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NC State Basketball

D.J. Burns is OFFICIALLY BACK!

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Well, it’s OFFICIAL. D.J Burns will be returning to NC State for his final year of collegiate eligibility!

 

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A post shared by DJ Burns / BIG 30♨️ (@dj.b30)

This confirms everything I’d been hearing about the return of Burns. Burns was the key to the Wolfpack offense running effectively this past year. He averaged 12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 2022-23, but he elevated his game in ACC play, averaging 16.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in conference games.

Burns is celebrating his return to run with the Wolfpack by dropping his own Big 30 merch. Go over and snag something.

Matthew is Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, and is in charge of business strategy. He is an NC State alum who majored in business. Matthew is also the lead pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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Papajohn
Papajohn
6 days ago

I admit it, I am not a Celtics fan. To me, they are the UNC of the NBA.
So I am really enjoying their series against the Heat. Making it even better is seeing former Pack players Caleb Martin and Omar Yurtseven playing for the Heat. Caleb played 35 minutes and scored 18 pts yesterday.

Papajohn
Papajohn
7 days ago

With Casey back, the five returning players should be locked inFreshman Dennis Parker Jr is on campusTransfers Taylor, Horne, Middlebrooks and Rice are on campusO’Connell has 22 credits to complete his econ degree this summer, so he’ll probably be at Stanford all summerNot sure about Diarra, but transfers usually show upWill Trey Parker show up? No reason to think he won’t, but it’s happened before. He’s a heck of a talent. I think that’s our only question mark

Last edited 7 days ago by Papajohn
Papajohn
Papajohn
11 days ago

Isn’t about time for Joey’s rant on how good, or bad, the new Pack basketball lineup is?

Afterglow
Afterglow
7 days ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Yep. It’s been too quiet. Also, in other news, Morsell is back for his senior year. Great news in my opinion. I can see him really blooming into a quiet yet powerful player next season.

Papajohn
Papajohn
7 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Casey had career highs in almost every major category last season. I agree, he should have a really good year. I’d like to see him get more aggressive at creating his own shot.

Papajohn
Papajohn
7 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

moved

Last edited 7 days ago by Papajohn
Papajohn
Papajohn
14 days ago

O’Connell signed! We’ve got our point guard. He’s played three seasons, so should have two if he wants them.
Outstanding get for the team. Not a big scorer, but we are loaded with scorers, we just needed someone to lead the team.
He’s started 76 games at Stanford, so will be one of the most experienced players on the team, only behind Burns, Morsell, and Horne. Just what you need in a PG.

Afterglow
Afterglow
14 days ago
Reply to  Papajohn

NICE! I was hoping for that sort of news. YEEEEEESSSSSSSS!

Afterglow
Afterglow
14 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

3.1 assists on just under 26 mpg. Considering the fact a game is 40 minutes, those numbers could go up.

Papajohn
Papajohn
13 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

I think you are absolutely right, he’ll get more minutes at a faster pace which should result in his assist numbers rising. And he’s got a big man in the middle with outstanding hands who will score on 50+% of his attempts.
A younger PG might need time to adapt to the speed of the college game, or the physicality, but O’Connell shouldn’t have that problem.

SorryIamafan
SorryIamafan
13 days ago
Reply to  Papajohn

We have eight guards. What are we going to do, have two shifts of four guards and one center. We needed small and power forwards. But now we have two tokens instead of one.

Papajohn
Papajohn
13 days ago
Reply to  SorryIamafan

Not sure I’m following you.
We have three guys who call themselves PG, O’Connell, Thomas and Pass.
We have two guys who are definitely centers, Burns and Middlebrooks.
We have two big guys that see themselves as PF, Ross and Dialla.
Then we have Horne, Taylor, Morsell, Rice, Parker, and Parker to play the SG & SF.
And then we have lots of flexibility to swap in and out across the SG, SF, and PF depending on the matchup and who’s playing well.

Afterglow
Afterglow
12 days ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Don’t follow either. I think we have all the pieces now. A point guard was what we’re were looking for and point guard is what we got.

SorryIamafan
SorryIamafan
17 days ago

Better try to get the kid out of Tennessee (Phillips – small forward to replace no one in particular).

Afterglow
Afterglow
19 days ago

And… Isaiah Miranda enters the transfer portal. SMH!!! Can we get one stinking break!!!!!!!!!!

