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The Good:

Expectations were high entering the season for NC State’s prized recruit. Dennis Smith was pegged as the top recruit in his class by some publication, even more prior to tearing his ACL. Fast forward nine games into the season and his averages are 18.3 PPG, 5 APG, and 3.7 RPG. At a glance, not a bad stat line for a true freshman.

The Bad:

Efficency has not been a calling card for Smith, connecting on just 40% from the field, and 26% from beyond the arc. Decision making and shot selection have also been erratic at times. Why is this? Well, let us look into a play that should be Smith’s bread and butter and one that truly caters to his strengths. The pick and roll. As basic of a play in basketball, yet one of the hardest plays to defend if used properly.

The Problem:

NC State and Smith have not had great returns on the pick and roll? On the surface, it appears that State has the parts to make this a profitable play. They have athletic bigs, and they have a point guard who thrived in the pick and roll in high school and AAU.

Smith has been paired with Malik Abu and BeeJay Anya for the majority of ball screens. However, he has had more success when paired with Abu. BeeJay Anya is problematic because he takes up so much space and is a non-threat from outside 5 feet. BeeJay’s defender can simply hang back and play safety on the ball handler. Anya can be a great off-ball screener but is not an ideal pick and roll player.

Abu and Smith have connected on some great pick and rolls; however, Abu has not garnered respect for his jump shot. Defenses have adjusted to hedge hard and then get back to Abu to prevent the lob. Leaving Smith with little space which has forced bad decisions on his part.

Lastly, there has not been the fluid movement from the other three players on the court. NC State’s guards have been spectators too often on the perimeter. Instead of actively creating space and scoring options for themselves and Smith. Maverick Rowan’s absence hindered State’s ability to create space, as he can space the floor with his shot. NC State has got to get more movement from their perimeter players to maximize their potential this season.

The Fix:

Omer Yurtseven’s arrival will be a welcome addition. He can thrive in both pick and roll and pick and pop scenarios. Abu will benefit as well as he should get more touches close to the basket. Not only will this make it extremely difficult on defenses but it will help Smith operate in space, which is what he needs to maximize his talents.

Smith can also be helped by giving up the ball and getting it back. By getting the entry pass to the wing Smith will find himself in higher percentage areas. He will be able to catch the ball on the wing coming off a screen and then can work the pick and roll out of his triple threat position. Smith can then turn more corners and have more space to operate, which caters to his strengths.

State could also experiment with mixing up pick and roll partners, for example, have Rowan and Smith work together, or Smith and Henderson. Even better have Smith be the screener on occasion to create mismatches.

NC State’s other guys must move while all of this is taking place if they can then they will get open looks. Basketball is all about movement, and State has not had the needed fluidity on the offensive end. All of the best offenses in today’s game are built upon movement and sharing the basketball.

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Wolfer96
Wolfer96
7 years ago

I could totally see his frustration with our front court guys not spacing properly and also not able to handle some passes. Dennis can shoot better than 26% from 3 but only if he shoots it in rhythm as we’ve seen a few times like when Markell passes him the ball off of penetration. Dennis can’t let that frustration lead to poor decision making. Yurt7 definitely helps but he’s not this magic pill.

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NC State Basketball

Guard Mike O’Connell Announces He Will Play His Final Year of Eligibility at NC State

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11 hours ago

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May 1, 2024

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Guard Michael O’Connell announced today that he will be playing his final year of eligibility at NC State next season.

 

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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.

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NC State Basketball

ECU Transfer Forward Ezra Ausar to NC State is Trending Up

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23 hours ago

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May 1, 2024

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ECU Transfer Power Forward Ezra Ausar (6’9″/240) was on an Official Visit to NC State yesterday, and according to analysts at ON3 and 247Sports, things are trending in the right direction for the Wolfpack.

Jamie Shaw of ON3 submitted a prediction for Ausar to eventually commit to NC State yesterday morning.

Cory Smith of 247Sports submitted a crystal ball projection for Ausar to run with the Wolfpack this morning.

Ausar just wrapped up his Sophomore season in Greenville, averaging 11.4 points and 4.7 rebounds, shooting 51.4% from the field. As a Freshman, he was named to the AAC All-Freshman Team, averaging 9.8 points and 5.3 rebounds.

Ausar is a consensus 4-Star prospect in the Transfer Portal, and ON3 ranks him as the #60 overall player in the Portal and the #10 Power Forward.

Originally from Atlanta, Ausar played his Senior Season of High School at Liberty Heights Athletic Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. ON3 ranked Ausar as a 4-Star prospect coming out of high school, the #94 overall player nationally, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina.

Ausar has visited Seton Hall, Georgia Tech, met over Zoom with Georgetown, and had an in-home visit with Utah. John Calipari and his staff at Arkansas have been in touch with Ausar, as well as Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Arizona State, West Virginia, Iowa State and St. John’s. (Link)

At this point, it’s good news that Ausar has no visits scheduled after the visit to NC State.

Ausar has 2 years of eligibility remaining, and NC State currently has 1 scholarship remaining.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Signee Zamareya Jones Showed Out in the McDonald’s & Jordan All-American Games

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1 day ago

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May 1, 2024

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NC State 2024 signee Zamareya Jones has played in the McDonald’s All-American game and the Jordan Brand Classic over the past month.

In the McDonald’s game on April 2nd, Jones had 13 points, helping her East squad defeat the West.

 

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In the Jordan Brand Classic on April 21st, Jones had 15 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds. She also hit the game winner for Team Flight.

Jones is a 5-star prospect in the Wolfpack’s 2024 recruiting class, ranked 21st overall nationally by ESPN.

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NC State Basketball

NC State’s Kevin Keatts and DJ Burns Sounded the Siren at the Canes Game Tonight

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1 day ago

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April 30, 2024

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NC State Head Coach Kevin Keatts and the beloved DJ Burns were both Siren Sounders for the Canes this evening, with Carolina defeating the Islanders 6-3, winning the Round 1 series 4-1.

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