NC State Basketball
D.J. Burns is OFFICIALLY BACK!
NC State Basketball
Guard Mike O’Connell Announces He Will Play His Final Year of Eligibility at NC State
ECU Transfer Power Forward Ezra Ausar (6’9″/240) was on an Official Visit to NC State yesterday, and according to analysts at ON3 and 247Sports, things are trending in the right direction for the Wolfpack.
Jamie Shaw of ON3 submitted a prediction for Ausar to eventually commit to NC State yesterday morning.
Cory Smith of 247Sports submitted a crystal ball projection for Ausar to run with the Wolfpack this morning.
Ausar just wrapped up his Sophomore season in Greenville, averaging 11.4 points and 4.7 rebounds, shooting 51.4% from the field. As a Freshman, he was named to the AAC All-Freshman Team, averaging 9.8 points and 5.3 rebounds.
Ausar is a consensus 4-Star prospect in the Transfer Portal, and ON3 ranks him as the #60 overall player in the Portal and the #10 Power Forward.
Originally from Atlanta, Ausar played his Senior Season of High School at Liberty Heights Athletic Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. ON3 ranked Ausar as a 4-Star prospect coming out of high school, the #94 overall player nationally, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina.
Ausar has visited Seton Hall, Georgia Tech, met over Zoom with Georgetown, and had an in-home visit with Utah. John Calipari and his staff at Arkansas have been in touch with Ausar, as well as Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Arizona State, West Virginia, Iowa State and St. John’s. (Link)
Ausar has 2 years of eligibility remaining, and NC State currently has 1 scholarship remaining.
NC State Basketball
NC State Signee Zamareya Jones Showed Out in the McDonald’s & Jordan All-American Games
NC State Basketball
NC State’s Kevin Keatts and DJ Burns Sounded the Siren at the Canes Game Tonight
NC State Baseball Bracketology Report Heading Into Series Against FSU
Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. will Take an Official Visit at NC State Next Week
Guard Mike O’Connell Announces He Will Play His Final Year of Eligibility at NC State
NC State Sits in the Top-20 in 247’s Post-Spring 2024 Preseason Poll
3-Star DT Drayden Pavey is Taking an Official Visit to NC State
NC State’s Current 2024 Football Scholarship Breakdown
NC State’s Mohamed Diarra Will Not Return to NC State for Final Season
NC State has Dominated UNC in Athletics in 2023-24
Louisville Transfer Guard Mike James is a Priority for NC State
NC State Football Recruiting Update
2024 NC State Commit Trey Parker Finishes 2nd in OTE Dunk Contest
VIDEO BREAKDOWN: Was BYU 3 point barrage unstoppable, or was NC State’s defense to blame? You decide.
VIDEO: Terquavion Smith GOES OFF in G-League Debut with 37 points & 8 Boards
NC State lands combo guard DJ Horne from the portal
O’Connell is on campus (6/22) and Woods will be there Monday. (6/26)
Do we have a final roster yet???? My understanding is that everyone is on campus and participating in the workouts except Woods and O’Connell. Woods just signed and in his interview said he is definitely planning to be here for second summer session, which starts June 26. (For grins, someone on the PP board predicted that “if Woods gets the wavier, I predict he’ll be starting by mid season.”) Now that sports betting is legal, I’ll bet he doesn’t get that wavier. I heard O’Connell was 22 credits away from graduating and was going to try to get it done… Read more »
Well, that didn’t take too long. Welcome to the Pack, Kam Woods!!!
NC State 2023 signee Trey Parker reclassifying to 2024. Heard this one before.
You wonder if he was going to be able to get minutes. If so, where? We have 4 guards who are seasoned starters on P6 teams, (Morsell (started 70 games), Horne (107), Taylor (42), O’Connell (76)) Rice is KK’s top recruit ever, you know he’s going to get every opportunity for minutes at the 2, 3, or 4, and will likely start eventually if he’s as good as his clippings say. And if Thomas continues last season’s trajectory, he’ll get plenty of minutes as well, I hope. The harsh reality is, you never can predict accurately, but we probably already… Read more »
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.
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
Isn’t about time for Joey’s rant on how good, or bad, the new Pack basketball lineup is?
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.
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.
moved
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.
NICE! I was hoping for that sort of news. YEEEEEESSSSSSSS!
3.1 assists on just under 26 mpg. Considering the fact a game is 40 minutes, those numbers could go up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Better try to get the kid out of Tennessee (Phillips – small forward to replace no one in particular).
And… Isaiah Miranda enters the transfer portal. SMH!!! Can we get one stinking break!!!!!!!!!!
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 »
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not with KK as coach. Look at all the players that he has recruited that never stepped on the court.
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 »
Interesting. I do get the sense we are not done and PG is our main focus.
Well? Guess that ends that debate. Arizona lands Bradley.
That reinforces my theory that the last place they visit frequently seals the deal.
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.
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.
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 »
Great, now get in the best shape you can. It was obvious that playing in Denver did not helping your pro stock.
He could hardly breathe after two trips up and back.
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)
Would have been cool if all of his merch sold for ‘big $30’.
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.
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.
Word is he’s lost 20 lbs so far this off season. Which is about the amount Miranda supposedly has gained.
Cool! I really like the idea of a weight exchange program. Works well for both parties.
Can I give some my weight to Miranda as well?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All fair points. Just think we need a point guard.
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.
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 »
I somehow don’t think Bradley is off the table.
Hope you are correct! 🤞🙏
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get the money ready and go get him. Possible 3 years of a good point guard would be nice.