WOLFERETTI: 5 Things I’ll be watching for tonight vs UNCG

There’s only so much you can learn from the first two games. Both were blowouts, and it’s great to get to see everyone play, but you’re still not yet facing any elite-level talent. I think we’ll start to see that vs. VCU and definitely at the Maui Invitational. But first, we have to get past the UNCG Spartans.

Look, it’d be pretty hard for NC State to lose this game. UNCG is a 31.5 point dog, and they’ve lost their first two (Kansas St & Elon). But NC State isn’t going to mail this one in. Here are the things I think are worth looking out for in this one…

Cleaning up the turnovers
Wade was pretty pissed off about the turnovers after the UAB game, and I’m sure that is going to be a point of emphasis in this game. Look for Quadir Copeland and Tre Holloman to be a little less loose with the ball; they finished with 7 combined last time out.

Musa getting more burn
VAL has been in fine, in fact, he’s shooting about 90% from the floor, but he’s a veteran who has been through the fire. Wade needs Musa to get up to speed fast. With VCU coming up, followed by the Maui Invitational, there are going to be matchups where you’re going to need a 6’10 rim protector with versatility. Especially if the guards are allowing as many blow-bys as they did vs. UAB

Can Terrance Arceneaux get it going?
Most believed Arceneaux was going to secure the 3 spot for Will Wade, but early on he’s opted to go with a more offensive approach. Arceneaux has been a pest on defense, but offensively, he’s really struggled to get going. This is a guy whom Kelvin Sampson (Houston head coach) believed would become an offensive threat this season prior to him entering the portal. He was a 4-star recruit who is long, athletic and could put up some points in HS. That hasn’t translated to college yet. While he’s been one of the best defenders on the court wherever he’s been, he’s never averaged more than 6.5 per game. Wade loves defense, but this team needs offense at the 1 through 3 if they’re going to reach its potential. I’d love to see Terrance turn it on tonight against UNCG.

A little more interior focus
Through two games, NC State has shot 70 3s. They’ve made 29 of them, good for 41.4%. But you know the old saying “Live by the 3, die by the 3.” And really there isn’t a need to live by the 3. Darrion Williams is shooting 60% from the floor and averaging 6 assists per game. The guy’s efficiency is insane. He needs the ball more. Meanwhile, Ven-Allen Lubin is shooting 89% from the floor, and both Musa Sagnia and Scottie Ebube haven’t missed a freakin’ shot. You see what I’m saying. The entire frontcourt is shooting 75%. Heck, between Lubin, Sagnia and Ebube, they’ve missed just 1 shot in 2 games. As great as NC State is playing and as great they’ve been from beyond the arc, they’re even better in the paint. No doubt Wade is going to start hammering that point home so this team doesn’t get too used to relying on the trifecta.

Another Will Wade technical foul
Gotta keep the tradition alive.