Kevin Keatts: "We Have Multiple Pieces We Can Play"

• NC State head coach Kevin Keatts discussed DJ Horne, limiting turnovers, and much more with the media via Zoom during the ACC's weekly teleconference.

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the interview.

“Each game you kind of learn a little bit more, and all of them have been a little dramatic to be honest with you.”

“We’ve done it in different ways. At Notre Dame we didn’t play well at all but kind of found a way to win the game, hung in there and pulled it out at the end.  The Louisville game, we kind of had control for most of the game and obviously a couple of things down the stretch.”

“It says a lot about our guys and their focus on the road.  Road wins are so hard in college basketball. To have three of them, I tell our guys those are golden.”

“Our group... older in age, I think it helps us focus a little bit more.”

“I think we’re defending. We’re not turning guys over as much as we usually do but from a halfcourt standpoint I think we’re really defending.”

“We have multiple pieces we can play... we have around nine guys who can come in the game and impact in a different way.”

“We’re shaping up similar to last year’s team.”

“I think DJ Horne is playing at a high level right now which is helping our team.”

“I’m sure all of them are in the top 25 and a few may be in the top 10. We have to win a few of those... it just shows the types of teams we’re playing.”

“I think we’ve had a couple of games where we just didn’t value the basketball. If you look at our body of work, it’s crazy it’s been so good... we’ve had games where we’ve turned it over four times.”

“I think it’s a small sample size of what’s going on right now. We’ll get back to taking care of the basketball.”

“We have to win the turnover battle, no matter if we’re playing Wake Forest... it’s been almost to the point where when we turn it over I’m a little shocked... but we have to get back to taking care of the basketball.”

“He felt like he didn’t have a good game against North Carolina, and nobody did.”

“Those are the guys you want in the program. Players are allowed to have bad games, but you don’t want to stack bad games... I think DJ showed you what type of a competitor he is.”

“I think [Efton Reid] gives them a skilled post. He hasn’t made a lot of three’s but his ability to step out, and they run a lot of top action where he can step out... he’s big. He changes shots down low, he’s able to finish... he’s a great rim-run guy... I think he gives them more of an inside-out presence than they’ve had in the past.”

“Steve has done a really good job. It just shows you how tough our league is.  In the last couple of years he’s had some really good teams... he hasn’t been able to get into the tournament with the teams he’s had.”

“He’s taken guys averaging four points per game at another school and let them loose.”

“When you talk about Dr. King, I’m an African American coach in the ACC.  Without his impact, and what he’s done, I wouldn’t be here... there is so much hatred in the world today, and we’re talking about a man who preached, whether you’re black or white, to love people and understand the value of getting along.”

“I don’t take it for granted. It’s an exciting day for me.  Dr. King was such a great inspiration for not just African American coaches and folks, but everyone in the world.  It means a lot.”

“Based on the way things are going, I think you take everybody because these kids are going to be eligible.... I don’t think there will be restrictions on anyone... it is here to stay. I think you go get the best guys who fit you and figure it out.”

“You’re right, they said don’t take two-time transfers and they are making an impact.”