Blackout: ‘Ville Comes to Town

Wolfpack Basketball (10-4, 0-1) is back in action tonight, as they try to bounce back from a road setback in Blacksburg.  For those who are not aware, since the Pack’s seeming 2nd half collapse at VT, the Hokies next took down #4 UVa.  So was it truly a collapse by the Pack, or an excellent first half vs a better than expected VT squad?

Time will tell.  Either way it went into the books as an 0-1 start to league play, and Head Coach Mark Gottfried’s first loss to VT.

Tonight however, the Pack is at home and will welcome the #16 ranked Louisville Cardinals (12-2, 1-0) to town.  The Cards have dropped but two games this year.  Both of those games were on the road versus the big boys (Michigan State, Kentucky), yet they were in both ’til the end.  On the other hand, they’ve been largely untested otherwise, with their biggest win being at home vs Wake Forest four days ago.

The eye test says they’re the Pack’s biggest test to date, but they still might be ripe for the picking (I have no particular reason to think this….just one of those feelings/hopings).

Tip time is 7pm, TV is ESPN2.

Oh….and as the title alludes, we’re wearing black tonight.  So go wild on the woe is me/black unis discussion (but don’t forget we did win AT ‘Ville last year while wearing black).

 

But….that didn’t stop the Cards from knocking State out of the NCAA Tourney following the Pack’s big upset of #1 Seed Villanova.

Just saying.

NC State and Louisville meet again (NewsObserver.com)

After Thursday’s home opener with Louisville, the Wolfpack will go on the road three times in the next four games, only to return home for a matchup with No. 14 Duke.

In other words, the season could go sideways in a hurry if the Wolfpack, already on tenuous footing at No. 82 in the RPI, can’t recover from the Virginia Tech loss. Sophomore wing Caleb Martin was confident the Wolfpack could learn from the wasted opportunity at Virginia Tech.

“That just shows how important it is to finish the game,” Martin said. “We have to make sure we end up closing out the game.”

Gottfried predicted his team would react well to the loss. Virginia Tech’s subsequent win over No. 4 Virginia on Monday, also helped allay some of the panic of losing to last year’s last-place ACC team.

“It probably made them all feel a little bit better, to be honest with you,” Gottfried said of Virginia Tech’s 70-68 win over the Cavaliers.

With the ACC schedule about to crank up, and injured guard Terry Henderson still not close to getting back on the court, Gottfried said his focus has been on getting more consistency out of his healthy players.

Pitino: Recruiting battles forgotten when Cards face former targets (WDRB.com)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — North Carolina State guard Cat Barber was recruited heavily enough by the University of Louisville to make an official visit to campus that was among those mentioned in the recent book detailing allegations against the program.

[snip]

“I think Cat Barber is one of the premier guards in the nation and I say that not to hype him because we’re playing him,” Pitino said. “He is one of the players that really improved his shooting. He is shooting a high percentage, both from the foul line as well as the field. He’s a terrific mid-range shooter, great off the bounce and he’s also an excellent defensive player. When I look at a lot of basketball players, I look at both ends of the floor. He’s an outstanding charge guy, great hands, very long for 6-2. He’s someone that I think is one of the one-two … I won’t say someone’s the best because that’s subjective — but I think he’s one of the top two or three guards in the nation. It’s not only him, they shoot it so well at the 2-3 spot. You can’t come off too much. And they have a great post presence with two different types of post players.”

A year ago at the KFC Yum! Center, the Cardinals got into an up-tempo game with N.C. State and lost 74-65. In the NCAA Tournament, they’d addressed their defensive issues and beat the Wolfpack 75-65 in the Sweet 16 to advance for a shot at the Final Four. Montrezl Harrell had 24 points in that game and Terry Rozier added 17 points and 14 rebounds.

This team is entirely different, but many of the same defensive principles apply.

“We’ve got to be careful with a lot of things that we do in this basketball game,” Pitino said. “They’re great in transition. As I said they have a great outside game, a great inside game. Very well drilled, very well … their scheme is outstanding. Mark (Gottfried) does a terrific job with putting them in high percentage situations offensively. They’re also a very good defensive team. Not only does (Barber) shoot a high percentage, he gets to the line. One of the tops in the country at getting to the line. Then shooting a high percentage.”

catcardinal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go Pack!!!

About Wufpacker

A 2nd generation alumnus and raised since birth to be irrationally dedicated to all things NC State. Class of '88 and '92.

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Home Forums Blackout: ‘Ville Comes to Town

Viewing 25 posts - 26 through 50 (of 51 total)
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  • #96376
    choppack1
    Participant

    A 43% foul shooter makes both a 90% foul shooter misses both and zebras…we’ll there’s a reason why officials make me forget everything I learn in church.

    #96377
    john of sparta
    Participant

    +1 chop…this is what lead Maryland to jump.

    #96379
    mowog67
    Participant

    So many problems. Where to even start?

