours are spent in the gym, being able to juggle the rigor in the classroom is important. Time management is critical.
PI: Explain Silas’ game in your eyes. What are his greatest strengths and where would you like to see him improve?
Demary Sr: I enjoy watching Silas Jr play basketball. He continues to amaze me! I’ve trained him his entire life to be a great football player. As a retired football player, I had big shoes for him to fill. His mother still insists that he is a much better football player than basketball player. However, she now watches as a spectator and not as his mother. From a basketball perspective his strengths are playing with pace, getting downhill with ease, and his greatest strength is being a great teammate. He gets others involved and makes those around him better. I would like to see him improve his overall conditioning to be strong in those intense down-the-stretch moments. When playing at the next level, you would like to be able to finish the game with the same level of intensity that you started with.
PI: What type of program do you see him excelling in? Faster/Slower pace? Defensive/offensive oriented? A more lenient coach or a coach that is going to challenge him daily?
Demary Sr: Silas Jr is a player coach. I see him excelling in a fast-paced, up-tempo offense. Without question, he is a menace on defense. He’s had the opportunity to play for some great coaches from across the spectrum. He is not bothered by high-energy, intense coaches that challenge him to be better. He thrives in that environment.
Demary Jr will be taking his official visit to NC State on September 9th.
He’s already taken official visits to Tennessee, VCU, and St. John, and is scheduled to take one to USC on September 3rd.
This is going to be a hard-fought recruiting battle, but if playing time and fit are going to be major selling points, NC State is going to surely be in the mix.
