NC State Basketball Dealing With Injuries Ahead of Season
NC State basketball sophomore guard Dennis Parker Jr. and junior guard Mike James, a high-scoring transfer addition from Louisville, were out of commission for the Wolfpack's 79-75 home exhibition win over the Division II Lees-McRae Bobcats on Wednesday night. Both might have boosted the squad's relatively stale production, as each figures to compete for considerable minutes this season.
ALSO READ: Kevin Keatts Not 'Crazy' for NC State Exhibition Response
Now, though, according to Kevin Keatts' injury updates following his Wolfpack's preseason scare in the Lenovo Center, the staff has already ruled out Mike James (knee) for the season opener and likely most of November. Meanwhile, they're assessing how to better manage Dennis Parker Jr.'s recent ankle woes:
"So, Dennis has had a string of bad luck. Before the scrimmage, he turned his ankle. He was practicing, he's back, he's playing well, and he turned his other ankle. So, I don't know if we got to switch his shoes or whatever.
Kevin Keatts provided injury updates on Wolfpack guards Dennis Parker Jr. and Mike James: pic.twitter.com/1q8JSKesLR
— Matt Giles (@MattGilesBD) October 31, 2024
"Mike is going to be out for three or four games — maybe, hopefully. I don't know. He had to get his knee scoped. Nothing major. But I would expect him to be out maybe the next 2-3 weeks. It could even creep up to four weeks. So, we're probably going to be without him for a while."
The 2024-25 NC State basketball regular season tips off at home against the USC Upstate Spartans at 7 p.m. ET Monday (ACC Network Extra).
ALSO READ: NC State Breaks Out New Home Jerseys for 2024-25 Season
Stay tuned to NC State Wolfpack On SI for more NC State basketball news.
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.