Kevin Keatts on NC State Basketball Growth Heading Into Big Showdown
Less than 12 hours after arriving in San Diego for the Rady Children's Invitational, eighth-year NC State basketball head coach Kevin Keatts met with the media via Zoom to preview the battle between his unranked Wolfpack (5-0, 0-0 ACC) and No. 13 Purdue (5-1, 0-0 Big Ten) at 3 p.m. ET Thursday (FS1).
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Here's what Keatts noted about his squad's development across its season-opening homestand:
"The biggest thing is we've grown in a lot of areas. I think we've become a little bit more connected.
"Obviously, in the world of transfers, those first four or five games will just tell a little story. But I think we've gotten better defensively. I think we move the ball better. I think we're growing as a team.
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"And that's the biggest thing. I think every team will say that they're a work in progress. And we still have a long ways to go. But I have seen some improvement, where guys are starting to play together.
"You know, I would say our biggest thing is we're sharing the ball. And then, we're connected a little bit more defensively than probably a little bit early on. But we have got so far to go."
Following the bout against Purdue, NC State will face either BYU or Ole Miss on Friday in the Wolfpack's second and final Rady Children's Invitational outing.
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Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of NC State Wolfpack on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining NC State Wolfpack on SI in 2024, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.