    #96381
    Wolfanatic
    Participant

    I’m not happy with the outcome, but given the circumstances I think we did all that we could do. Yeah, I know, our moron bigs can’t hit a free throw or a two foot put back……But we shouldn’t have to rely on those idiots to do so. Our streaky offense sucks..Two scorers at most on most nights…if we are lucky…gonna be a long season, but the sky is not falling………………………………………yet

    #96386
    choppack1
    Participant

    Wolfanatic – I am not going to attack our bigs. They didn’t come to college as great foul shooter or great shooters period.

    This is on gott. These kids seem to be good kids (which speaks well of Gott)…but he has to own this roster. I can deal with making the NCAA 80% of the time, but he has to find a way to build and retain depth.

    #96392

    Is it too late for Lacey to sneak back onto the team? We really miss his scoring and need someone to emerge as even a somewhat competent offensive player to take the pressure off Cat. Hopefully Henderson comes back soon and is a first team all-american at season’s end.

    #96393
    redisgood
    Participant

    It’s taken me all season but I’ve finally figured out the team’s problems. Cannot score from outside, cannot score from inside, cannot score from the free throw line. Gott just needs to fix those three things and the team will be in business.

    #96396
    BJD95
    Keymaster

    Apart from sucking, we just fine.

    MG has earned a mulligan season. He is responsible for the roster, yes. But he’s responsible for the goodwill he’s built since he’s been here, too.

    #96397
    tractor57
    Participant

    I’ll assess at the end of the season. So far not so good and maybe not at the end but that is the way I look at things.

    #96398
    MrPlywood
    Participant

    Yeah, I know, our moron bigs can’t hit a free throw or a two foot put back……But we shouldn’t have to rely on those idiots to do so.

    That’s uncalled for.

    #96399
    JeremyH
    Participant

    I was very impressed with the comeback, it just started a little late. They came at us in waves all game. Down three with 10 seconds left, I was hoping to see us at least get a three off, but wasn’t meant to be.

    Given the circumstances the underclassmen like the Martins, Mav and Abu are doing great, and will continue progressing. We’re just a little shorthanded at guard. And we rarely get easy scores except on the break..throw in a backdoor cut every once in a while.

    #96400
    mak4dpak
    Participant

    Bad to lose, especially at home.and uniforms would have made no difference. It is all mental. But was shocked to see us come back late in the second half, after being down by double digits. If they would just play with that urgency the whole game, some of our losses would have been wins. And please give our bigs some classes in shooting FTs.

    #96402
    Rick
    Keymaster

    Apart from sucking, we just fine.

    MG has earned a mulligan season. He is responsible for the roster, yes. But he’s responsible for the goodwill he’s built since he’s been here, too.

    Mulligan or trend? That is the question. His recruiting has trended down and players leave at two a year so a down year should be expected. Nonetheless until he decides defense is important he will not win anything significant.

    #96403
    Adventuroo
    Participant

    We lost. The crowd was really sparse. It really shows how the “Big’s”….as in the DONORS will support the team. The lower middle sections are, I’ve been told, predominantly owned by Donors that write them off for business. These folks are not, sad to say, like the Donors that purchased the LTR’s in the Smith Center.

    It is really disheartening to see the seats vacant at the start of the game. They eventually did start to fill up, but it really made a statement. The upper decks were pretty full. Even the Champions Club attendance was down. For a Ranked Conference game, the fans that complained are actually, by comparison WORSE (Suck More if you like) than the team.

    The ONLY statistically relevant “superstition” index is Gott’s shirt color. He was casual with no tie and an open color dress white shirt.

    The game was a typical one or one with Runs and Streaks. We let too many points get on the board and got down 16. Then we needed about 2 more minutes to pull it off. It DOES seem like our team is in much better shape than our opponents.

    Pitino used 11 players last night….only 4 more than we did. At the end, we still had our legs and Louisville was running on 2 cylinders.

    We made a mighty, but failed comeback. THAT is encouraging.

    The OTHER point, not made here….The VT Hokies done destroyed the UVA Wahoo’s rankings. In CASE you did not see the game. Unranked VT, coming our their home win against us KNOCKED OFF the #4 UVA Hoo’s and it was like the Grinch stealing their Christmas. Admittedly, the Hokies did it at HOME….but our RPI clicked up a notch or two after they did that.

    This is our TEAM…despite it’s warts and pimples. Cat tried to do a lot last night and was guarded heavily. Rowan and Martin also. Abu had a killer game. Even Anya and Freeman participated. Cody was solid on D, but a little sloppy with the ball. He frequently was asked to come over for more attention from Gott.

    That is it.

    Even SFN’s number of posts for a televised game against a ranked Conference opponent showed a Lack of SUPPORT and ATTENDANCE. I can NOT believe that there are less than 2 FULL pages of posts.

    I guess everyone had to go to the DPAC or wash their hair or extricate the lint from their navel….

