Happy Saturday Everyone! Let’s stray away from the Big Ten shall we? We are keeping this one short and sweet. Places to go people to see (GO Hoos)
Although they currently sit in fifth place in an below average ACC this year, NC State has a lot to like about them. The Wolfpack hold a 20-7 overall record and are 10-6 in the ACC. Headed by coach Kevin Keatts, this team has some serious weapons that aren't to be messed with. Whoever draws this team in March will have their hand full that's for sure.
Terquavion Smith. Watch out for him, he’s a baddd man. A 6-4 sophomore guard who is projected to go in the first round in next year’s NBA draft. He leads the ACC in points per game, scoring 18.6 points per contest. Points are great, but there is even more to him than that. Smith is in the top five in the ACC in steals, threes made, three point percentage, and assist. A true all around player that a team can rely on in the tournament. He can carry this squad if he wanted to, but the scary part is…he doesn't need to.
Why can this team make a run in March?
A weapon for every part of the game- You need a weapon from behind the arc? The Wolfpack have the ACC leader in three point percentage, Casey Morsell. You need someone who is a bruiser on offense and defense? They have DJ Burns, a 6’10 275 pound forward who averages 12.3 ppg, 5.1 rebounds, and shoots 56.6% from the floor. You need a guard(s) who play aggressive on defense, can get to the bucket at will, and can make a clutch bucket? Well, NC State has a two headed monster for you, Terquavion Smith and Jarkel Joiner. Every facet of the game, NC State has a player or players that excel in that category. Your team does not want to be in the way when everyone is clicking, it won't end well.
What is holding them back?
Discipline- This team fouls. ALOT. averaging over 17 team fouls a game puts them wayyy towards the bottom of the nation in fouls per game. Fouling 17 times in a game means that these weapons I referred to are at risk of being in foul trouble, having to sit the bench for a while. ALSO it allows the opposing team to shoot free throws while the clock isn’t running. NC State is a good offensive and defensive team, but something as silly as being undisciplined and committing silly fouls can lose them a game.
The pack have a huge game tomorrow vs. UNC and will look to enter the top four in the ACC standings before the regular season is over. Expect this team to be a 7-9 seed in the tournament. I like them to win their first game, and give the #1 or #2 seed they play in the next round a WORLD of trouble.
My Prediction: Sweet 16
Next Game: vs. UNC 2/19
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