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NC State vs. UVA: Quick Hits

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9 years ago

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NC State @ #3 Virginia
7pm | ESPN2 | Charlottesville, Va

An opportunity and challenge awaits the Pack this Wednesday as they travel north to face the Cavaliers in John Paul Jones Arena. Tony Bennett’s squad is unbeaten on the season and ranked 3rd in the AP Top 25. The Cavs are ranked 2nd nationally in points allowed, at a stingy 50.8 points per contest. There are many qualities that Coach Bennett instills into his players. You can always expect his teams to be disciplined both offensively and defensively. There are few teams as sound defensively as the Wahoos. When Bennett arrived on campus he began to build a powerhouse defensively and has used this to rebuild Virginia into a Nationally Ranked team. Each and every season Bennett has increased his wins total, this is an astonishing feat!

Much like his teams of the past, this years team is constructed in a similar fashion. The most dynamic player for the Cavs is Justin Anderson. Standing at 6-6 230 pounds Anderson is a daunting presence on the perimeter. Not only does Anderson lead the Cavaliers in points (15.1) but he is shooting an outrageous 56% from the field and an ever more absurd 58% from three. The only reason UVA escaped Coral Gables with a win is because Anderson made three straight free throws and a difficult three-pointer as time was ticking down. He forced the game into overtime and the Cavs were able to outlast Miami.

Flanking Anderson are a multitude of role players who play within themselves. In my opinion this is what sets UVA apart from many other teams in college. You will not see many ill advised shots or players trying to do too much. They play their roles beautifully and when their number is called they respond.

Against Miami London Perrantes scored a game high 26 points despite only averaging 5.1 points on the season. Throughout the game his teammates kept feeding his hot hand without delay. Malcolm Brogdon joins Perrantes in the backcourt. At 6-5 the Junior is steady with his ball handling and a mismatch as he will play point at times. Mike Tobey and Anthony Gill control the paint for the Wahoos. Standing 7 feet tall Tobey is skilled and smart. He does a great job at altering shots and has a silky touch around the basket. Tobey is a finesse player; however, Gill is a physical forward using his girth to out muscle opponents. Gill is averaging 12.6 points and 7.1 rebounds thus far.

Outside of Anderson not one player will wow you in any particular category. Bennett likes for his teams to be well rounded. Think of the Cavs as a swiss army knife capable of playing a multitude of styles, yet they thrive in a half-court battle. They love being able to set up their half-court defense and out execute their opponents on offense.

NC State must push the tempo and not allow UVA the opportunity to set up defensively. State’s best chance at escaping Charlottesville with a win is to turn the game into a track meet! If we can push the tempo and have the game played in the high 70s and low 80s I like our chances. Miami did a great job at imposing their pace on UVA this past Saturday. Miami wasn’t able to come away with a win but they pushed the Cavs to the brink of defeat. Look for Gottfried to push the pace and use a smaller line up to create mismatches for the Wahoos.

Will State come away with a big time win this Wednesday? You can check out the action on ESPN2 at 7PM.

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Wolfer96
Wolfer96
9 years ago

This game could be ugly. If the Wolfpack can keep turnovers down and rebound there is a very small chance for success.  What scares me about a team like UVA is that they slow the game down and force you to play half court. And their half court defense is good. There in lies the problem. This Wolfpack team does not move the ball well in half court sets and does not have a good passer out of the post. Which means more of Cat dribbling dribbling dribbling followed by a forced up contested perimeter shot. I can only hope… Read more »

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NC State Basketball

PI EXCLUSIVE: Bowling Green Transfer Guard Explains Why He Chose NC State

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1 hour ago

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April 30, 2024

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Last week, Bowling Green Transfer Guard Marcus Hill (6’4″/185) committed to NC State. I caught up with Hill to get his take on why he chose to run with the Wolfpack.

What were the reasons that ultimately led you to commit to NC State? What other schools were recruiting you besides the Wolfpack?

The coaching staff was very professional and straight to the point. They had a detailed plan of my role on the team and how it transitions to the next level. The campus was beautiful, and everyone was super nice. There were several schools from each of the Power 5 conferences that we talked to. The list was very long, and I would like to thank every coach that showed interest in me.

Break down your Official Visit. What did you do? What impression did it make on you and your family?

