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Louisville was the aggressor the whole game except for a handful of runs the Pack mounted to prove that they were more than capable of winning tonight’s game. It just wasn’t a total team effort tonight. NC State played too much “hero ball” as everyone tried to put their own stamp on the game; however, it had the opposite effect which halted the Wolfpack’s opportunity to advance to the Elite 8. The hot topic will be did Kyle Washington get enough minutes? The simple answer is, no he did not. On the night Kyle was 4-5 for 11 points despite the fact he played less than 15 minutes total. I am not sure the logic behind the move other than his ineptitude on the defensive end as he was completely taken advantage of by Harrell, but so were all of our big men.

The two cogs that State had to stop were Rozier and Harrell and both of these guys had monster nights that ultimately lead to the demise of the Pack. Terry Rozier was unbreakable as he found a way to score (17) and tallied a game high 13 rebounds. Montrezl Harrell was equally imposing as he scored 24 points on 9-12 shooting. I had a feeling Harrell would register points but I was disappointed in how easily he scored. Our big men were lazy in allowing him to catch the ball deep inside which allowed him to get easy baskets.

The NCAA Tournament is a trying contest as it demands each team be ready each and every game, unfortunately for NC State they couldn’t over come a poor shooting night to advance. Shooting 38.3 percent from the field is an easy recipe for a loss and combine that with a mediocre at best defensive effort and the Wolfpack were lucky to only lose by 10 points. The Pack must learn how to work for good shots. All to often our guys try and make incredibly difficult shots that are not called for, especially early in the shot clock. Our team is very talented but we sometimes rely too much on our talent and not enough on our system which is in place to put them in the best possible spots. Hopefully in the offseason our guys can learn how the offense is simply a blueprint to put them in the best situations to use their strengths!

It is tough getting tossed from the NCAA but on a brighter note we have many of the same pieces coming back next season. Let’s hope that tonight’s loss leaves bitter taste in their mouths that can be used as a driving force to get better in the offseason. We will have more analysis and breakdown to follow and then look forward to the future.

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gdtann
gdtann
9 years ago

wolfpack74 I think Gott needs to have a frank convo with him.  Kyle should have been in there in the second half more.  Especially once we saw how he affected the game in the first half.  Gott needs to tell Kyle just improve on your defense and you’ll get a lot more playing time next year.  We need Kyle he bust zones wide open and boy is it good to have depth with the big men.  So I really really hope Kyle stays.

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
9 years ago

Texas just fired coach Barnes.  They have recruited 2 four stars players that might become available if they wish to leave and Texas grant them their release.  One is Eric Davis whom we were after.  The other is a pg rated higher than Davis.  Someone tell Gott.

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
9 years ago

wormncsu The top guys are not coming to NC State in 2015.  Maybe we can get some good recruits for 2016.

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
9 years ago

The author is correct about the mistakes that Gott made last night.  Kyle should have been in there for offense.  The small amount of time that he played was much more productive than Turner, Abu, Anya or Freeman.  He needs to have a frank conversion with Gott or get the hell out of Raleigh.

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wormncsu
wormncsu
9 years ago

We beat UNC, duke, Louisville, Syracuse, make the sweet sixteen by beating a #1 seed. I think this team did way more than anyone thought they would. Yes the loss and the way we lost is disappointing but come on people this is the best 4 year stretch we have had in ages. Also for those who said when Gottfried was hired that in four years sendeck would have a better program than State well look where he is now. I agree Gottfried does some questionable things but where he has brought this program should be applauded. I think the… Read more »

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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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1 hour 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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13 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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14 hours 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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24 hours 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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