Tag Archives: NC State Basketball

ACC Basketball, NC State Basketball

Lutz assumes new role at NC State

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Bobby Lutz, who’s been a member of the NC State coaching staff for the last five seasons, has been named Special Assistant to the Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations, Mark Gottfried announced Tuesday.

“My family and I have loved our five years at NC State and are very proud of what we have accomplished,” Lutz said in a release. “I look forward to aiding the program in my new role and will continue to give my very best effort.”

Earlier in the day, rumors swirled that Lutz may be headed to a position under new Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner, but with NC State’s release Tuesday, Lutz is most certainly staying in Raleigh.

Lutz’s new responsibilities will include “administrative duties” associated with the men’s basketball program. Those duties include development of players off the court, housing arrangements and logistics associated with the team’s future international trip.

“I’m grateful for all of Bobby’s contributions to our program and am pleased that he will continue to be of benefit to our student athletes,” Gottfried said in a release.

The move opens up an assistant coaching position on Gottfried’s staff and could explain earlier reports from Gary Parrish of CBS Sports that Florida Gulf Coast head coach Joe Dooley may wind up on N.C. State’s bench.
Nothing has been made official, but a decision could apparently be made by the end of the week. Parrish notes that a salary increase might play a huge role in Dooley’s decision.

“We don’t comment on jobs. I’m the coach here,” Dooley told The News-Press on Monday. Talking about it doesn’t really help me or help anything else. I think I’ve been pretty consistent that we’re going to not comment on any other jobs.”

Dooley has spent the last three years at Florida Gulf Coast, making the NCAA Tournament for the first time with the program in 2016. Despite being bounced by North Carolina at PNC Arena, he clearly made an impression on Mark Gottfried and the NC State staff.

During his first head coaching attempt, Dooley struggled with East Carolina from 1995-99. He led the Pirates to two winning seasons in four seasons before serving as an assistant at New Mexico, Wyoming and eventually finding a home for a decade at Kansas.

If Dooley does make the move, he would join Orlando Early and Butch Pierre as former head coaches serving on the Wolfpack’s staff. But he’s not making any promises about his future.

“I could get run over by a car on the way home,” Dooley said when asked if he could guarantee he’d be coach at FGCU next season. “You know the way people in Florida drive.”

 

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ACC Basketball, NC State Basketball

Dennis Smith Jr. cleared for basketball activities with NC State

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RALEIGH – The Dennis Smith era has officially begun in Raleigh.

Smith, NC State’s prized recruit in the 2016 class, is officially cleared to return to basketball activities. The Fayetteville native made the news official on Twitter.

Prior to the announcement, Smith told the North State Journal he was fully healthy and ready to get back on the court. He hopes to return to the court even better than he was last August.

“Oh, I’m 100 percent now,” Smith told the North State Journal. “But I don’t want to come back at 100 percent, though. I want to be around 120 after my recovery and playing better than I ever have by October.”

That’s a terrifying statement for ACC fans after the mixtape released earlier this week by Ball is Life.

During his time enrolled at NC State, Smith has rehabbed quicker than expected and said he’s gained 16 pounds in muscle alone. He hopes to use his increased strength and stamina to bring an up-tempo approach to the NC State offense in 2016-17.

For the full interview with Smith in this Sunday’s paper, subscribe to the North State Journal.

ACC Basketball, NC State Basketball

Cody and Caleb Martin to transfer from NC State

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NC State’s depth chart just got even thinner. Caleb and Cody Martin, two key players for the Wolfpack in 2016, will both transfer this offseason.

The Martin twins averaged a combined 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Pack last season. Both brothers traded off starting roles on Mark Gottfried’s team, with each playing a specific role off the bench when they were pressed into action.

“We wanted to say thank you to [Wolfpack Nation] and all of the great memories that will be with us forever,” Caleb Martin said. “But we think it is best for us to move on.”

Cody echoed his brother’s remarks.

“It definitely was not an easy decision for us,” Cody Martin said. “But we feel that is best that we move on. We will forever be grateful.”

