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NC State adds Butler CG Jayden Taylor in Transfer Portal

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After a Damian Dunn (Temple SG) chose Houston last week, NC State keyed in on a few other 2 guards, one of which was Jayden Taylor from Butler, who just committed today.

Taylor is a 6’4, 195lb shooting guard who is really versatile and while he might not have the 3 point range that Terquavion Smith had, he still can knock it down from out there and is a lot more selective with his shots from beyond the arc.

Taylor averaged 12 points and 4 rebounds last season, shooting 40% from the floor and 32.6% from deep. He shot 331 shots last season and 138 of those were 3s. He’ll likely be slotting in as a starter in place of Smith who averaged 18 and 4 last year. However, Smith shot 38% from the floor and 33.6% from long range. They are pretty close percentage wise, however Smith shot 547 shots last season and 271 of those were 3s.

For those Pack fans who were frustrated at the volume of shots Smith was taking last year, they’ll like the style of Taylor a little more. He’s not a volume scorer, but he is a very versatile player. He plays physical and likes to attack off the drive, but can get hot from downtown as well.

He’s got a good handle and is a smart basketball player. In fact, many anyalysts believe we haven’t even seen the best of Taylor yet.

Here is Jake Weingarten from Stockrisers.

Taylor will be competing for minutes with Trey Parker, the 2 guard freshman phenom who likely will get a good share of minutes this seaosn as well.

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Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago

DJ Horne signed – grad out of ASU – 6’1″ 175.His stat line last season compares very favorably with Jarkel’s last season at Ole Miss. Same size as Joiner. Lower overall FG% on the same number of shots, a little higher 3PT% and took more 3PT shots per game, a little better rebounder, and about the same in assists. TO are exactly the same.

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Reading up on DJ Horne’s senior season a little more. Looks pretty good.
14 games 4+ reb
13 games 3+ assists
10 games 2+ steals
4 games 20+ points
34 points career high

Dof87
Dof87
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Horne seems like a solid addition and now we have a pretty full contingent of guards with a range of experience and a variety of sizes. A few more assists on his stat line would be nice, but otherwise I’m very excited.

Bigs situation remains cloudy.

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago

Saw this posted online. This is one solution we have been hearing rumored for Dusan.

“NCAA NIL loophole being used by some college basketball programs, turn scholarship kids into walkons and then give those players NIL money to make up for lack of scholarship.”

Rev
Rev
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

So does that really mean a player could play 8 or 10 years of college ball? I mean Dusan is a good example since he has missed two season due to injuries and his medical cost alone could run $100k. Maybe what you say is not so different . Seemed like Wojo and Spanarkle both played about six years.

Dof87
Dof87
11 months ago
Reply to  Rev

I think even walk ons are limited to 4 years of play (plus 1 covid year for some).

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago
Reply to  Rev

I think what you are asking is, does the player have his ‘5 to play 4’ scholarship and then the option to hang around and play more if we pay NIL money? I don’t know the rulebook that well, but I think we would have seen that happen if it were allowed and players wanted it, and I don’t think we have despite all of our jokes about opposing players being around a long time. And I’m not sure it would appeal to many players. So I suspect your real question is (and all of us want to know), could… Read more »

Dof87
Dof87
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

I don’t think there is anything that relegates a ‘walk on’ to not starting or to be a scout team only team member. Traditionally walk ons are not talented enough to earn scholarship positions and therefore don’t normally play, but the world is changing before our eyes.

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago

The college basketball ‘calendar’ has stretched out a bit. As KK has said, it never really ends anymore. I was curious, so looked up some dates. They shift slightly every year, but this is generally what the calendar looks like. Sep 9 – Nov 6: Recruiting window Oct 15: Basketball practice official start Nov 7 – Apr 3: Basketball season Nov 9 – Nov 16: Early signing period (HS) Nov 11 – Mar 29: Recruiting window Mar 13 – May 11: Transfer notification window Apr 12 – 17: Regular signing period (HS) Apr 21 – 27: Recruiting May-June (ish): NBA… Read more »

Dof87
Dof87
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Good info. Thanks.
To me the biggest thing at the moment is transfer notification window not ending till May 11. Lots of sheet can happen between now and then.

Dof87
Dof87
11 months ago

I see Cam Hayes has jumped back into the portal.

Rev
Rev
11 months ago
Reply to  Dof87

Wow! That pretty much confirms my opinion about his decision to leave State.

Afterglow
Afterglow
11 months ago
Reply to  Rev

It kind of sucks for someone like Cam. The portal probably gives the false impression that just because you can and it’s easy, means you should and you’ll get more playing time. I suppose that may be the case for some players. Unless of course you just decide that you were playing out of your league and went to a different division.

