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NC State Basketball: 2022-23 season preview and outlook for the Wolfpack

By Cooper Watson

RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 22: Mr. Wuf, mascot of the North Carolina State Wolfpact. performs during a game against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at PNC Arena on December 22, 2012 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 22: Mr. Wuf, mascot of the North Carolina State Wolfpact. performs during a game against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at PNC Arena on December 22, 2012 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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D.J. Burns Jr. Winthrop Eagles (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
D.J. Burns Jr. Winthrop Eagles (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

NC State’s projected frontcourt starters for 2022-23

G/F – Jack Clark (Gr.)

Clark is a 6-8 transfer from La Salle who gives Keatts a versatile wing piece with good size. Although Clark is listed as a guard and does have some valuable guard skills, he will likely find himself in a stretch-four role this season.

The grad transfer averaged 12.0 points and 6.8 boards in 30.4 minutes per game last season. He posted a defensive rebounding percentage of 15.7% that would have been second on NC State behind only Dereon Seabron, per KenPom. That rebounding will be much needed in a starting lineup that could feature three smaller guards in Joiner, Smith, and Morsell.

Clark took more than five 3-pointers a game last season but shot just 29.8% from deep. The latter number will need to improve for him to be an effective stretch-four in the ACC this season.

F/C – D.J. Burns (Gr.)

Burns was one of the most efficient players in the country last season, averaging 15.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in just 20.9 minutes per game, earning him Big South Player of the Year honors. That works out to 25.8 points per 36 minutes, the fourth-highest mark in the country.

Winthrop had the second-highest percentage of bench minutes in the Big South last season, per KenPom. As a result, no one really played a ton of minutes for the Eagles. This begs the question: At 6-9 and 275 pounds, can Burns play 35+ minutes if his offense is needed in a close game?

Burns is not the most mobile defender which led to frequent foul trouble last season. He had at least four fouls in 12 games and fouled out in five of those games. Those numbers were a major reason why barely broke 20 minutes per contest.

Still, Burns is the best offensive option Keatts has at the five spot and will likely get the starting nod as a result.

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