WATCH: Kevin Keatts Talks Signing Class, Season Opener

NC State head coach Kevin Keatts met with the media as the Wolfpack opens the season today against VMI.
 

"It's been a really good week for Wolfpack basketball. We signed our really good basketball players. I'm excited about our future."

"When you look at the class we signed, all of those guys can play multiple positions, and I'm excited about them. All four are going to be really good players. I expect all of them to come in and compete for a starting job next year."

"We needed height, when you look at the guys graduating, we were able to get two interior players and two guys who can play three and four, and Saddiq Bey can also play some two. Jericole Hellems I view as a hybrid four-man who can play as a stretch four but also some small forward. Manny and Ian can play power forward and center."

"I'm really excited about our class."

"Our team is excited about playing tomorrow, it's our first opportunity, our first game, and we've put in a lot of hard work."

"The biggest challenge that all coaches around the country have is that we play tomorrow. Every coach thinks they need another week or two to be ready and you look at your team and say we can be better in this area or that area... certainly you have to play tomorrow. That's the biggest fear, knowing we've run out of time. It's here right now."

"We'll try to play the way we want to play. If I'm not mistaken we'll have nine scholarship players ready to play. It won't be an excuse for us. We'll play with the guys ready to play and put the guys on the floor ready to go."

"Malik went to the doctor on Tuesday or Wednesday and he's cleared to run. There is no timetable on his return. I won't chance playing him unless he's 100%. If he's 98% I won't put him on the floor. I couldn't tell you when he'll be ready to go."

"He's definitely out this weekend."

"The players will determine that. We're coming out with the intent to play the way we want to play... you never know about foul trouble or any situations."

"I'm excited, I'm pumped up.  For me, my last time on the floor we were playing on the NCAA Tournament... our second one in a row.  I'm happy to get back out there."

"I think we're starting to gel."

"We've come together as a team and we understand each other."

"I don't determine starters until after we go through walk-through. I want to make sure everyone stays focused and not assuming they are going to start the game."

"I think they are very similar because both guys can score and I can mix them up in different positions.  You look at Saddiq... he has developed some great ball skills. I can also play him at two-guard. Jericole is very unique because he's a guy who can go in and score but also stretch the defense by making threes. I think those two guys really complement each other."

"I need [Steere and Bates] to walk in the door and be ready to play."

"I spent a lot of time at a prep school so I'm used to having a different roster every year. For most coaches that would really bother them, but if we had six, seven, eight or nine new guys it wouldn't bother me at all."

"I think Braxton is not only frustrated but also a little disappointed. I think in his mind, and I'm behind him on this, he didn't do anything wrong."

"Braxton is getting hurt because of decisions adults made. I'm very hopeful. I still think there's a great opportunity that he'll have a chance to play this year."

"I hope that whoever is making the decision about Braxton Beverly really looks at it and the well-being of the young man."

"I always believe he could be cleared and playing in the game tomorrow. I have no reason to believe that but I'm hopeful. I'll stay positive about the situation and keep praying about it."