Losing both wing players is a huge issue after Cat Barber announced he would stay in the 2016 NBA draft. Without Barber and the Martin twins, State will now have to rely solely on Maverick Rowan and a trio of players who have a combined seven minutes in a Wolfpack uniform in Torin Dorn, Terry Henderson and Dennis Smith.

“Through a series of honest, thoughtful and somewhat surprising conversations we have had in the days since our season ended, Caleb and Cody have informed me of their desire to explore options that they believe are in both of their best interest,” Gottfried said. “While I don’t share all of their views, I have certainly come to understand and respect the unique dynamic and special bond that exists between identical twins, especially when they play the same sport for the same team.

“I enjoyed coaching them over the past two years.”

NC State guard Cat Barber (12) hits a shot over Wake Forest center Doral Moore (4) Saturday, February 13, 2016 in Raleigh, N.C. Barber scored a career-high 38 points in NC State's 99-88 win over Wake Forest. (Christine T. Nguyen / The North State Journal)
NC State guard Cat Barber (12) hits a shot over Wake Forest center Doral Moore (4) Saturday, February 13, 2016 in Raleigh, N.C. Barber scored a career-high 38 points in NC State’s 99-88 win over Wake Forest. (Christine T. Nguyen / The North State Journal)

Losing transfers during the offseason simply continues a trend for State’s basketball team. Dating back to the 2009 recruiting class, 11 of the 23 scholarship recruits have gone on to play for different colleges. That includes players like Rodney Purvis, Tyler Lewis and Jaqawn Raymond — all three playing in the NCAA Tournament this year.

Of those players, only three remained with the team all four seasons. Four others, including Barber, left early for the NBA draft. NC State currently has just eight scholarship players on the active roster after its worst season under Gottfried.

The move is one that makes sense for the Martin twins with minutes likely dwindling down next season as Smith, Dorn and Henderson all in the mix next year. Unfortunately, it leaves the Pack devoid of depth again in 2016-17 after struggling with the issue this past season.

 

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ACC Basketball, NC State Basketball

Cat Barber will remain in 2016 NBA Draft

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During the ACC Tournament, Cat Barber said he would wait to hear back from NBA scouts before making his decision about the future. The feedback from the NBA must have been positive as Barber plans to remain in the 2016 NBA draft and not return to NC State.

The decision doesn’t come as a complete shock to NC State coach Mark Gottfried and his staff after the season Barber put together. Barber became only the second ACC player to average 23.5 points along with 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists, matching Georgia Tech’s Kenny Anderson.

“I appreciate Cat for his significant contributions over the last three years at NC State,” Gottfried said. “I wish him the best, and we will help him any way we can as he pursues his dreams to play in the NBA and provide support to his family.

“Not only was his play terrific for our team, but he showed great development as a player and young man during his time in our program, and he can leave here in solid position to come back and earn his degree.”

Equaling those numbers as a senior doesn’t seem likely — especially not with the shooters the Wolfpack will have next season. Suffice to say, his stock will never be higher than it is right now. Next year’s draft class will also be deeper, meaning the likelihood of a first-round selection for Barber seemed even slimmer.

Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Anthony Barber (12) walks off the court after missing a potential game tying shot in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Duke Blue Devils defeated North Carolina State Wolfpack 92-89. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Anthony Barber (12) walks off the court after missing a potential game tying shot in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during day two of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Duke Blue Devils defeated North Carolina State Wolfpack 92-89. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s also not forget the most crucial aspect: family. Barber has a one-year-old daughter and playing college basketball isn’t exactly paying bills, in case you haven’t noticed.

“I feel like it’s time for me to move on and take my game to the next level,” Barber said in a text message to Pack Pride. “I want to be able to provide for my family. I enjoyed my time at NC State. I want to thank my coaches for giving me the opportunity. Most importantly I want to thank my teammates and the fans. I want everyone to know I gave it 100% every night. I will forever be a part of WPN.”

Unlike Trevor Lacey suddenly departing from NC State last season, Gottfried was able to prepare for the potential of Barber’s exit. The team adds Terry Henderson and Torin Dorn on the wing with the No. 1 point guard in the 2016 class in Dennis Smith Jr. taking on Barber’s role.

