It is going to be here before you know it. The college basketball season is right around the corner and Phenom Hoops wants to take their shot at previewing teams around the country for this upcoming season. All throughout the upcoming weeks, we will be previewing teams for this upcoming season, so be sure to check out all the latest talk.
NC State Wolfpack
2020-21 Season:
Record: 14-11 (9-8)
Points per game: 72.8
Rebounds per game: 32.6
Assists per game: 13.1
Points allowed: 69.7
Top Performers 2020-21:
Points per game: Devon Daniels (16.5)
Rebounds per game: Manny Bates (5.9)
Assists per game: Cam Hayes (3.1)
Field goal percentage: Manny Bates (54.1)
Manny Bates controlling the paint
One player that has intrigued me coming into the season is junior 6’11 Manny Bates, a local NC product that has made strides in his game. As a freshman, he saw action in 29 games, averaged 5.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. As a sophomore, he increased that to 9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. Obviously, he brings a significant presence down low, leading the ACC in blocked shots for two straight years, and looks to do the same once again. But his minutes increased as he was able to stay more out of foul trouble and his development continued. Now, as a junior, can Bates continue his trend upward and be an even bigger factor in the paint for the Wolfpack' If so, expect his draft stock to also increase.
Key returning guard play
The losses of Braxton Beverly, Devon Daniels, and Shakeel Moore will be felt for NC State but they also have guards returning that they hope to step into the bright lights. Cam Hayes is the first that comes to mind, as the sophomore guard saw his production and minutes increase, eventually starting 14 games and averaging 7.8 points and 3.2 assists per game. The Wolfpack will need him to take those next steps in helping lead the charge. Coach Keatts will also need players like Thomas Allen and Dereon Seabron to elevate their play as well, especially Allen. The senior guard struggled at times last year, shooting just 36 percent from the floor. He will need to elevate those numbers and really boost his production to help NC State, while Seabron, who is a 6’7 prospect, will need to take those next steps as well.
Newcomers looking to make an impact
NC State brought in three freshmen and two transfers. Greg Gantt and Casey Morsell transferred in and hope to make an immediate impact. Gantt (who is from NC) brings a 6’8 frame that is athletic and can help in an array of ways on the floor. Morsell comes from Virginia and hopes to see an expanded role with NC State, as he was a former Top-100 prospect. When you look at the freshmen as well, Terquavion Smith is explosive and can fill it up with his scoring ability, especially outside. Breon Pass is a strong guard that was a do-it-all prospect in high school, whether it was scoring, getting others involved, or helping on the boards. He was also a really good football player as well. Forward Ernest Ross brings the size for this freshmen class at 6’9 and was one of the top recruits for 2021.
Key Stat to Watch:
When looking at the Wolfpack, there are a few areas I’m going to be looking at. NC State will need to do a better job on the boards, as they ranked 338th in the country in rebounds per game. I’m also going to be looking at the three-point shooting. A team that has shooters and players that can step out, NC State only averaged 18.6 attempts per game and averaged only 6.7 made attempts per game, both ranking quite low nationally. This team has a chance to stretch the floor more and it will be interesting to see if those attempts and makes increase this season.