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Previewing NC State’s Opponent: UVA

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4 months ago

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NC State (10-3) will host UVA (11-3) in their 2023-24 in their ACC Home opener this afternoon at 2pm on ACC Network. Before tipoff, let’s get to know the Cavaliers a little bit.

Virginia is 2-2 in Quad 1 games, defeating Florida (49th) on a neutral court, and Texas A&M (25th) on their own turf. When the Cavaliers defeated Texas A&M, the Aggies were ranked 14th in the AP Poll. Virginia also lost to Wisconsin (14th) on a Neutral court, and Memphis (42nd) on the road. When they lost to Memphis, the Tigers were ranked 23rd in the AP Poll.

The Cavaliers have a Quad 3 loss at Notre Dame (181st), losing 54-76 in South Bend.

UVA is 2-1 in the ACC, defeating Louisville (77-53) and Syracuse (84-62), while falling to the Irish.

Virginia is averaging 66.6 points per game, which ranks 2nd-to-last in the ACC. As a result, they only have two players averaging 10+ points per game. Senior Guard Reece Beekman leads the Cavs in scoring, assists and steals, averaging 12.9 points, 5.7 assists and 2.3 steals. Beekman is the ACC leader in assists. Sophomore Guard Isaac McKneely is averaging 11.4 points per game, and is shooting 48.6% from beyond the arc.

Sophomore Ryan Dunn (6’8″) leads UVA in rebounding, pulling down 6.9 per game.

Senior Forward Jacob Groves creates mismatch problems, shooting 42.5% from three, while standing 6’9″.

When it comes to defense, this team is what we’ve come to expect from a Tony Bennett led team. The Cavaliers are holding opponents to 55.9 points per game, which is the best scoring defense in the ACC by roughly 9 points per game. They also boast the best field goal percentage defense in the conference, holding opponents to a pitiful 38% from the field.

Bennett’s teams are also known for their discipline and intelligence. UVA ranks 1st in the conference in Assist/Turnover Ratio (1.91) and Turnover Margin (5.62). NC State ranks 2nd in Turnover Margin (5.62).

Rebounding isn’t Virginia’s calling card, ranking dead last in the ACC in Rebounding Margin (-2.1).

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Matthew is Publisher and Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He is also the Lead Pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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NC State Basketball

NC State is Adding UMASS’ Brett Nelson as an Assistant Coach

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1 day ago

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May 15, 2024

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According to reports, NC State is adding UMASS’ Brett Nelson as an Assistant Coach.

Nelson was only at UMASS for 1 season under Frank Martin. Prior to that, Nelson was the Head Coach at Holy Cross for 4 seasons, posting a 27-84 record.

Prior to taking the Head Coaching mantle at Holy Cross, Nelson was at Marquette for 5 seasons, spending the first 3 as an Assistant Coach, and the final two as an Associate Head Coach. Prior to Marquette, Nelson also served as an Assistant Coach at Ball St., Drake, Arkansas and Marshall.

Before coaching basketball, Nelson played for the University of Florida from 1999-2003. He was All-SEC twice, and earned Third Team All-American honors. When he left Gainesville, he was the Gators’ all-time leader in three pointers made, and ranked 2nd in steals.

As a Senior in High School, Nelson was a McDonald’s All-American.

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NC State Basketball

Ernest Ross Announces He is Returning to NC State

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2 days ago

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May 15, 2024

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Power Forward Ernest Ross announced this morning that he is returning to NC State for his final year of eligibility.

 

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Last Friday, Ross committed to UTSA after entering the Transfer Portal on April 17th, but it looks like he had a change of heart over the past couple of days.

NC State has been in desperate need to add a Big out of the Portal. They have hosted ECU’s Ezra Ausar and Georgia’s Frank Anselem-Ibe, but neither of them have found a home yet. With the addition of Ross, NC State has added depth in the Frontcourt, and unless something changes, their roster is full with 13 scholarship players.

Ross played in 14 games this past season, averaging 3.4 minutes per contest. After playing in 34 games last season, averaging 11.4 minutes per contest, Ross saw his participation dip to a career low this season, but that didn’t for a second break his infectious personality. On the sideline, you could count on Ross every single game to be the heart and soul of the Wolfpack on the bench. To watch a player who played as little as he did, care as much as he did, makes me super proud that this young man represented NC State so well.

Ross was a consensus 4-star player in NC State’s 2021 recruiting class, with 247Sports ranking him as the #60 overall player nationally. ESPN ranked him as the #5 overall player in the state of Florida.

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NC State Basketball

A Matchup Between NC State & Marquette Next Season Might be in the Works

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2 days ago

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May 15, 2024

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According to NCAA.com’s Andy Katz, a matchup between NC State and Marquette next season might be in the works.

This past year, the Wolfpack defeated the Golden Eagles 67-58 in the Sweet 16 of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

NC State and Marquette have played one another 6 times overall, with the Wolfpack holding a 4-2 lead in the series, winning the past two matchups.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Men’s Basketball Will Play in the 2025 Maui Invitational

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3 days ago

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May 14, 2024

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The NC State Men’s Basketball Team will be playing in the 2025 Maui Invitational, on November 24-26 in Hawaii. This will mark the first time that NC State has ever played in the Maui Invitational.

NC State will be joined by Baylor, Oregon, Seton Hall, Texas, UNLV, USC and Chaminade.

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