BY THE NUMBERS: Breaking down NC State Basketball’s summer camp metrics

Will Wade spent over 40 minutes talking to the media on Monday, and one of the things that stood out most to me was the stats he was rattling off at the beginning of the presser.

Sure, he talked about things we are used to hearing about like assist-to-turnover ratio and 3 point percentage, but Wade showed us how deep his metric department is digging.

Check out these stats:

– On average, each kid reduced his body fat by about 2%

– We increased our lean muscle mass by about 7%

– Our lower body stregth, which is the metric that coorilates most with winning shares, we increased that by 65% (huge point of emphasis)

– We have an average deadlift of 772 lbs

– Increased our bench press by about 30lbs each

– Tracking about 3% ahead on our 3pt shooting

– 848 live 5-on-5 3s, shot those at 38% (3% higher than anticipated during roster buildout)

– 4 guys shooting over 40% from 3pt range.

– Paul McNeil leads the team with 112 attempts, shooting 46%

– 1.5:1 assist to turnover ratio

– PGs Tre Holloman and Q Copeland are 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio

– Derrion Williams is at 3:1 assist to turnover ratio

Takeaways:

Just wow. We’re all used to hearing the coach saying  “The team got a lot stronger this offseason.” or we’re used to the fans saying “It looks like XYZ added some muscle!” , but man, I’ve never heard a coach sharing metrics like these.

For one, it’s amazing that they are keeping these metrics. But the fact that Wade is just ripping them off, live in front of reporters without a teleprompter or a note sheet, tells you that he’s studying these numbers obsessively. It is also a breath of fresh air to hear this level of transparency. Here are the metrics for the world to see. That is motivating for the players. Put in the work, and it will be celebrated and promoted.

Wade is confident; we all knew that, but his organization and attention to detail, coupled with that confidence, are what set him apart. Everyone loves a leader who can talk the talk, but at some point, if you don’t bring the receipts, you’re leadership will be questioned. Wade is laying out those receipts on day one. He’s setting a tone that this isn’t just a show. He’s gutted this program and rebuilt it for peak performance and efficiency, and he’s done in just over 6 months.

NC State fans have the right to be very excited right now. Wade isn’t just a fast talker. He’s showing us that he’s an architect and an engineer as well.