Jamie Rhodes/USAToday sports
Wolfpack tipoff: Mount Olive
NC State vs. Mount Olive
PNC Arena (19,772)
2 p.m. WatchESPN; Live stats: GoPack.com
Series history: First meeting
2018-19 records: State 24-12, Mount Olive 14-16
Storylines
Coach Kevin Keatts will formally unveil his 2019-20 team in an exhibition game against the Division II Trojans. Because the game won't count on the Wolfpack's record and the opponent figures to be overmatched, Keatts will likely experiment with numerous lineup combinations.
Of most interest will be the long-awaited debut of redshirt freshman big man Manny Bates, who missed all of last season while rehabbing from his second shoulder surgery in as many years. Bates isn't a traditional back-to-the basket center, but that's okay since Keatts' fullcourt, up-tempo style calls for everyone -- even the big men -- to be able to run the floor, pass and defend. But at 6-foot-11, 230 pounds, Bates is going to do certain big man things like rebound and block shots for the Wolfpack to be as successful as it can be this season -- especially if D.J. Funderburk remains suspended for any length of time once the games begin. ...
Another playing his first game in a State uniform is graduate transfer Pat Andree. A 6-8 wing who played his first three college seasons at Lehigh, Andree has the potential to give the Wolfpack the kind of 3-point specialist they've lacked since Sam Hunt in 2017-18. Andree gave a glimpse of his abililty to knock down shots from the perimeter by winning the 3-point shooting contest at last week's Primetime with the Pack event ...
Of the returning players, keep an eye on Braxton Beverly's 3-point shooting. He's been challenged by Keatts to increase his percentage from beyond the arc and become a more consistent offensive threat. ...
It will also be interesting to see how much transfers C.J. Bryce and Devon Daniels have progressed now they they both have a year of ACC experience to their credit. ...
THEY SAID IT
"It's definitely motivation. We've got some guys on the roster from last year, but we try not to let it determine our mind set as far as thinking about it too much. We're over it. The committee made a decision. But we definitely look forward to being in (the NCAA tournament) this season." C.J. Bryce on last year's NCAA tournament snub
PLAYERS TO WATCH
| NC State | Mount Olive | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Markell Johnson | 6-1 Senior | 12.6 ppg, 4.2 apg | Michael Brown | 5-10 Sophomore | 10.2 ppg, 4.8 apg |
CJ Bryce | 6-5 Redshirt Senior | 11.6.ppg, 4.6 rpg | Alan Trekle | 5-10 Junior | 9.9 ppg, 2.4 apg |
Braxton Beverly | 6-0 Junior | 9.4 ppg, 2.5 apg | Cameron Robinson | 6-0 Senior | 9.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg |
Devon Daniels | 6-5 Redshirt Junior | 9.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg | Darius Spragley | 6-3 Junior | 9.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg |
NOTABLE
◼ Kids are encouraged to come in their Halloween Costumes to the game and participate in our Halftime Costume Parade. Fill out the form at this link to join the halftime costume parade. Kids can pick up candy as well as the 2019-20 men's basketball poster at the marketing tables on the concourse at sections 108, 115, 124, and 129.
◼ Sunday marks the final day of the North Carolina State Fair and large crowds are expected around PNC Arena. Fans are encouraged to allow extra travel time to the arena. Fans are encouraged to use Gate E (Edwards Mill Road) and Gate F (Westchase Blvd.) entrances to the Arena lots. Trinity Road gates will be open, but should be avoided because of fair traffic. Parking lots for fans attending the game at PNC Arena on Sunday will open up at 11 a.m. Season parking passes will be honored for all Arena lots and was included in season ticket packages. Parking is $10 in the lots surrounding PNC Arena. NC State students attending the game on Sunday can park in the Arena lots free of charge by showing their student ID. Doors to PNC Arena will open at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. game.
◼ PNC Arena has enhanced its public safety policy to include a clear bag policy for all events at the arena starting in 2019. For more information on the clear bag policy and what type of bags are permitted click here.