After entering the campus and meeting the entire coaching staff, we also met with academic advisors. School staff was super nice and acted like we were already family. We had lunch and dinner with staff, the restaurants were prepared, and the food was awesome. We toured the campus with staff, and were treated with a lot of respect. My family enjoyed the coaches and the campus environment.

How did Coach Keatts say you would fit within his offensive system?

Coach Keatts had prepared film on how I would fit into the offense, so after watching the video it was clearly understandable what my role would be.

What impression did NC State’s Final Four run have on you? How did it influence your decision?

NC State’s Final Four run impressed me due to the guys on the team being overlooked and undervalued. They played together and were really enjoying the moment. Basketball can be stressful, however they made it look exciting and fun.

What type of player is NC State getting in Marcus Hill?

Marcus Hill Jr., I’m a great person with a great attitude. I love to win and compete in everything I do. I take pride in defense, but can score from anywhere on the court. I’m unselfish and love to see my teammates succeed. I’ve been overlooked and underestimated, but My God has the ultimate say so!

_______

This past season, Hill averaged 20.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Falcons. He earned 1st Team All-MAC honors. Even though he was only at Bowling Green one season, he had one of the best seasons in school history, scoring 698 points, which ranks 5th all-time in program history for a single season.

For his first two years of collegiate ball, Hill played for Southern Union State College (JUCO) in Alabama. In 2022-23, Hill earned 3rd Team NJCAA All-American honors, and ranked as the #32 overall Junior College prospect.

247Sports ranks Hill as a 4-Star Transfer Prospect, and the #87 overall player in the Transfer Portal, and the #12 Shooting Guard.

Even though 247Sports and ON3 consider Hill a Shooting Guard, NC State is recruited him as a Point Guard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRh1suQzx08

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NC State Basketball

Guard Jayden Taylor will Return to NC State for his Final Year

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13 hours ago

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April 29, 2024

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Guard Jayden Taylor will be returning to NC State for his final season of eligibility.

At this point, I was expecting him to return, but now it is official.

This past season, Taylor averaged 11.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.4% from three, which was a new career high by almost 4%.

Taylor started the first 24 games of the season, but after struggling in January, he became the Wolfpack’s 6th man. Taylor excelled as the 6th man, playing some of his best basketball of the season in that role, giving his team a much needed boost whenever he entered the game.

The return of Taylor was essential to NC State’s success next season. In a world where everyone seemingly hits the Portal, seeing Taylor, Pass, Middlebrooks, O’Connell and Rice not do so is a good sign (I know they still could).

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NC State Basketball

Boston Transfer Center Caitlin Weimar Commits to NC State

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4 days ago

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April 26, 2024

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Boston Transfer Center Caitlin Weimar (6’4″) has verbally committed to NC State for her final year.

Weimar took an Official Visit to NC State a little over a week ago.

She is the reigning Patriot League Player of the Year, and has been named Defensive Player of the Year the past two years. She has earned 1st Team Patriot League Honors the past two seasons.

This year, Weimar averaged 18.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. As a Junior, she averaged 15.5 points and 10.0 rebounds. She shot 55.5% this year, and 59.7% last year.

With the exodus of River Baldwin, picking up a commitment from Weimar is massive.

With the addition of Weimar, NC State now has 2 scholarships available heading into the 2024-25 season.

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NC State Basketball

Bowling Green Transfer Guard Marcus Hill Commits to NC State!

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5 days ago

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April 25, 2024

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Bowling Green Transfer Guard Marcus Hill (6’4″/185) has committed to NC State!

Hill took an Official Visit to NC State this past weekend.

This past season, Hill averaged 20.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Falcons. He earned 1st Team All-MAC honors. Even though he was only at Bowling Green one season, he had one of the best seasons in school history, scoring 698 points, which ranks 5th all-time in program history for a single season.

For his first two years of collegiate ball, Hill played for Southern Union State College (JUCO) in Alabama. In 2022-23, Hill earned 3rd Team NJCAA All-American honors, and ranked as the #32 overall Junior College prospect.

247Sports ranks Hill as a 4-Star Transfer Prospect, and the #81 overall player in the Transfer Portal, and the #11 Shooting Guard.

Even though 247Sports and ON3 consider Hill a Shooting Guard, NC State is recruiting him as a Point Guard.

Hill is the 4th player to transfer to NC State this offseason, joining Louisville’s Brandon Huntley-Hatfield & Mike James, and Georgetown’s Dontrez Styles.

With the addition of Hill, NC State now has 1 scholarship remaining for next season.

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