Raleigh, NC – In the press conference following NC State’s challenging defeat to Clemson, coach Kevin Keatts addressed the pressing issues his team is facing while also highlighting some bright spots in their performance. Despite the outcome, Keatts emphasized the importance of consistency and resilience as the team navigates through a tough basketball season.
Struggles and Bright Spots
During the press conference, Keatts acknowledged that while the team has been grappling with a series of tough losses, there have been moments of promise. He particularly praised sophomore guard Dontrez Styles for his standout performance against Clemson, where he scored nine points on 14 attempts and made six of eight three-point shots. Keatts noted that Styles is beginning to find his rhythm and contribute significantly to the team’s efforts.
The coach pointed out that the Wolfpack faced a formidable Clemson team that entered the game with a record of 9-1. Despite the loss, Keatts expressed pride in his players for their effort and determination, especially given the adversity they faced leading up to the game. Several key players, including Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Breon Pass, were unable to practice due to flu-like symptoms, which further complicated the team’s preparation.
Consistency and Morale
One of the primary concerns for Keatts is maintaining morale in the locker room as losses begin to stack up. He emphasized that the team’s effort has not waned, stating, “If we’ve lost any game this year, it wasn’t because of our lack of effort. I love the way our guys compete every night.”
Keatts believes that fostering a culture of hard work and resilience is crucial for the team’s development. “Our good habit is that we play hard. That’s a non-negotiable for me,” he asserted. “Somebody on that bench is going to play hard, and I haven’t seen anyone give up.”
Evaluating Performance Against Top Teams
When asked about the team’s competitiveness against top-ranked opponents like Duke and Clemson, Keatts acknowledged that while they have shown improvement, there is still work to be done. “If you look at those two games, you can say we’re right there,” he explained. “We have been in every game because our heart is always on the line.”
Keatts reflected on the importance of winning early games in the season and how those outcomes could influence their current standing. He remains hopeful that the team can continue to improve and secure wins in future matchups.
The Role of Freshmen and Veterans
The coach also took time to discuss the contributions of his younger players, including freshmen Parker and McNeel. While they have had their moments of brilliance, Keatts acknowledged that their inexperience can lead to inconsistencies. “They have some great moments, but they are freshmen, and that’s not their fault,” he said.
Keatts stressed the importance of veteran leadership in guiding the younger players and ensuring they contribute effectively to the team’s overall performance. “A lot of this is up to me and our upperclassmen to get things right and let the freshmen contribute,” he added.
Rebounding and Defensive Strategies
One of the highlights of the game against Clemson was NC State’s ability to outrebound their opponents, a significant achievement given Clemson’s size advantage. Keatts noted that the team had focused on winning the rebounding battle during practice and was pleased with their performance in this area.
When discussing defensive strategies, Keatts highlighted the challenge of containing elite offensive players like Chase Hunter. Despite Hunter’s impressive performance, which included 20 points, Keatts believed that the team executed their game plan effectively, particularly in limiting other key players.
Looking Ahead: A Road Trip to California
As the team prepares for their upcoming road trip to California, Keatts sees this as an opportunity for the players to bond and reset their focus. “I think it’s a great time to get away and clear our minds a little bit,” he said. “We need to figure it out and move forward.”
Despite the struggles, Keatts remains optimistic about the team’s potential. “We have a fight in us. We’re struggling offensively at times, but we’ll figure it out,” he concluded.