Story Poster
NC State Basketball

Kevin Keatts: "They Are Playing With Great Confidence"

February 24, 2019
4,457

NC State head coach Kevin Keatts met with the media to discuss tonight’s game against Wake Forest.

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the press conference.


Did you get a chance to look at Wake and what do you see out of them?
We’re talking about a good Wake Forest team who is coming off a great win at Notre Dame. They did a tremendous job and got a great road win.

Similar to Boston College, we’ll see a good dose of man-to-man with a matchup 3-2 zone.

They are playing with great confidence right now, and we have to be prepared to play against some zone and man.

Can you talk about the versatility you’re getting from Devon Daniels defensively?
He’s been great.

I’m excited because anytime a young man turns the corner, especially on the defensive end, that makes me smile and lets me know I’m doing my job as a coach.  

I thought it started at the Syracuse game where he played great defense, and against Bowman he was very good. When you look at his stat line, that was impressive.  You’re talking about 19 points and 11 rebounds, then his hustle plays, five steals.  I thought he was very good.  

I hope he’s starting to play great basketball.  With some guys it takes longer than others, and with Devon I hope he’s starting to play great now.

Are you trying to tell your guys to not dig a hole?
We will today.  We took yesterday off. I thought it was important for our guys to get a little rest.

Not that it’s a concern, but that’s something we have to address. When our shots aren’t falling, don’t settle for outside shots and let’s try to get to the free throw line. 

That’s something we’ll talk about today.

You had momentum going into Wake last game, will there be some talk knowing they will be amped up?
You’re talking about two different teams. They are coming off arguably one of their better wins, especially winning on the road.

If you look at the last time we played, we were without Markell Johnson and I think it took our team a little time to adjust to that.  

Both teams will be different than last time.  When you play teams in this league twice, the first and second games are totally different.

Four games left, all winnable. Does that add pressure?
We don’t talk about the four games... we’re really just concentrating on the next game. With Wake Forest, you can’t talk about the next game until you get finish this one.

Our guys are excited. All of the guys in the program feel good about themselves and that’s good for us.

What will it be like to have TJ’s jersey honored before the game?
I’m excited for TJ and his family.  

I did not coach him, but he’s a young man I’ve had a chance to meet over the last couple of years, and what I love about TJ is he loves the game of basketball.  He plays all summer, 

He’s meant a lot to the program because he’s been a very positive influence as a NC State guy going on to play in the league.

It’s a great honor. I’m very excited for him.

Discussion from...

Kevin Keatts: "They Are Playing With Great Confidence"

3,833 Views | 0 Replies | Last: 5 yr ago by James Henderson
There are not any replies to this post yet.
Refresh
Page 1 of 1
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.