Having Barber back would have been huge for the Pack, but it’s not a crippling loss either way. It’s the right move for Barber and one that benefits not only him, but his family as well.

“Not just me, but I have to do it for my child,” Barber said. “My brother died, it motivated me to do better. See the opportunity I got and go take it. I think that played a big part in me doing what I’m doing now.”

 

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ACC Basketball, NCAA Tournament, Uncategorized

Sean Miller reportedly offered Pittsburgh position; has ‘no interest’

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Former NC State assistant and current Arizona head coach Sean Miller has been offered the head coaching vacancy at Pittsburgh, according to Rich Walsh of CBS Pittsburgh.

The move comes just a day after Jamie Dixon left the Panthers to become TCU’s next head coach.

Miller was a point guard for Pitt from 1987-92, serving as an assistant coach with the Panthers from 1995-96. Miller then moved on to NC State from 1996-2001  before he headed to Xavier and eventually Arizona.

While the move may seem like a natural fit given Miller’s history in Pittsburgh, Miller quickly squashed any chance he’ll leave Arizona.

During his seven seasons with the Wildcats, Miller has taken the team to four Sweet 16 trips, three of which resulting in Elite Eight bids. Currently boasting the No. 7 recruiting class for 2016 per 247Sports Composite Rankings, Miller isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Pittsburgh is left in a difficult position after losing Dixon, but relying on its past with Miller isn’t an option. In a conference that currently has six of the Sweet 16 teams in the NCAA Tournament, finding someone to compete in the ACC will be an arduous task for Pitt.

 

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ACC Basketball, NC State Basketball

Tyler Lewis returns to Raleigh in Butler blue

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RALEIGH — Tyler Lewis remembers having to make the call on whether he’d finish out his career in Raleigh or move on. Ultimately, the Statesville point guard decided to head to Indianapolis for a chance to thrive in a new environment.

“It was one of the hardest decisions of my life,” Lewis explained. “It was to see if I had a better opportunity to play somewhere. It took a lot of praying and a lot of faith.”

Now a member of Butler, Lewis is playing in his second NCAA Tournament. Ironically enough, his second stint in March Madness comes at PNC Arena, a place he called home for two seasons with the Wolfpack.

Mar 16, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Butler Bulldogs guard Tyler Lewis (1) shoots the ball during a practice day before the first round of the NCAA men's college basketball tournament at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Butler Bulldogs guard Tyler Lewis (1) shoots the ball during a practice day before the first round of the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Lewis may have left the Wolfpack, but he can’t seem to avoid his Raleigh ties during the NCAA Tournament. Butler made the tournament last season and ended up in Pittsburgh for Regionals – the same location as NC State.

The Pack didn’t make a postseason tourney this year, but Lewis still finds himself close to his former teammates.

“NC State’s a place I fell in love with when I was a sophomore when I committed,” Lewis said. “It’s very ironic that we were in Pittsburgh last year at the same time and it’s ironic that I get to play here again. It’s like a circle in life. It just keeps coming back. Honestly I love it.”

Despite leaving Raleigh, there’s no animosity toward his former team. When he heard about the Regional location being at PNC Arena, Lewis immediately reached out to both Lennard Freeman and Cat Barber.

Barber and Lewis may have competed for minutes at NC State, but he said both maintain a close relationship. Even before learning Butler’s fate following the Big East Tournament, Lewis said he spoke with Barber during the ACC Tournament in Washington, D.C.

“I remember my sophomore and his freshman year,” Lewis explained. “A lot of people thought we were just competing for that spot. It kind of just made us closer as friends because people wanted to see us compete for the job but we knew it was more about the team.”

During his final year with NC State, Lewis averaged 4.4 points and 3.8 assists, averaging 19.9 minutes per game. The undersized point guard showed a smooth touch with the basketball, helping off the bench in his two years with the Pack.

The most memorable moment spent in Raleigh? That’s an easy one for Lewis.

“A great memory was when we beat Carolina and Duke here my freshman year,” Lewis said. “It’s always great to beat the blue bloods here, especially when you’re wearing the red. Those are the two biggest games … it was fun to be on top.”

