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NC State Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Wolfpack

By Jerran Anderson

RALEIGH, NC - FEBRUARY 01: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image was created as an Equirectangular Panorama. Import image into a panoramic player to create an interactive 360 degree view.) A general view prior to the game between the Syracuse Orange and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena on February 1, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Syracuse won 100-93 in OT. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - FEBRUARY 01: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image was created as an Equirectangular Panorama. Import image into a panoramic player to create an interactive 360 degree view.) A general view prior to the game between the Syracuse Orange and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena on February 1, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Syracuse won 100-93 in OT. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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NC State Basketball Manny Bates Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
NC State Basketball Manny Bates Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected starting lineup

Point Guard – Cam Hayes, Soph.

Cam Hayes is one of two true point guards in the NC State basketball rotation, which gives him a bit of job security coming off the Covid-19 pandemic season. The 6-foot-3 guard fared well in his debut season, starting in 14 games, including the final eight games of 2020-21.

He produced 7.8 ppg, 3.1 apg, 2.4 apg, and 1.2 spg across 23 appearances for the Wolfpack while shooting 36.4 percent from 3-point range and 38.6 percent from the field. As he improves his shooting efficiency and distributes more at the lead guard spot, look for his star to grow in 2021-22.

Guard – Thomas Allen, Senior

Thomas Allen returns after a solid debut in the NC State rotation after a stint at Nebraska (2017-19). He put up 7.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, and 1.3 spg and shot 37.9 percent from behind the arc this past season.

He made 17 appearances (15 starts) in 2020-21 before his season was cut short in mid-February due to an ankle injury. With a full offseason to recover and get back into the college basketball swing of things, look for Allen to be a two-way presence on the floor at the other guard spot.

Guard – Dereon Seabron, Soph.

Dereon Seabron is the third guard with some versatility in his wheelhouse at 6-foot-7 set to make his starting debut in 2021-22 for NC State basketball. He made 24 appearances (8 starts) this past season in his college debut, posting 5.2 ppg and 3.5 rpg on the wing for the Wolfpack.

His presence on both ends of the floor should improve the Wolfpack’s ability to run on offense and defend with pressure. He’ll be looked upon to play an X-Factor type role for them after a solid debut off the bench last year.

Forward – Jericole Hellems, Junior

Jericole Hellems is one of the veterans in the NC State basketball rotation that returns as the team’s leading scorer and continues to improve as a perimeter threat.

Hellems averaged 12.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, and 1.1 spg while shooting a career-high 37.8 percent from 3-point land. As he enters his second year as a full-time starter, look for his production to continue to grow as an inside-out presence.

Forward/Center – Manny Bates, Junior

Manny Bates is another veteran returner with ACC Player of the Year potential in the lineup. He was a disruptive force on both ends of the floor in 2020-21, putting up 9.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, and 2.7 bpg while shooting 64.1 percent from the field.

Bates led ACC basketball in blocks per game and finished 15th in the college basketball ranks in total blocks (64) this past season. The 6-foot-11 big man will be looked upon to set a tone for NC State basketball on the interior in 2021-22.

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