Dof87
Dof87
11 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

I wonder how much it could be about NIL money. If you don’t see your NBA prospects as being very good, then why not stretch out college as long as possible and get as much NIL bucks as you can, even if that means a transfer and sitting out another year. Life as a serviceable college basketball player today is pretty darn good, better than it has ever been. On the other side, seeing teammates getting big NIL bucks while you are not getting similar could breed some resentment amongst teammates. And getting big NIL bucks to play could bring… Read more »

Last edited 11 months ago by Dof87
Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago
Reply to  Dof87

I never thought he’d be one of those guys that hops around. Of course, I expected him to be the second coming of Markel, so what do I know? They say the second transfer is not going to be automatic that you get immediate eligibility.

Rev
Rev
11 months ago

My memory is almost as good as my predictions. But I remember when Rice was a four maybe even five star prospect and a lock for State. He ended up going to one of those California not quite professional high schools didn’t he? Wasn’t he the one who also had personal/family issues? I really don’t want anyone with issues like Ian Steere and his dad. That $#it is bad for team chemistry.

Afterglow
Afterglow
11 months ago
Reply to  Rev

I don’t remember Rice at all but that doesn’t mean anything. Maybe things have changed.

Dof87
Dof87
11 months ago
Reply to  Rev

Rice may have some question marks, but as I”ve observed that during the season every kid actually showing up for KK has given it his all and has been a solid teammate even when things aren’t going well. I don’t expect any difference with future recruits or transfers.

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago

MJ Rice just announced he will visit this weekend. He’s scheduling other visits as well, including Pitt, but it sounds like we are first. He’s from Durham. Played one year at Kansas but struggled with a back problem all season.
5 star player, McDonald’s AA, 6’5″ 215, considered going to the G league out of HS. He is a SG, so he would have to play the 4 – he may not like that idea. We may not be a good fit, but he’d be an incredible pick up.

Last edited 11 months ago by Papajohn
wolfpack74
wolfpack74
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Rice would be nice. No pun intended.

Afterglow
Afterglow
11 months ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

Per one source, El Ellis is MJ Rice’ friend.

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago
Reply to  Afterglow

I heard that too, I can’t decide if that is good, bad or neither one, since neither has committed.
DJ Horne is visiting first and if he signs, we no longer want Ellis. Both are PG with one year remaining eligibility. I think Ellis is going through the NBA feedback process so it may be a while before he decides. My guess is, we won’t wait unless we have no choice.
Unless Rice wants to play forward in a 4 guard offense this season, I suspect he’ll look elsewhere so he can play the 2 or 3.

Last edited 11 months ago by Papajohn
Afterglow
Afterglow
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Yep. Unless MJ Rice commits, it means little. Even still, not sure how much it would even in El Ellis is his friend.

Rev
Rev
11 months ago

Adding to Papajohn … Miranda IS special. He was ranked in the top 30 of the 2023 class but of course his ranking fell after reclassifying and signing with the Pack 🤨. This kid will see plenty of playing time. On another note, Ben Middlebrooks would be great addition to a team desperate for a replacement for Dusan. I think he would definitely be an upgrade to Ebe. With his connection to Kareem Richardson the Rev prediction is 70% to NCSU. BTW the Rev is correct almost 2% of the time

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago
Reply to  Rev

“almost” 2% of the time. 😂

Afterglow
Afterglow
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

And there’s only a 10% chance of that.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
11 months ago
Reply to  Rev

Don’t go to Vegas this weekend.

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago

Interesting to throw into the mix. If you read what many are saying online, both Parkers will be serious contributors next season. ‘Hard to keep on the bench’ people are saying, and it has been suggested that Trey might break into the starting lineup in the same way Terquavion did. A scorer. . Add to that, Miranda is special. He will play. I watched him in warmups every home game since he arrived at Christmas, and he’s going to be something. He considered going directly to the NBA. At 7’1″, a heck of an athlete. He has good hands, quickness,… Read more »

Last edited 11 months ago by Papajohn
wolfpack74
wolfpack74
11 months ago

MUSTAPHA AMZIL from Dayton, why not?

.