Papajohn
Papajohn
19 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

I was disappointed too, but all the evidence makes you wonder how good he was. He never got into a game, even with the walk-ons? His HS rank would make you assume he had to be better than Ebe, but when Dusan went down, Ebe was the backup. Weird. Obviously, he isn’t going pro, we’ll see what he does elsewhere. He certainly looked athletic for a 7′ player during warmups. But, we have a chance to get a real PG. Let’s see if the staff can find someone. I’ll bet the staff has been working on this since Bradley fell… Read more »

Last edited 19 days ago by Papajohn
Afterglow
Afterglow
19 days ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Good points. I would have thought we would have seen some playing time from him and nothing. I kept waiting. Maybe this will make more sense as time goes on, or maybe this will be the one that got away.

While I don’t think having Miranda was stopping us (because we obviously still had a scholarship left) unless I’m missing something, I do agree, let’s go grab us a good point guard! Honestly, I think that’s going to be the difference maker. Get me a good point guard and I’ll be like, Miranda who?

Last edited 19 days ago by Afterglow
Afterglow
Afterglow
18 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Sound as if you’re right, Papajohn. We now have one remaining scholarship and we are looking for a point guard, according to PackPride VIP. Still think something would have opened up somehow had Miranda not transferred. Seems like it should have once Dusan left.

Papajohn
Papajohn
18 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Rumor has it we are trying to lock down a kid named Michael O’Connell from Stanford. Three years playing Pac12 competition would be welcome. He was their starting PG last season, started 28 games. Not a big scorer, only 5.2 ppg, but 3.1 apg, 13 games with 4 or more assists, and 12 assists in one game.

Last edited 18 days ago by Papajohn
SorryIamafan
SorryIamafan
17 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Yeah, like try playing with 5 guards and see where are get. No where is my answer. We need small and power forwards on this team and try something besides high pick and roll every time down the court.

Afterglow
Afterglow
16 days ago
Reply to  SorryIamafan

I think one of the reasons we play high pick and roll and a lot of iso is because KK’s offense works best under a team that has a formidable point guard. Look no further than when he had Markell Johnson. That is why we need a point guard. In my opinion, we have all the other parts.

SorryIamafan
SorryIamafan
17 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Not with KK as coach. Look at all the players that he has recruited that never stepped on the court.

Papajohn
Papajohn
24 days ago

We have ramped up our pursuit of a guard in the 24 hours since Bradley signed. Shemarri Allen, and Kyron Gibson are on our radar. I get the feeling the staff knows they are going to have a scholarship to give. With Bradley, I thought if someone with his potential decided to sign, we’d figure it out and make it work. But now it feels more like we’re looking for a PG, and filling a scholarship that has yet to open up. Allen grew up in NC. Only one year eligible. Made league All Defensive team last season. Gibson is… Read more »

Afterglow
Afterglow
24 days ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Interesting. I do get the sense we are not done and PG is our main focus.

Afterglow
Afterglow
25 days ago

Well? Guess that ends that debate. Arizona lands Bradley.

Papajohn
Papajohn
24 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

That reinforces my theory that the last place they visit frequently seals the deal.

Afterglow
Afterglow
25 days ago

Memphis’ Tiger’s Basketball Insider has an article titled, “Should Memphis be worried Jaden Bradley might soon commit elsewhere?” Can’t access the article but found it interesting. I know Arizona has been in the mix, so there’s that.

Afterglow
Afterglow
27 days ago

PackPride has some intel on Jaden Bradley on “Hoop Scoop” but it’s VIP. My guess is, if it were anything big, we’d know more.

Rev
Rev
28 days ago

Two points: First Yes we absolutely need a point guard. Joiner showed that the “coach on the floor” is the key to success even with veterans playing. I think Bradley is working with his accountants and publicists to coordinate his announcement with Memphis and Hardaway. Second: There will always be a contingent of State “fans” who are Keatts haters. A couple of guys that were regulars here still show up on other sites with truly venomous remarks about Keatts and even our own players. I try not to respond but the temptation is there. FINALLY: I miss Howler. Hope he… Read more »

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
1 month ago

Great, now get in the best shape you can. It was obvious that playing in Denver did not helping your pro stock.

SorryIamafan
SorryIamafan
17 days ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

He could hardly breathe after two trips up and back.

Papajohn
Papajohn
1 month ago

Okay, just so you know, I’m OFFICIALLY BACK!!
I’ve renewed my WPC membership and bought my season tickets.

