By Graham Hill, 99.9 The Fan

Raleigh, N.C. — NC State head men’s basketball coach Kevin Keatts joined 99.9 The Fan’s “Next Up” with Paul Ihander and Graham Hill Wednesday morning to reflect on the Wolfpack’s remarkable Final Four run last season and discuss his vision for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.

Keatts provided insights on key roster changes through the transfer portal, as well as expectations for the annual Primetime with the Pack event, the team’s red and white scrimmage.

Looking back at the Wolfpack’s memorable Final Four run, Keatts credited his players’ resilience and commitment as the driving force behind their success.

“Just talking about the ACC (Tournament) what a special ride and Michael O’Connell’s shot was tremendous,” Keatts said. “By the time we got to Virginia after we played Louisville, we always felt like we were going to win.”

Despite falling short in the national semifinal, Keatts emphasized that the experience has set a strong foundation for the program moving forward.

This offseason, Keatts worked diligently to enhance the team’s roster, bringing in five impact players through the transfer portal. These additions, Keatts said, should help NC State continue to compete at the highest level in the ACC and beyond.

“We wanted to go out there and fill needs,” Keatts said. “We knew we were going to lose four guys who all accepted their roles.”

Keatts highlighted the versatility and experience of these transfers, noting that their presence will help replace the production of key departures and provide much-needed depth across various positions.

“We feel like Brandon (Huntley-Hatfield) was one of the best post guys in our league, Mike James is a strong, down-the-hill, physical driver,” Keatts said. “When you talk about Marcus Hill, what a scorer, can get to the free throw line. And then Dontrez Styles, I think his year at Georgetown helped his confidence offensively,” Keatts continued. “Our last transfer is Ish (Isamel Diouf) who has the chance to help us in the post also. ”

As excitement builds for the new season, Keatts shared his enthusiasm for Primetime with the Pack, the team’s annual preseason showcase that allows fans to get an early look at the squad.

“It’ll be a great event, it’s a really good event, especially when you’re coming off an ACC Championship,” Keatts said. “I hope everybody has a chance to come out and enjoy meeting the new faces and meeting our women’s team, it should be exciting.”

The event, which is free for all fans and students wanting to attend, will be followed by the red and white scrimmage, a key opportunity for players to demonstrate their progress ahead of the official start of the season.

Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, Keatts expressed confidence in his team’s potential, though he acknowledged the challenges of competing in a deep and talented ACC.

“I think our league is as strong as it’s been in a while,” Keatts said. “When you look around, everybody’s got some really good pieces that are returning and they’ve done a great job through recruiting whether it’s high school or the transfer portal. It’ll be an interesting race.”

With a mix of returning veterans, new transfers, and promising young players, Keatts believes NC State has the pieces to make another deep postseason run.

“The one thing I’ve learned in my coaching career is that when you say ‘it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,’ we’re the prime example of that,” Keatts said. “As we get together and we start playing, hopefully, this team as it grows puts ourselves in a situation to win another ACC championship.”

NC State fans will get their first glimpse of the new-look Wolfpack during Primetime with the Pack, set to take place Friday, Oct. 25 at Reynolds Coliseum. The 2024-25 season officially tips off on Nov. 4 against USC Upstate with NC State eager to build on last season’s momentum.

Source: wralsportsfan.com