NC State Basketball: Impact of losing starting center Dusan Mahorcic to injury

Against Coppin State, Kevin Keatts and the Wolfpack won the game 94-72, but in some aspects, it felt like a loss. NC State Basketball starting center Dusan Mahorcic suffered a dislocated right patella that required surgery. Whether or not Mahorcic will see the floor again this season for the Wolfpack is unclear.

Mahorcic‘s numbers aren’t eye-popping, he averages 8.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in 21 minutes, but if he isn’t able to come back this year it will be a huge loss for State. He has been able to impact the game in multiple ways thus far this season, and the Wolfpack will have to have multiple guys step up to replace his production.

Dusan is the best defensive post player the Wolfpack has, his ability to stay in front of defenders, use his physicality to prevent opposing players to back him down, and get deep post position has helped the Wolfpack tremendously on the defensive end. His effectiveness in the pick-and-roll offense will be missed, not just as a scorer, but he has good vision as a big man for cutting guards to get them easy buckets.

In many games early this season, he has been the emotional leader for the team and a guy his teammates look to when they need a spark. Dusan will still be around the team while he rehabs and his leadership will be evident, but the Wolfpack will need multiple players to step up on the court if they’re going to continue the strong start they have had to the season and build on it as they head into ACC play.

Let’s take a look at 3 players that will need to step up in his absence.