(I guess announcing you’re back is a thing now – or maybe only if you are a grad)

Papajohn
Papajohn
1 month ago

Would have been cool if all of his merch sold for ‘big $30’.

Afterglow
Afterglow
1 month ago

Good to hear. I do wonder if he’s going to stick with what’s working or if he’s going to try more of a body transformation.

Rev
Rev
1 month ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Body Transformation…good idea. I doubt a lot will change in his game but slimming down and getting in better physical condition would improve his game. really glad he is back. For some reason, I never doubted he would once I found out he had another year of eligibility.

Dof87
Dof87
1 month ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Word is he’s lost 20 lbs so far this off season. Which is about the amount Miranda supposedly has gained.

Afterglow
Afterglow
1 month ago
Reply to  Dof87

Cool! I really like the idea of a weight exchange program. Works well for both parties.

Afterglow
Afterglow
1 month ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Can I give some my weight to Miranda as well?

Papajohn
Papajohn
1 month ago
Reply to  Dof87

He looks slimmer in the latest pictures.
Last season after a road win when he was asked about getting ice cream he said he wasn’t interested. So he was probably focusing on his diet even then, because I don’t believe anyone dislikes ice cream.
He’s a smart guy. He knows this is his last season to market himself for that future employer. And he knows we are now “Levi’s House O’ Bigs” so guys are going to be fighting for minutes. Both really good reasons to work hard this offseason.

Afterglow
Afterglow
1 month ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Smart indeed. I can’t wait to see this transformation.

On a totally different note, I can’t believe we haven’t heard anything-one way or another-from Jaden Bradley. Not that I think he’s coming her but more that there’s been nary a peep from him on what his plans are. Usually there’s a visit, or someone with some inside news that points the way things are trending but the word on Bradley has been crickets.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
1 month ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Teams are probably trying to get the funds together to pay for him. Every State fan should start a GO FUND BRADLEY site. Horner, and Morsell are surely gone after next year. If Rice has a great year, he will be gone also. The two young recruits are labelled as shooting guards. We need him for the long haul.

Dof87
Dof87
1 month ago
Reply to  Afterglow

I’m less enthusiastic about Bradley as time goes on. I wonder if he’s either too much concerned about max NIL, or just doesn’t know what he wants. Maybe he’s just taking his time evaluating all options, but its not like he doesn’t already have a range of options. He does carry some off court baggage, deserved or not.

Papajohn
Papajohn
1 month ago
Reply to  Dof87

Agree, you don’t hear about many players visiting multiple places and then weeks later announcing, ‘having visited 25 schools and carefully analyzing my options and consulting my tax accountants, I have decided to commit to a school I visited many weeks ago.’
Diarra was exceptionally quick, but it seems like if you don’t get them within a week of the OV, you don’t get them.

Afterglow
Afterglow
1 month ago
Reply to  Papajohn

All fair points. Just think we need a point guard.

Afterglow
Afterglow
1 month ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Also, I don’t feel like he’s necessarily visiting a ton of schools. It’s just been real quiet. We heard about his visit to Memphis and now, there’s been nothing, not a sound. It feels to me like whatever decision he’s made he’s keeping it quiet.

Last edited 1 month ago by Afterglow
Papajohn
Papajohn
29 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

We absolutely need a PG! All those bigs, and DJ is probably the only one that can get himself a shot. Casey is a ‘catch and shoot’ guy. This team is a good PG away from being really good, at least on paper. However, unfortunately I suspect KK has given up on bringing one in. If not, why haven’t we seen other PGs on official visits? I’ll bet Diarra’s scholly was targeted for Bradley and when they sensed he was not going to happen, they went to plan B. (or ‘D’ in this case) And, should I be wrong and… Read more »

Last edited 29 days ago by Papajohn
Afterglow
Afterglow
29 days ago
Reply to  Papajohn

I somehow don’t think Bradley is off the table.

Papajohn
Papajohn
29 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Hope you are correct! 🤞🙏

Afterglow
Afterglow
29 days ago
Reply to  Papajohn

News but Not News Because I’m No Expert

I noticed one interesting development and not sure if one can read the tea leaves from this but, Ty-Laur Johnson, #14-point guard in the Class of 2023 by 247 Sports and #83 player over all by ESPN, decommitted from Memphis. We also recruited Ty-Laur Johnson, and during that time of recruitment, he had a “High” level of interest in N.C. State.

