NC State basketball’s Kevin Keatts talks Wolfpack’s transfers, ‘swag’ and leadership

N.C. State basketball coach Kevin Keatts held a summer press conference recently at the Dail Basketball Center, which will feature some new art as a reminder of the Wolfpack’s recent ACC Tournament championship and Final Four run.

During a 30-minute question-and-answer session with media members, Keatts discussed N.C. State’s success last season, its roster turnover and what to expect from the Wolfpack’s 2024-25 roster.

Here are several takeaways from Keatts’ first press conference since the Wolfpack’s season ended in April at the Final Four in Arizona.

Kevin Keatts highlights NC State basketball transfers, including Dontrez Styles

The Wolfpack have four incoming transfers and two in-state freshmen set to compete in the 2024-25 season.

“I think everybody understands now, there’s gonna be a lot of turnover in college basketball,” Keatts said. “I kind of went into this year knowing that we would have more and more transfers.”

Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Mike James came from Louisville, Marcus Hill arrived from Bowling Green and Dontrez Styles started his career at UNC before going to Georgetown. Each of those four players are expected to be immediate contributors.

Keatts said Huntley-Hatfield, who nearly averaged a double-double in the ACC last season, will likely be a part of a starting frontcourt alongside returner Ben Middlebrooks.

“Talented. … Brandon’s got a chance to be really good,” Keatts said. “He can step out and shoot it. (But) there’s no replacement for DJ Burns … nobody in the country plays that way.”

James, a versatile 6-foot-5 guard who can match up with bigger wings, is expected to help fill the void left by lead guard DJ Horne.

Dec 13, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Dontrez Styles (3) reacts after hitting a three point shot in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

“Strong driver that can shoot the basketball,” Keatts said of James. “I’m looking…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nc-state-basketball-kevin-keatts-080452405.html

Author : The Fayetteville Observer

Publish date : 2024-07-23 08:04:52

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