Keatts cooking up new ingredients for the Wolfpack
Posted September 22, 2023 8:03 a.m. EDT
N.C. — No two years, or dishes, are alike,
Last year, NC State basketball coach Kevin Keatts was coming off of an 11-21 season in 2021-22 and turned the Wolfpack around to 23-11 and an NCAA Tournament appearance this past year.
Now, Chef "Boyar-Keatts" has something new he's cooking up State fans: it's the same NC State with a new recipe.
"I think we have possibly ten guys we can put in the game," Keatts said Thursday at NC State's preseason media day.
The Wolfpack begins practice on Monday, and Keatts has found seven new ingredients--or players--in the transfer portal. Add in incoming freshman Dennis Parker, it's one of the deepest dishes Keatts has served in his seven seasons at State.
"For the first time in a long time, we have two point guards, two shooting guards, two small forwards, two power forwards (and) two centers," Keatts said.
"But now, it's the challenge of where do we put guys? Where are guys best at? We definitely have the weapons. Now, we just need to figure out how to use them," said Casey Morsell, who is one of only two returning starts along with senior center D.J. Burns.
Many of the new players can also play and guard multiple positions. It will be a versatile cuisine, but Keatts isn't sure who will be the main entree for this team just yet.
"We're trying to figure out who can step up and be that voice. I don't know where it's going to come from. Right now, it's the coaches. We're the loudest guys in practice," Keatts said.
Many are looking towards Burns to be the leader. Burns quickly became a fan favorite, routinely serving up hot plates for 12.5 points per game last season.
This year, along with Burns, could be an all-you-can-eat buffet.
"I think (Keatts) might have recruited too many guys. No, I'm just kidding," Burns joked. "Everybody on the court can go. I don't think that when anyone comes out, any sub that he would make that it will be a drop off."
"I feel we all complement each other well, and I'm excited to see how that plays out," said Ben Middlebrooks, a transfer from Clemson.
One player not present at media day was MJ Rice, a transfer from Kansas. Rice posted on social media Tuesday he has decided to "step away from basketball" for personal reason but plans to return to the Wolfpack. Keatts had no timetable on Rice's return.
At 6-foot-5, Rice would bring size and play making ability to the NC State backcourt. He finished his high school career as a top-30 player in the country according to Rivals.com, 247Sports.com and ESPN100.
