NC State will face Appalachian State this Thursday night at the PNC at 7PM. Here are 5 things to know before tip-off:
1. Appalachian State has played a tough schedule…
The Mountaineers have not shied away from playing tough teams to start the season. They have played the likes of Tennessee, Davidson, UNC Charlotte, and Duke. The tough slate is a big reason why they are 3-5 on the season. App State is dangerous despite their 3-5 record. Averaging 82 points per game on the season, and scoring 116 in their last game, making 40 field goals (16 three-pointers) , on 30 assists. App State will have plenty of confidence following their most recent result.
2. Ronshad Shabazz leads this team with 15.5 points per game…
Standing 6-5 and weighing 217 pounds the sophomore guard is a handful on the wing. He has proven in his young career that he can score against any team, last season he hung 21 on the Tarheels, and even earned a spot on Sportscenter’s top 10 for a vicious dunk he threw down on Brice Johnson. Adding fuel to the fire for Shabazz this Thursday night will be the fact that he grew up in the Raleigh area as he attended Knightdale High School. The Lefty has a diverse skillset and must be accounted for on every possession, the Mountaineers look for him to get them going.
3. Defense is not their specialty…
Opponents have scored on average 73.9 points per game against the Mountaineers. One thing of note is that App State has played some tough teams that have inflated this average, Tennessee and Duke both scored over 90 points against them.
4. After Shabazz, the Mountaineers have balanced scoring options…
Shabazz leads the team at 15.5 points per game, after him, they have 6 players averaging 7 or 8 points per game. This is unique to have such equality among scoring averages, this allows them to move the ball and play freely knowing that so many guys can knock down shots.
5. Jim Fox gives the Mountaineers great leadership from the coaching position…
Coach Fox arrived in Boone in 2014 and has spent the past two years rebuilding. Prior to his time at App State, Fox was a long time assistant at Davidson under coach Bob McKillop. In his 13 seasons at Davidson he helped them achieve great success. Coach Fox is widely regarded as an excellent tactician and a guy who gets the most out of his players. Come Thursday night App State will be prepared to take on NC State.
I think its important to point out that two of their three wins came from playing division II schools. Coincidentally, those were the only two games in which they scored over 100 points. Not saying they aren’t capable of putting up points (ie. 94 at Tennessee) but the number is slightly skewed as they have only one division I win this year.