The Wolfpack looked like an unprepared, inexperienced group of freshmen and sophomores. William and Mary looked like a bunch of experienced vets as they surgically dismembered the Pack 85-68.
I’m not sure how else to describe it other than NC State looked slow, weak, and confused all night. The Tribe just played good old fashioned fundamental basketball. They protected the ball, knocked down open shots, and ran their offense to precision (52% from the field).
There honestly isn’t too many positive takeaways from this game. As for the players, Barber looked sluggish, Caleb Martin shot the ball well, but needs to expand his game and become more of a slasher and less of a spot shooter. Cody Martin is still looking for his role. Abu started off the game soft, but played like a monster after getting an earful from Gottfried. Anya looked thinner but still played way too slow for a Gottfried offense, Terry Henderson left early with a ankle injury, and Mavrick Rowan was probably the most versatile offensive weapon on the floor for the Pack (and he’s a slower than average freshman). Oh, and no one played any defense.
While that might sound negative, it’s not the end of the world. This Wolfpack team is young and there are still a lot (and I mean a lot) of basketball left to be played, but they better get their act together pretty quick because game #2 is only 2 days away.
By the Numbers:
State was out-rebounded by W&M 42-38. That’s inexcusable. The Tribe won the battle of the boards by purely out-hustling the Pack.
State shot 38% and only 27% from 3 pt range. This has got to get better and it’s going to start with shot selection. Way too many quick shots and ill-advised 3s from this team. They need to play inside out and get into an offensive flow (something we saw none of tonight.)
W&M shot 51% from the floor and 41% from 3. Sure, these guys had a great shooting night, but it’s not like State wasn’t expecting that. They jus simply missed assignments, were caught out of position and that spells disaster against a veteran team.
Caleb Martin had 21 pts, which is encouraging. But he took a lot of ill-advised shots over the course of the night and needs to become more than just a shooter if State is going to be a complete ball club.
Maverick Rowan had 16 pts, but was only 1-8 from 3pt range. The reason we were so impressed with Rowan is his style of play. Sure, the ball didnt’ go down tonight, but he played good basketball. He took mostly good shots, did not settle for only 3s, and constantly attacked the rim when no one else would. Those 3s are going to fall and I wouldn’t be surprised if Rowan is one of State’s top scorers this season (that is , if he can play good enough D to stay on the floor).
Nowhere to go but up
It’s probably not going to get any worse than it was tonight. This team does have talent, they do have length and they do have good speed. If they play together, get physical and play within the offense, they are going to improve a lot over the next few weeks.
Where is all this talent that you guys keep talking about? Haven’t seen much of it during game time.