In a stunning turn of events, last season Kevin Keatts led the team to their first final four since 1983. A true Cinderella story unfolded as the NC State Wolfpack pulled off what was possibly the greatest program turnaround in college basketball history. The regular season may have been disappointing, with a record of 17-14 and dropping their last four games, but the ACC Conference Championship win and final four appearance marked a magical run for the team.
As the new season approaches, the Wolfpack have gained a few transfers to bolster their roster. However, the team has also lost four of their six leading scorers from the previous season, with players either entering the NBA draft or graduating. With so many new faces on campus, Coach Keatts certainly has his work cut out for him. Furthermore, DJ Horne and DJ Burns Jr. are both aiming to earn roster spots in the NBA, leaving a void in leadership for the team.
The upcoming season brings new challenges and opportunities for NC State Basketball. In their 2024 transfer class, the Wolfpack welcome four new players who are expected to make an impact. Among them are freshmen Paul McNeil and Trey Parker, who bring their talents to the team in hopes of contributing to their success. McNeil, a highly ranked prospect from North Carolina, chose to stay close to home despite offers from other top programs. Parker, on the other hand, brings experience and scoring ability to the backcourt, despite his age compared to most freshmen.
Looking ahead, the Wolfpack’s schedule is shaping up to be a tough one. With matchups against powerhouse programs like Kansas, Purdue, BYU, Ole Miss, and Texas, NC State will be tested early and often. The target on their backs will be even bigger this season, following their ACC Tournament win and final four appearance. The team’s in-conference schedule is yet to be revealed, but one thing is for certain – the Wolfpack are ready to build off last year’s success and continue their journey towards greatness.
