And what a season it was(N’T)
When: Saturday March 8 – 12:00 PM
Where: Watsco Center, Coral Gables Fla.
TV: The CW
Opponent: Miami Hurricanes
Prediction – KenPom (KP) / Bart Torvik (BT): NC State 76-75 / NC State 75-73
Wolfpack Snapshot:
- Record: 12-18, 5-14
- Rankings: KP #120, BT #111, WAB -8.1 ranked 178th
- NET Ranking: NET 130, 14th in ACC Conf NET rankings
- NET performance: Q1 (0-8), Q2 (2-7), Q3 (2-3), Q4 (8-0)
Wolfpack Season So Far:
“And another one bites the dust”
Wolfpack Player Notes:
- Mike James – Nope! Quit asking!!
Opponent Overview:
The Hurricanes started the season coached by Jim Larrañaga, but SURPRISE!, he chose to retire December 26th after starting the season 4-8 including a 7 game losing streak – assistant coach Bill Courtney drew the short straw.
The Hurricanes have struggled with injuries, losing star Nigel Pack for the season, and both Matthew Cleveland and Lynn Kidd have missed games.
Opponent Snapshot:
- Record: 6-24, 2-17
- Rankings: KP #200, BT #194, WAB -13.7 ranked 290th
- NET Ranking: NET 230, 18th in ACC Conf NET rankings
- NET performance: Q1 (0-8), Q2 (0-9), Q3 (2-4), Q4 (4-3)
Their ACC Rankings of Note – Conference Play: (Source: theacc.com)
- Offense 15th
- Team 3PT FG% 17th
- Team Rebounds 17th / Defensive Rebounds 17th
- Defense 18th
- Opponent FG% 18th
- Opponent 3PT FG% 18th
Player Notes
- Matthew Cleveland 3rd scoring, 7th FG%
- Lynn Kidd 10th rebounding
Key Player Injuries – Not Expected to Play
- Nijel Pack is out for the season
- Lynn Kidd (back) has missed recent games with injuries and may not play
Reasons to Watch
Unless you live within walking distance of the area or your son is playing, it is contraindicated that you should attend this game. However, if you have noting else to do [or write for a blog] and are considering watching remotely, here’s something to think about.
Due to the new direct player payment model (aka the House settlement) likely to be adopted, NC State will spend more money this coming season on players & player retention than ever before. If they choose to, they will be able to use up to 15 scholarships as well. Who’s worth the money?
So, considering that, plus the fact that Coach Keatts’ job will be on the line, where the staff spends the money is critical. (Staff changes? Hmm) But first, the decisions on the current roster have to be made.
Transfer evaluations – Hill will get plenty of minutes, we know what he can and can’t do. He also announced he will use his extra season and return to NC State. I would guess the staff will want to see Diouf on the court one more time. I don’t think we want to rely on either as starters next season and their offers should reflect that. Both could probably be big fish in smaller ponds so transferring might make sense for them. Why not play Mike James? Playing part of one game won’t impact his eligibility for the redshirt, why not take a look at what he can do? It might help a little with that decision. Tough call on retaining him. It would be hard to justify a big offer. I would not be surprised if he transfers too.
Recruit evaluations – What about our high school recruits, D Parker Jr., Heard, T Parker, and McNeil? McNeil probably has the highest ceiling and should get the biggest offer, but without Trey Parker we are a bit light on point guards. Trey looked really good at points (get it?) and might also become a star. I like DPJ a lot and Heard has had a few nice moments. I hope we make a $trong effort to keep all the recruits.
These questions, and more, will be answered by April 22.