Braxton's Beard a challenge for Keatts

A high 3-point shooting percentage by the junior guard could mean some extra facial hair for his coach

CHARLOTTE -- NC State guard Braxton Beverly no longer looks like a mountain man now that he's trimmed his beard to a more conservative length.

That doesn't mean his coach has taken a liking to it.

Kevin Keatts did, however, say that there is at least one condition that would make him change his mind on the subject. And at the same time, compel him to grown some whiskers of his own.

"That beard is an ongoing thing with he and I," Keatts said Tuesday at the ACC's Operation Basketball media day. "As long as he's making shots, that beard is a good beard. But if he decides to miss some shots, then we'll have to have a conversation about what we need to do with (it)."

So how many shots will Beverly have to make to keep Keatts happy? The coach actually has a number in mind. And it's a lot higher than the 34.7 percent Beverly shot from beyond the 3-point arc a year ago.

Still, if he can manage to meet his coach's lofty goal, the reward may be even greater than the victories he and the Wolfpack earn on the court.

"If Braxton Beverly can find a way to shoot 45 percent from the 3-point line," Keatts said. "I may grow beard.

"We'll make (that challenge) today. If Braxton Beverly can shoot 45 percent leading in the ACC there's a chance I may grow a beard. Maybe not a beard, but a goatee."

Beverly wasn't in Charlotte to hear Keatts' challenge. But rest assured, the news will get to him quickly.

One thing is certain no matter what his shooting percentage might be. Wether his coach likes it or not, the 6-foot junior from Hazard, Ky., isn't planning on investing in a razor anytime soon.

"I'm going to keep it like this," he said last week at the Wolfpack's media day in Raleigh. "I will have at least something, though, I'll just keep it cleaned up."