NC State Basketball Coach Jokes About Dontrez Styles' Flipped Switch
Through the NC State basketball team's 5-0 start, senior newcomer Dontrez Styles was one of the Wolfpack's most reliable weapons. He scored between seven and 12 points in each contest, blocked two shots in all but one outing, and averaged 5.8 rebounds while shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from deep.
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Styles turned frigid in San Diego last week, though, as he shot a combined 3-for-12 from the field and 0-for-7 beyond the arc while tallying six points, three rebounds, and eight fouls in losses to Purdue and BYU at the Rady Children's Invitational.
"I didn't even know we took him to San Diego," eighth-year NC State basketball head coach Kevin Keatts quipped about Styles after watching the former UNC and Georgetown talent shine down the stretch for the Wolfpack (6-3, 1-0 ACC) in Saturday's 84-74 bounceback overtime win over the visiting Florida State Seminoles (7-3, 0-1 ACC) in both squads' conference opener.
"Did he go to San Diego? Was he there? No, he's worked hard."
Now, in two games since returning to Raleigh, including Wednesday night's tightly contested 63-59 SEC/ACC Challenge home loss to the Texas Longhorns, the 22-year-old Styles has totaled 38 points, seven boards, three steals, and two blocks while shooting 14-for-25 from the field and 6-for-12 from downtown.
After tallying only six points between NC State's two losses in San Diego last week, Dontrez Styles has combined for 38 points in two home games this week, including several clutch buckets in today's win over FSU.
— Matt Giles (@MattGilesBD) December 8, 2024
I asked him what clicked since the forgettable trip to San Diego: pic.twitter.com/5dluCKGuxE
"I know in San Diego, that wasn't me," Styles explained to NC State Wolfpack On SI in the locker room after pouring in a season-high 21 points against the Seminoles, highlighted by his 3-point splash, steal, and layup, all in a span of 21 seconds, to give the Pack a 77-72 advantage with 2:33 to play in overtime. "So, I just know that for the rest of the season, I'm gonna bring it, for sure."
1-0 IN THE CONFERENCE 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/qjyGYIsfwz
— NC State Men's Basketball (@PackMensBball) December 8, 2024
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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.