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NC State Basketball

Kevin Keatts is Coaching Like His Job Depends on It

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2 months ago

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NC State head coach Kevin Keatts is coaching like his job depends on it. From what I was hearing, heading into the game against Syracuse in the 2nd round, his seat was pretty hot, and his job was in jeopardy.

What did Keatts team need to accomplish in order for him to keep his job? Was it to make it to the Semifinals? Was it to make it to the Finals? Was it win the Championship, or you’re out?

Truly, I don’t know.

You have to give Keatts credit. His team is playing their best basketball at the most important time of year, and it’s not even close. Keatts’ players have always played hard for him, but they are playing hard and smart in this Tournament. The ball movement in the half court is the best its been all season. The player rotation has been established for most of the tournament, which has provided consistency. The in-bound plays after timeouts have been exceptional. It’s clear his team is bought in, and he has inspired them to play with the utmost confidence.

If the Wolfpack win tonight, obviously the seat is as cold as ice. He will have done what no coach has done since 1987. Who cares what the team played like in the regular season…he’ll probably get an extension, and no one will complain.

If the Wolfpack lose tonight, despite one of the best runs in the history of the ACC Tournament, Keatts will still have only led NC State to the NCAA Tournament twice in seven years, which you could argue is good enough reason for dismissal. (Despite that reality, I can’t see Boo Corrigan parting ways with Keatts after this ACC Tournament run if the Pack happens to lose. Maybe I’m wrong.) 

People handle pressure in different ways. Some people crumble, while others soar when the heat is turned up.

Through 4 games of the 2024 ACC Tournament, Keatts has embraced the pressure, and done his best work to date.

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Matthew is Publisher and Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He is also the Lead Pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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wolfpack74
wolfpack74
2 months ago

After this run, probably NIT bid, I would give him another year to see if he can make it to the NCAAT. If he can’t, then adios.

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NC State Basketball

NC State is Adding UMASS’ Brett Nelson as an Assistant Coach

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2 days ago

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May 15, 2024

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According to reports, NC State is adding UMASS’ Brett Nelson as an Assistant Coach.

Nelson was only at UMASS for 1 season under Frank Martin. Prior to that, Nelson was the Head Coach at Holy Cross for 4 seasons, posting a 27-84 record.

Prior to taking the Head Coaching mantle at Holy Cross, Nelson was at Marquette for 5 seasons, spending the first 3 as an Assistant Coach, and the final two as an Associate Head Coach. Prior to Marquette, Nelson also served as an Assistant Coach at Ball St., Drake, Arkansas and Marshall.

Before coaching basketball, Nelson played for the University of Florida from 1999-2003. He was All-SEC twice, and earned Third Team All-American honors. When he left Gainesville, he was the Gators’ all-time leader in three pointers made, and ranked 2nd in steals.

As a Senior in High School, Nelson was a McDonald’s All-American.

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NC State Basketball

Ernest Ross Announces He is Returning to NC State

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2 days ago

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May 15, 2024

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Power Forward Ernest Ross announced this morning that he is returning to NC State for his final year of eligibility.

 

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Last Friday, Ross committed to UTSA after entering the Transfer Portal on April 17th, but it looks like he had a change of heart over the past couple of days.

NC State has been in desperate need to add a Big out of the Portal. They have hosted ECU’s Ezra Ausar and Georgia’s Frank Anselem-Ibe, but neither of them have found a home yet. With the addition of Ross, NC State has added depth in the Frontcourt, and unless something changes, their roster is full with 13 scholarship players.

Ross played in 14 games this past season, averaging 3.4 minutes per contest. After playing in 34 games last season, averaging 11.4 minutes per contest, Ross saw his participation dip to a career low this season, but that didn’t for a second break his infectious personality. On the sideline, you could count on Ross every single game to be the heart and soul of the Wolfpack on the bench. To watch a player who played as little as he did, care as much as he did, makes me super proud that this young man represented NC State so well.

Ross was a consensus 4-star player in NC State’s 2021 recruiting class, with 247Sports ranking him as the #60 overall player nationally. ESPN ranked him as the #5 overall player in the state of Florida.

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NC State Basketball

A Matchup Between NC State & Marquette Next Season Might be in the Works

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3 days ago

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May 15, 2024

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According to NCAA.com’s Andy Katz, a matchup between NC State and Marquette next season might be in the works.

This past year, the Wolfpack defeated the Golden Eagles 67-58 in the Sweet 16 of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

NC State and Marquette have played one another 6 times overall, with the Wolfpack holding a 4-2 lead in the series, winning the past two matchups.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Men’s Basketball Will Play in the 2025 Maui Invitational

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3 days ago

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May 14, 2024

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The NC State Men’s Basketball Team will be playing in the 2025 Maui Invitational, on November 24-26 in Hawaii. This will mark the first time that NC State has ever played in the Maui Invitational.

NC State will be joined by Baylor, Oregon, Seton Hall, Texas, UNLV, USC and Chaminade.

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