NC State Wolfpack: Evaluation After Tough Week Of Games

After a week of brutal games against some bitter rivals highlighted by the upset over Duke, the NC State Wolfpack learned a lot about their team. Just how good are they this year?

Playing #3 Virginia, #2 Duke, and #15 North Carolina is no easy task. Playing all three teams in one week seems nearly impossible. The North Carolina State Wolfpack, led by Mark Gottfried, fought to a 1-2 record against these elite ACC squads, beating Duke and playing UVA and UNC tough until the closing minutes. After a difficult opening slate of ACC games, we take a look at what we have learned about the Wolfpack from this three game stretch.

1. NC State loves to (and can succeed) shooting from behind the arc

Over the three game stretch, NC State shot 59 three-pointers, utilizing the sharp shooting of Ralston Turner and Trevor Lacey (both 40%+ 3pt shooters) to hang with three of the most dynamic offenses in the nation. In their win over Duke, previously the best 3pt defense in the nation, the Wolfpack drained 62.5% of their 3pt buckets, allowing NC State to gain and extend their lead over the game’s final minutes. In the game against UNC, huge jump shots by Turner kept NC State’s hopes alive until the closing moments.

2. Alabama transfer Trevor Lacey is a force to be reckoned with

Trevor Lacey has wasted no time in making his mark in Raleigh. The junior guard is the team’s leading scorer (17.1 points/game), perimeter defender (0.9 steals/game), and is among the leaders in rebounds and assists. His 21-point performance against Duke, featuring 5-7 shooting from beyond the arc, served as Lacey’s coming out performance for the rest of college basketball.

Even on an off shooting night against UNC (4-13 FG), Lacey still managed to get 19 points by slashing and getting to the free throw line, where he excelled, hitting 10-10 FTs. With performances like the past three games, Lacey will give ACC player of the year favorites Jahil Okafor and Marcus Paige a run for their money.

3. The Wolfpack can defend around the hoop

Perhaps the only thing more impressive in the Duke victory than NC State’s three-point shooting was the Wolfpack’s ability to defend the rim by blocking 10 shots. Kyle Washington and Beejay Anya contributed four blocks each, forcing Duke to take jump shots and force the ball to freshman sensation Jahil Okafor.

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And even though Okafor was able to score 23 points, a consistent double teaming effort by NC State’s big men kept Okafor from taking the game over. Even in losses to UVA and UNC, the Wolfpack were able to frustrate the offensive post moves of some of the ACC’s elite inside scorers.

4. Mark Gottfried and his squad still have significant room for improvement

Despite all the good things gleaned from NC State’s difficult three game stretch, there are still flaws that prevented the Wolfpack from going 3-0. As a team, NC State struggles to share the ball effectively ranking 272nd in the nation with 11.3 assists per game. Additionally, NC State, have difficulty creating turnovers (346th in steals) and defending more sophisticated offenses (142nd in points allowed). Going forward, Mark Gottfried and the Wolfpack have yet to prove themselves away from PNC Arena in Raleigh, posting a dismal 0-3 road record.

Conclusion: NC State is firmly on the Bubble

Though it is still very early to be talking about the Big Dance, NC State has intrigued many with their impressive win (Duke) but also disappointed against weaker opponents (Purdue, Wofford, Cincinnati). Regardless, with nation-leading 3pt shooting and rim protection, NC State is not a team that ACC teams are taking lightly.

Next: Duke Blue Devils: Examining What's Went Wrong In Durham