Three NC State Basketball Players Out of Commission vs. Presbyterian

Two injuries and one suspension have the NC State basketball squad a bit shorthanded against the Blue Hose.
NC State basketball guard Mike James
NC State basketball guard Mike James / Matt Giles-NC State Wolfpack On SI

Hosting the Presbyterian Blue Hose (1-1, 0-0 Big South) in the Lenovo Center at 7 p.m. ET Friday (ACC Network Extra), NC State basketball is down three scholarships players.

ALSO READ: Historic Night for Wolfpack Nation in Season Opener

NC State redshirt junior Mike James, a potent transfer addition from Louisville, remains sidelined with a knee injury that could cost him a few more games.

Meanwhile, despite playing 11 minutes in the Wolfpack's season-opening 97-66 home win over the USC Upstate Spartans on Monday night, sophomore guard Dennis Parker Jr. is not suited up for the battle against Presbyterian. Presumably, his absence stems from the ankle injuries he dealt with in the weeks leading up to the regular season.

Plus, NC State (1-0, 0-0 ACC) is without junior forward Ismael Diouf, a transfer from Laval College in Canada. The Quebec native is still serving a two-game suspension, which began against the Spartans, due to his impermissible participation in the Canadian Elite Basketball League during the summer after hearing his name No. 1 overall in that league's draft.

Following the bout against Presbyterian, the 2024-25 NC State basketball team, under the command of eighth-year Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts and looking to build on the program's epic ACC Tournament title and Final Four run last season, will welcome the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (1-0, 0-0 Sun Belt) to Raleigh at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday (ACC Network Extra).

ALSO READ: Ex-UNC Guard Scores First NC State Points of Season

Stay tuned to NC State Wolfpack On SI for more NC State basketball news.


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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

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.