Last edited 29 days ago by Afterglow
Papajohn
Papajohn
28 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Decent top 5 list of schools recruiting him, Memphis, Creighton, DePaul, Miss St, and us.
Wonder if that would mess up our relationship with Jaeden Mustaf (2024, top 30, 6’6″ PG – friends with signee Paul McNeil Jr), we’re on his short list.
Recruiting is brutal.

Last edited 28 days ago by Papajohn
Afterglow
Afterglow
28 days ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Yeah, I would imagine any PG this year may challenge a recruit for next year. Unless we get a one and done, I’m not sure the alternative of playing without a point guard this year in hopes of nabbing someone good next year is a good one.

Papajohn
Papajohn
27 days ago
Reply to  Afterglow

Saw an article on FB on the top remaining transfers, it included Bradley and said we were still in the mix for him.
I tried to paste the link but the PI app wouldn’t allow it. But that was about all it said. Memphis & Ariz also in play.

Last edited 27 days ago by Papajohn
wolfpack74
wolfpack74
27 days ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Get the money ready and go get him. Possible 3 years of a good point guard would be nice.

NC State Basketball

Isaiah Miranda is an Early Entry Candidate for the 2023 NBA Draft

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The NBA released the names of the 242 players that have filed as early entry candidates for NBA Draft 2023 last night, and NC State’s Isaiah Miranda’s name was on the list.

Miranda (7’1″/225) joined the Wolfpack back in December, deciding to forgo the remainder of his prep season. Miranda didn’t see the court for NC State, resulting in a redshirt season.

ON3 ranked Miranda as the #16 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class.

It makes perfect sense for a player like Miranda, with his height and athleticism, to go through the draft process to be evaluated on what he needs to continue to work on. As an early entrant, Miranda has the ability to pull his name out of the draft and remain a collegiate athlete.

I don’t expect Miranda to keep his name in the hat when the time comes. From what I hear his game has tons of potential, but he still needs to fine tune his craft. Also, Miranda shared this on social media, implying he will be back in the Red and White next year.

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NC State Basketball

Missouri Transfer Mohamed Diarra Commits to NC State

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NC State picked up their 5th transfer today. Mohamed Diarra (6’10″/215) committed to run with the Wolfpack today while in Raleigh on an Official Visit.

Diarra originally spent his first two seasons at Garden City Community College, averaging 17.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game in his second season. He landed at Missouri last year, after being rated as the #1 JUCO prospect in the 2022 class according to JucoRecruiting.com.

In his only season at Missouri, Diarra averaged 11.7 minutes per game in 25 games played (6 starts), averaging 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. Because of the extra year due to Covid, Diarra has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

With news breaking today that Dusan Mahorcic entered the Transfer Portal, the Wolfpack found his replacement. NC State’s frontcourt in 2023-24 currently will be made up of D.J. Burns, Ben Middlebrooks, Mohamed Diarra and Ernest Ross.

Check out these highlights of Diarra.

There is a lot to like in Diarra’s game. He is athletic, can hit a jump shot, put the ball on the floor, can play defense on the perimeter, block shots, and is an aggressive rebounder.

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NC State Basketball

Missouri Transfer Mohamed Diarra is On an Official Visit to NC State Today

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Missouri Transfer Mohamed Diarra (6’10″/215) is on an Official Visit to NC State today. Diarra originally spent his first two seasons at Garden City Community College, averaging 17.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game in his second season. He landed at Missouri last year, after being rated as the #1 JUCO prospect in the 2022 class according to JucoRecruiting.com.

In his only season at Missouri, Diarra averaged 11.7 minutes per game in 25 games played (6 starts), averaging 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. Because of the extra year due to Covid, Diarra has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

Diarra entered the Transfer Portal on March 28th.

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NC State Basketball

Dusan Mahorcic Enters the Transfer Portal

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On April 21st, NC State big man Dusan Mahorcic revealed that the ACC had approved his medical hardship waiver, giving him an extra year of collegiate eligibility.

Image

Then last night, news broke that Mahorcic had entered the transfer portal.

From what I’m hearing, the Wolfpack coaching staff offered Mahorcic a medical hardship. The expectation is that Dusan might not be ready until February, because he had a second surgery after the first. With a medical hardship, Mahorcic could go to school, practice, and rehab, but not play. Mahorcic wasn’t interested in this option.

We wish Dusan the best!

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