Busting Brackets
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NC State Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Wolfpack

By Brian Rauf

WICHITA, KS - MARCH 15: Head coach Kevin Keatts of the North Carolina State Wolfpack calls out instructions in the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 15, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
WICHITA, KS - MARCH 15: Head coach Kevin Keatts of the North Carolina State Wolfpack calls out instructions in the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 15, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 29: Torin Dorn #2 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack passes the ball during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on November 29, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated North Carolina State 88-74. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 29: Torin Dorn #2 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack passes the ball during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on November 29, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated North Carolina State 88-74. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Projected starters

Markell Johnson
Johnson is one of the most underrated point guards in the entire country and makes NC State’s guard-heavy attack work. He led the ACC in assists (7.3) and team in steals (1.7) per game last season. The 6-1, 165-pounder is also an aggressive defender that sets the tone for the Pack’s attack.

C.J. Bryce
Bryce was Keatts’ leading scorer at UNCW two years ago and followed him to NC State, sitting out last season per the NCAA’s transfer rules. Now eligible, he’ll start and should have a major role in the offense. His all-around game (17.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.0 apg) gives him a chance to be a star.

Devon Daniels
Daniels also spent last season on the bench after transferring from Utah but is now eligible and could be the Wolfpack’s best shooter in this starting lineup. He shot 57 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range with the Utes.

Torin Dorn
Dorn is going to play out of position (again) as the four man in State’s lineup but showed he can be very effective in the role last year, averaging 13.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He’s a consistent presence on the wing whose strength and quickness make him one of the ACC’s biggest matchup problems.

Derek Funderburk
The former four-star recruit and Ohio State big man was the top-rated JUCO recruit in the country at Northwest Florida Junior College before he committed to the Wolfpack. For a team that’s so guard-dominant, Funderburk’s size, versatility (he can play away from the basket as well), and rim protection make him a valuable asset.

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