A concussion suffered midway through the Big East schedule kept Lewis out of four games. He’s also seen his minutes gradually reduced from 23.6 per game prior to the injury down to 12.8 minutes in the last nine games.

“He’s obviously been an important part of our team this year and has been instrumental in some very important wins,” Butler coach Chris Holtmann said. “ … He’s returned and really given us some really important and valuable minutes.”

Regardless of the playing time he receives, Lewis will be get a chance to shine in front of family and friends – thanks to some extra tickets from his teammates. Back in PNC Arena one last time, he’s simply hoping for two wins and a trip to Chicago in his future.

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ACC Basketball, NC State Basketball

Georgia Tech vs. N.C. State: 4 takeaways from Yellow Jackets’ victory over Wolfpack

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Despite a valiant effort in the second half, N.C. State lost to Georgia Tech, 90-83, dropping to 11-10 on the season and 1-7 in the ACC on Wednesday night at PNC Arena. It was the Wolfpack’s fourth straight home loss and the Yellow Jackets’ first road victory in the conference.

Cat Barber made the start after suffering a knee injury against Duke, but the Pack couldn’t find a way to rally around him. Defensive lapses and ineffective shooting outside of Barber and Abdul-Malik Abu (22 points, 11 rebounds) did State in once again in ACC play.

Before the Pack’s next home game against a surging Miami team, let’s take a look at what we learned from the loss to Georgia Tech.

 

Cautious Cat

NC State guard Cat Barber (12) walks on the court after a play against Georgia Tech during the second half of a college basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Raleigh, N.C. Georgia Tech won 90-83. (Kevin Martin/North State Journal)
NC State guard Cat Barber (12) walks on the court after a play against Georgia Tech during the second half of a college basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Raleigh, N.C. Georgia Tech won 90-83. (Kevin Martin/North State Journal)

Don’t get me wrong, he may have finished with 36 points on the night, but it was clear from the start Barber wasn’t completely healthy. The Pack’s floor general looked timid at the beginning of the game, rarely driving to the basket with his normal veracity.

Barber settled for outside shots with limited cuts with mixed results. During the first half, Barber missed his first three shots before hitting his next four. He finished at 5-of-13 and finished at 13-of-28 on the night.

While Barber was able to settle into a groove and did eventually slash to the basket twice late in the second half, it was all for naught. But if the outside shot is working like it did during streaks for Barber on Wednesday night, he can still be one of the most prolific scorers in the conference.

 

Abu Coming Into His Own

NC State forward Abdul-Malik Abu (0) dunks near Georgia Tech forward Charles Mitchell (0) during the second half of a college basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Raleigh, N.C. Georgia Tech won 90-83. (Kevin Martin/North State Journal)
NC State forward Abdul-Malik Abu (0) dunks near Georgia Tech forward Charles Mitchell (0) during the second half of a college basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Raleigh, N.C. Georgia Tech won 90-83. (Kevin Martin/North State Journal)

For those who haven’t noticed, Abu is becoming a key ingredient for the Wolfpack’s offense.

Unfortunately, that offense is struggling outside of Barber and Abu. The sophomore big man combined with Barber to finish with 58 of the State’s 83 points along with 15 of the team’s 31 rebounds.

Still, Abu finished with his eighth double-double in the last 11 games. His growth as a sophomore might not do much for this team this season, but could go a long way for next year. Considering Barber will likely return, having a more developed Abu inside with Dennis Smith outside should be encouraging for N.C. State fans.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t make this season any better. 2017 feels like a long way away at this point.

 

Cold From Deep

The Wolfpack fell behind in the first half after going 0-of-5 from behind the arch, including two misses from Maverick Rowan. He finally found his touch in the second half with two straight threes to put State within striking distance, but couldn’t sustain it late in the game.

Overall, State finished at 6-of-14 from three against Georgia Tech thanks to some desperation threes that fell in the second half. Suffice to say, it wasn’t enough when the defense isn’t making stops on the other end.

On the night, State finished slightly better than GT from behind the arch, but didn’t come out of the gate with any accuracy from deep. Teams like Miami and Duke – two of the Pack’s next three opponents – will certainly make them pay with size down low to pull in defensive rebounds.

 

What’s Next?

