NC State is all set to take on Boston University today at 4:30pm at the PNC (on RSN). They will be looking to get back on track after a tough 88-74 loss to Illinois. Here is what you need to know:
– On Boston University
The Terriers come in to this one 4-3, and while they don’t have any true quality wins, they did nearly knock off UConn a few days ago. Now, that was actually UConn’s first home win, so really it doesn’t say much, but still noteworthy nonetheless.
Boston will be relying on senior guard Eric Fanning for most of their scoring. Fanning dropped 21 on UConn and is averaging over 16ppg right now. He is a big 6’5 guard with a nice stroke and while he isn’t the quickest guy on the court, he is a high IQ ball player. Check him out here.
The Terriers also have been decent on the boards, something that NC State is really going to need to pay attention to. They out-rebounded UConn 44-42.
– On Mav Rowan
It’s been almost 3 weeks and we are still wondering when NC State will welcome back Maverick Rowan from concussion. The sophomore shooter has been sorely missed, but that may change today. Gottfried said he was hoping to have Mav back in this game, but still was not 100% sure on if he’d be cleared.
Getting Rowan back would be a big plus for NC State. They have missed his experience, his shooting and his ability to score in the mid-range. Lately the Pack has mostly been relying on drives to the rim or 3 pointers. It will be nice to have a big guard like Rowan who can exploit mismatches and score from multiple areas on the floor. Let’s hope he suits up
– On Torin Dorn
If NC State is going to beat Boston University, they are likely once again going to be leaning or Torin Dorn. Dorn has been great and really is coming on as the Wolfpack’s glue guy. Now, usually when you say glue guy you are talking about a player who isn’t a super talent, but maybe is a hustle player who is good for team chemistry. Dorn is different. He does all the dirty work, plus he scores. He’s shooing at a high clip, which was unexpected, especially from 3pt range. Over the past 4 games, Dorn is shooting over 70% from 3. Gottfried talks about why that might be the case.
It looked like Smith was making great progress, but yesterday’s game set him back. What in the hell was he thinking out there. At this rate, Johnson should be the point guard of choice. At least he plays some defense. Smith has played too much no defense AAU ball. If he was a regular player, you cover overlook these problems. He is a one and done, therefore he is just taking up space now.
wolfpack74
7 years ago
This lineup sucks. Hopefully Yurtseven will change the makeup of this team. Rowan needs to come back also. If not, this team is doomed for the NIT at best.
mc991
7 years ago
Not there yet, but better. Defense looked better (minus last minute), and think we would have won by more if shots had been falling. Had good looks, just didn’t go in. Gotta get some of the guys in the gym to work on FTs though.
NC State does have 1 scholarship available, and could still add a player out of the Transfer Portal. With that being said, the roster for the Men’s Basketball team is pretty much set for the 2024-25 season.
Non-graduates had to enter the Transfer Portal by April 30th, and Graduates had to enter by May 1st. Jayden Taylor and Michael O’Connell both made public announcements that they were returning, but the closure of entrance to the Portal means that Breon Pass, Ben Middlebrooks, Dennis Parker Jr. and MJ Rice are all set to return next season.
In a world where the Transfer Portal has all but become free agency in College Basketball, with some players switching schools on an annual basis, it’s encouraging that Kevin Keatts not only recruited a Top-10 Transfer Class, but also recruited a majority of the eligible players to stay. Three players that could transfer entered the Portal (I’m not counting Mohamed Diarra in these numbers, who opted to go pro), while 6 opted to continue running with the Wolfpack.
As a result, below is a breakdown of the roster for the NC State Men’s Basketball team heading into 2024-25, realizing the Wolfpack could still add one player (this team is deep).
1 year of Eligibility
Guard Michael O’Connell
Guard Marcus Hill
Guard Breon Pass
Guard/Forward Jayden Taylor
Forward/Guard Dontrez Styles
Forward Ben Middlebrooks
Center Brandon Huntley-Hatfield
2 Years of Eligibility
Guard/Forward MJ Rice
Guard Mike James
Guard Jordan Snell (Walk-On)
Guard KJ Keatts (Walk-On)
NC State’s Men’s Basketball team has picked up 4 players from the Transfer Portal this offseason, and the class ranks 10th nationally according to ON3, and 15th nationally according to 247Sports.
Andy Katz is beginning to make his rounds for his Offseason Convo series, and he took the time to meet with NC State Head Coach Kevin Keatts.
In their conversation, Keatts talked about what this run has meant to Raleigh and the Wolfpack fans, how it has helped sell the program the way it deserves to be in recruiting, and even how it helped and hurt in the world of the Transfer Portal.
Today was the final day graduate players could enter the Portal.
This past season, O’Connell averaged 5.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Wolfpack, starting 22 of the 41 games he played in.
O’Connell took over as NC State’s starting Point Guard on January 30th in a win against Miami.
He only scored in double figures in 9 of his 41 games this season, but 6 of those came in postseason play (5 in the ACC Tournament). O’Connell took things to another level in the ACC Tournament, playing aggressive on the offensive end, looking for his shot, and attacking the rim.
NC State played it’s best basketball of the season when O’Connell was running the show. He ranked 3rd in the ACC in Assist/Turnover Ratio (2.5).
Heading into next season, with a lineup filled with new faces, having the calming presence of a veteran leader like O’Connell is reassuring.
It looked like Smith was making great progress, but yesterday’s game set him back. What in the hell was he thinking out there. At this rate, Johnson should be the point guard of choice. At least he plays some defense. Smith has played too much no defense AAU ball. If he was a regular player, you cover overlook these problems. He is a one and done, therefore he is just taking up space now.
This lineup sucks. Hopefully Yurtseven will change the makeup of this team. Rowan needs to come back also. If not, this team is doomed for the NIT at best.
Not there yet, but better. Defense looked better (minus last minute), and think we would have won by more if shots had been falling. Had good looks, just didn’t go in. Gotta get some of the guys in the gym to work on FTs though.