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago

Taylor will play the SG, his stats don’t indicate he’s much of a passer. However, just for grins, I just did a comparison of he and Joiner’s last seasons at their respective former schools (Ole Miss & Butler), and the numbers are very similar. Both leading scorers on P6 teams. (remember the Big East had Creighton and UConn this season) The biggest differences between the two being Taylor is 3 inches taller and 15 pounds heavier, and Joiner was a 4 year player. But with two years more years experience, Taylor could be the better player. That bodes well for… Read more »

Dof87
Dof87
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Seems like a good fit for KK’s style, of course we need to see the rest of the pieces of the puzzle come together. I think its interesting that a teammate of Bates decides to come the NC State, its a sign the Bates isn’t out badmouthing the program or KK, and maybe even speaking highly of it. It seems these days you want to be a portal kids’ first visit and hopefully hook him before he gets a chance to see anything else. It would be really nice to know Dusan’s fate. Not just for us fans but for… Read more »

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago
Reply to  Dof87

Similar thoughts about Dusan. Love the guy, what a great team player. Any delay doesn’t help anyone, and the NCAA is well aware of the chaos (that they caused) going on with the transfer portal right now. We need a decision. Unless we have strong medical reassurance that we can rely on him next season, I think we have to use his scholarship if given the opportunity to pick up a player of his quality. The worst that could happen is we wait, and either the NCAA refuses his medical redshirt or he can’t physically play if he does get… Read more »

Last edited 11 months ago by Papajohn
Dof87
Dof87
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Maybe if he gets cleared he could walk on and pay his tuition with NIL money.

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago
Reply to  Dof87

Yep, that’s the rumor floating around

Rev
Rev
11 months ago
Reply to  Dof87

I don’t think he has any eligibility left without the NCAA approval.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Did we lose Dunn due to the money? I read an earlier article where he was very serious about accepting the position at State. Georgetown must have some real buck to share.

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

No idea, but that’s where my head goes every time we lose a player we expect to have a shot at. That 7’ kid that went to Florida still kills me.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

We have five guards now counting Morsell and Parker, how about a couple of forwards. We have the Parker kid coming in, but we need someone with experience to help.

Papajohn
Papajohn
11 months ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

We have a 6’10” kid coming this weekend, Ben Middlebrooks, a transfer from Clemson. 2 years experience. Ironically, his career high game (10/7) was the first game against us this season. So KK & Co have seen a lot of him.
My guess is, he fits nicely into the Dusan slot. Same size, two years eligibility remaining.

Last edited 11 months ago by Papajohn
Rev
Rev
11 months ago
Reply to  Papajohn

I think NIL $ impact a lot of decisions, but I tend to think many kids in the portal are looking at competition for playing time. Dusan is a question mark and Burns, Ross, Miranda, and Parker almost certainly will play lots of minutes next year. We need an experienced, shot blocking bruiser who is not afraid to mix it up in practice or games.

NC State Basketball

Snag 5 New ACCT Inspired NC State Shirts Today!

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Our friends over at BreakingT have released 5 new ACC Tournament Inspired NC State Shirts, and they can become yours today!

Click here today to check out these shirts, and many others!

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NC State Basketball

NC State is 1 of 11 Schools with Men’s & Women’s Teams in the NCAAT, & a Football Team in a Bowl Game

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NC State is 1 of 11 schools to have both their Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams earn spots in the NCAA Tournament, while also having a Division-I Football team that played a game in the postseason.

The Wolfpack Women’s Basketball team is a #3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and the Men are an #11 seed. The Football team lost to Kansas St. 19-28 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

Here’s a look at the other the 11 schools who have pulled off the trifecta.

NC State
Tennessee
Texas
Texas A&M
Kansas
Alabama
Arizona
Auburn
Duke
Iowa St.
UNC

NC State is the only school in the nation, to have both their Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams play in their Conference’s Championship game.

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NC State Basketball

NC State’s DJ Burns Joins the 2,000 Point Club

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This past Saturday was a good night for NC State’s DJ Burns. He led NC State to their 1st ACC Championship since 1987. He earned the ACC Tournament MVP Award. He also joined the 2,000 point club.

With 11:52 left in the 2nd half, Burns fittingly made a hook shot that added up to his 1,999th point and his 2,000th point.

Burns joined DJ Horne, who joined the 2,000 point club earlier in the ACC Tournament in the Wolfpack’s victory over Duke.

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NC State Basketball

NC State is Right Outside of the AP Top-25 Heading into the NCAA Tournament

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The new Men’s College Basketball AP Poll is out, and NC State is right outside of the Top-25, sitting at 29th heading into the 1st round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Wolfpack will be playing Texas Tech in the 1st round on Thursday night at 9:40, and the Red Raiders moved up 3 spots in this poll to #22.

ACC Teams in the AP Poll

5. UNC
13. Duke
29. NC State
39. Clemson

It is interesting that NC State is the 3rd highest ranked team in the AP Poll, but are the lowest seed of any ACC team in the NCAA Tournament.

With a good showing in the NCAA Tournament, the Wolfpack could find themselves in the Final AP Top-25 for the first time since 2003-04, when they finished 15th. NC State has been ranked in the Final AP Top-25 seventeen times.

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