    #96404
    Rick
    Keymaster

    Even SFN’s number of posts for a televised game against a ranked Conference opponent showed a Lack of SUPPORT and ATTENDANCE. I can NOT believe that there are less than 2 FULL pages of posts.

    There was another game thread.

    #96408
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    Sorry ‘Roo. As soon as bill’s vag soreness wears off, things might get back to normal.
    The market has spoken, et al.

    #96409
    wolfpack92owen
    Participant

    Apart from sucking, we just fine.

    MG has earned a mulligan season. He is responsible for the roster, yes. But he’s responsible for the goodwill he’s built since he’s been here, too.

    I am not sure if mulligan is the right word here. Sure there is no heat on him this season but if the pattern persists next year then I think something should be done. His coaching and roster management is godawful.

    If last nights crowd was any indication then apathy has taken hold in Raleigh. Something Yow has talked about ad nauseam.

    If I was a betting man I would wager the twins transfer, we most likely lose Cat and either Abu or Anya. Something is just off with this team. No chemistry and the all have the look of frustration especially the twins.

    #96413
    BJD95
    Keymaster

    well, sure. TWO would be a trend.

    Cat will surely go pro, he can’t possibly get any better, another MUST PLAY IMMEDIATELY PG is coming in, and he’s got a child to look after.

    Twin A and Twin B absolutely LOVE IT at NC State, campus life-wise, so I have no clue why they would leave.

    #96415
    Rick
    Keymaster

    well, sure. TWO would be a trend.

    Cat will surely go pro, he can’t possibly get any better, another MUST PLAY IMMEDIATELY PG is coming in, and he’s got a child to look after.

    Twin A and Twin B absolutely LOVE IT at NC State, campus life-wise, so I have no clue why they would leave.

    Who knows why anyone will leave but what is consistent is that two leave every year whether to transfer or “be drafted”. Cat is one so who is the other?

    #96416
    ryebread
    Participant

    Quick thoughts:
    – I think apathy is starting to set in with the fanbase. I think most know “what we’ve Gott.”
    – I argued the “future revenues from more ticket sales” model was a complete joke when it was trotted out 4 years ago.
    – This team isn’t that good, but it’s probably more competitive than half of Lowe’s teams. Gott isn’t an awful coach like some are making him out to be.
    – The roster issues are solely with the coaching staff. They’ve chosen not to use the full scholarship allotment and have had issues with player retention (particularly of contributors, not the guy at the end of the bench).
    – Don’t insult the players.
    – Cat’s gone at the end of the season. No way we sign DSJ if he didn’t know he was walking in to completely run the show.
    – We’ll see another leave prematurely I believe. I suspect Abu is gone as well.
    – The thing about the Martins is that they’re seemingly a package. For them to transfer, some school would have to be willing to take both. I always thought we were one of the few high majors willing to do that the first time.
    – We shouldn’t have given the raise and extensions. A coach like Gott should be on a rolling year over year contract that is heavily incentive based.
    – The timing of Gott, Yow and DD’s contracts line up too close for comfort.
    – I’m trying to accept that Archie will never be the head man at NC State.

    #96418
    BJD95
    Keymaster

    I could definitely buy Abu and/or KH leaving. Hopefully just “or” – they both have NBA stardust in their eyes, for sure. They will NOT transfer. KH could very much slot in as a defensive stopper role player. His physical freakness alone is enough to get drafted, and he’s actually a very interesting ballplayer, warts and all. Dude almost went pro LAST year.

    #96423
    Wolfanatic
    Participant

    Apologies to all for my comment last night. Indeed, it was uncalled for. Just spoke out of drunken frustration that has accumulated over a few games. I suppose that the kettle was bound to whistle at some point. Again, I apologize to those who were offended.

    #96426
    Aeight
    Participant

    How can it be that players that are now JUNIORS…in their THIRD year in a D1 program with D1 coaching and still can’t shoot free throws. I can understand coming out of high school and not being able to hit them…well maybe not…It’s called player development. It’s teaching and preparing players to help your team WIN when called upon. To develop skills to help your team win. Especially the bigs, they will be getting to the line at the end of games more than anyone. Games are won and lost on that dang free throw line. I hate to give cudos to Orange County college but they develop players, you can see it in them year to year. They emphasize the little things like shooting free throws that can win games. Geez how many air balls did Anya and Freeman throw up last night? At least hit the dang rim!!!

    #96427
    peteavio
    Participant

    What got me is the number of times Louisville would run up, snatch the ball from our hands. There was an extra gear and level of hustle in them that the pack lacked…with the exception of Cat for most of the game. Last two minutes showed a similar level of intensity that’s not sustainable all game with a short bench.

    #96430
    Aeight
    Participant

    Sorry for the rant a few minutes ago. I am proud of the effort our team gave last night, being shorthanded in numbers and scorers they played their guts out. It’s just that free throws were the difference, make them and we may have a different outcome.

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