Why did State need this win so bad? Well, let’s just say the upcoming slate doesn’t look friendly.

Up next, the Pack hosts No. 15 Miami (16-3) on Saturday after the Hurricanes trounced Duke Monday night. After falling to a team that had yet to win a conference game on the road, State gets to tangle with a Miami team that is 1-2 away from home this season.

For a team reliant on just two scorers, Abu will have to battle inside with 7-footer Tonye Jekiri in the paint. That, my friends, is not a good matchup. And it doesn’t get any easier for Barber, who will need to be at full strength against Sheldon McClellan.

The Canes are a senior-laden team with Jekiri and McClellan serving as just two stars along with Angel Rodriguez. State has pulled off more surprising wins this season over Pittsburgh and, well, just Pittsburgh. But with the insanity of the ACC this year, anything is possible.

ACC Basketball, NC State Basketball

Pack rally falls short against Louisville: 4 takeaways NC State’s 77-72 loss

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RALEIGH — NC State dropped its first home ACC game of the season against the No. 16 Louisville Cardinals, 77-72, at PNC Arena on Thursday despite a wild comeback that had State within three points in the final 10 seconds.

Cat Barber drove to the basket rather than shooting a three, but was denied at the rim and not given a whistle on a close call at the hoop. Louisville got the ball back and finished State off with two Damion Lee free throws to sneak out of Raleigh with a conference victory.

With the loss, the Wolfpack fell to 0-2 in the conference for the first time under Mark Gottfried with the loss.

Barber finished with 20 points and four assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cardinals (13-2, 2-0 ACC). The Pack (10-5, 0-2) also got support from Abdul Malik-Abu inside, who finished with a double-double, his sixth of the year and fourth in the last five games.

Louisville was led by Quentin Snider, who finished with 21 points, and Chinanu Onuaku’s 12 points and 14 rebounds.

State now enters desperation mode heading to Wake Forest on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are 0-2 in the conference, although NC State might very well be the more desperate team with their NCAA lives on the line.

Here’s three more takeaways from NC State’s loss:

Pushing in the Paint: Early in the game and throughout much of the night, NC State struggled to get going inside. With Louisville boasting one of the tallest lineups in the ACC, the Pack relied on second-chance opportunities to get going.

In fact, State’s first nine points were all from offensive rebounds — a battle it won 19-12 over Louisville.

Abdul-Malik Abu bullied Louisville around inside with 15points and 12 rebounds. His presence on the scoring sheet was a huge necessity with Maverick Rowan and Caleb Martin, State’s other offensive threats, both scuffling on that end.

The Pack won’t face many lineups like the one Louisville put on the court, but it’s clear Abu has to get more looks inside. With his ferociousness on the boards creating extra possessions, getting Abu going early and often along with Barber might be State’s only chance to compete in the ACC.

Barber Breather: It’s a reasonable question to ask after every single NC State game, win or lose: How long can Cat carry the load? The junior point guard is averaging over 39 minutes per game and is relied upon every single game to do just about everything.

Barber sat out for 1:06 in the first half and social media went bananas.

The difference for the Pack was noticeable, too. State struggled to find an open shot with Louisville running the full-court press. Barber, of course, was immediately inserted back into the lineup.

When Barber struggles, the entire team struggles. He started the game just 2-of-9 (1-of-4 from three-point range) with State down, 31-20, by the 3:34 mark in the first half. He finished with nine points as State fought back to a 34-29 deficit at the half.

It’s a nightmare Catch-22 for Mark Gottfried. He has to rest his best player but when he does it sinks any hope the Wolfpack has of winning.

What’s Next? Still winless in the conference, NC State now travels to Joel Coliseum to face Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons are off to a similar start to the Pack after losing their first two conference games against Louisville and Duke.

Wake has shown ability this season with Devin Thomas leading the way at 16.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Freshman Bryant Crawford has also been dangerous thus far, but is coming off one of his worst performances against the Blue Devils at home.

In order for the Pack to finally get an ACC victory, it will need to force the issue inside against Thomas and freshman John Collins. Working inside-out against a young Wake team could be the key, but getting consistent production outside of Abu will be a struggle.

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