Keatts discusses Funderburk suspension

Junior big man hasn't met coach's 'expectations;' No timetable for return

D.J. Funderburk was suspended from the NC State basketball team earlier this week for an unspecified violation of team rules. Thursday at the Wolfpack's media day event, coach Kevin Keatts commented for the first time on the junior big man's situation and when (or if) he might be eligible to return.

He also addressed how the team might adjust should the 6-foot-10 stretch four not be able to play for an extended period of time. Or at all.

Here's what he said ...

 "I won't get into much of it because that's an internal deal that's placed upon him from the basketball program. But I will say that I have a certain expectation of what I think an NC State player should be and right now, he hasn't met that."

"Right now there is no timetable for his return. He's got some benchmarks that I want him to meet to be able to join the team. When it happens, he'll be a part of it. If it doesn't, he won't."

Funderburk will not be allowed to practice with the team during his suspension, but will have access to team facilties to continue working on his own ...

Redshirt freshman Manny Bates was asked how his role would change if Funderburk isn't available. He also addressed his role with his suspended teammate in the lineup, specifically the possiblity of the two big men playing on the court at the same time.