Will Wade gives an update on Alyn Breed’s role moving forward

Will Wade held his weekly radio show at The Pit in downtown Raleigh, last night.

He hit on a bunch of topics, but one that NC State fans have been asking us about is ‘What’s up with Alyn Breed?’

Breed stepped into a more significant role in December and helped settle down an NC State offense that looked disjointed at the time. He also provided great on-the-ball defense during that time. But since then he’s been missing in action.

We noted that in our piece about Wade’s roster management yesterday. Here is what we said in that article…

“Breed has since fallen out of the rotation completely, but I don’t think it’s anything he did wrong. I think Breed is the ultimate team guy and just played a very significant role for Will Wade.

Since getting minutes back from Breed, Able has kept his usage numbers down in the teens or low 20s. And while his offensive efficiency numbers still aren’t extremely consistent, he’s become a valuable asset. He’s providing offense on some nights, but his defense has improved, his rebounding has gotten much better, and he’s playing a lot more within the flow of the offense.

I think Breed will be back in the rotation at some point. As the games get tougher, I believe Breed’s role will be as a ‘balancer.’ Someone whom Wade uses to calm usage-inflammation from the other guards.”

Then last night, Wade confirmed it. Read what he had to say (or listen to the video above)…

WADE:
“I mean, look, we got a ninth that can play in a tenth, and Scotty’s back. He practiced today, so that was good to see him out there. And Alyn is ready to play. It’s just that we’re winning, and you kind of, stick with the nine-man (rotation).

But at that, there’s gonna be a time where we’re gonna need Alyn this year. Aly’s gonna be back in the rotation, I believe, at some point. Because, what happens is, some of these guys get comfortable. And the only thing that gives them some discomfort is sitting on that bench. And so, you’ve gotta have that. When Alyn comes back, he’s gonna be much more appreciative of whatever he gets. Sometimes you get a little entitled, not that Alyn got entitled, but some guys do. And now we got some guys that are getting a little used to playing that are relaxing a little bit… So, you know, I can sense that. I actually talked to Alyn as I was walking out today, running over here out of practice. I said, hey, stay ready. I said, my antennas are up. I got two guys that I think are relaxing right now. And you better be ready. Your time is gonna come sooner rather than later.”