It was the Cinderella story of the 2023-24 college basketball season. NC State basketball made a run nobody expected.
The tradition continues! CBB Review is again ranking the top 100 teams heading into the new college basketball season. Each day, we will reveal the next team until we reach the team slotted at number one. Up next: NC State basketball.
NC State basketball finished the regular season 18-14, dropping seven of the final nine games of the season. This gave the Wolfpack the 10-seed in the ACC Tournament, which meant the team needed to win five games in as many days to become conference champions. That was the only way the team would earn a berth to March Madness.
They did it, alright. NC State beat five straight teams, including Duke, Virginia, and North Carolina, en route to an ACC Championship. They then won four more to earn a trip to Phoenix for the Final Four.
The Wolfpack stole much more than a bid. They stole the hearts of the college basketball community.
An accomplishment like no other. NC State’s 11-seed is tied for the highest seed to reach the final weekend in tournament history.
All that said, NC State experienced some big losses this offseason. Four of the five top scorers, including stars DJ Horne and DJ Burns Jr., depart, leaving some holes in the starting five. Head coach Kevin Keatts reloads with four 4-star transfers (Mike James, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, Dontrez Styles, Marcus Hill) and 4-star freshman Paul McNeil.
Keatts also brings back some key returners who should step into bigger roles, highlighted by senior Jayden Taylor. The 6-4 guard averaged 11.2 points on 36.4% three-point shooting last season and should step into a leadership role on this year’s squad. Joining him in the backcourt is Michael O’Connell, who had his season highlight against Virginia in the ACC Tournament by hitting a last-second three to send the game to overtime.
Senior forward Ben Middlebrooks played behind Burns last season and should help solidify the frontcourt with Huntley-Hatfield. The Wolfpack should be strong in the post this season, and the team as a whole should be very deep.
NC State will be an exciting team to watch this season. We know better than to count them out.
Click here to learn more about our preseason top 100 teams heading into the 2024-25 college basketball season.
Head Coach: Kevin Keatts (8th season at NC State, 11th season overall)
2023-24 Record: 26-15 (9-11)
2024 Postseason Finish: Lost to Purdue (63-50) in Final Four
Notable Departures:
- DJ Horne (16.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.1 APG)
- DJ Burns Jr. (12.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.9 APG)
Notable Non-Conference Games:
- vs. Purdue (Nov. 28)
- vs. Texas (Dec. 4)
- at Kansas (Dec. 14)
Projected Rotation
PG: Michael O’Connell (6-2, 195, Gr.-Sr.)
2023-24 Stats: 5.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.2 APG
SG: Mike James (6-5, 200, Rs.-Jr.)
2023-24 Stats: 12.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.5 APG
SF: Jayden Taylor (6-4, 195, Sr.)
2023-24 Stats: 11.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.3 APG
PF: Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (6-10, 240, Sr.)
2023-24 Stats: 12.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.0 APG (Louisville)
C: Ben Middlebrooks (6-10, 240, Sr.)
2023-24 Stats: 5.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.6 APG
6: Marcus Hill (6-4, 185, Sr.)
2023-24 Stats: 20.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.6 APG (Bowling Green)
7: Dontrez Styles (6-6, 210, Sr.)
2023-24 Stats: 12.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.8 APG (Georgetown)
8: Ismael Diouf (6-9, 215, Jr.)
2023-24 Stats: 10.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG for Alliance Montreal
9: Breon Pass (6-0, 165, Sr.)
2023-24 Stats: 1.3 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.3 APG
10: Paul McNeil (6-5, 180, Fr.)
247Sports Composite #56 ranked recruit
NC State Basketball Team MVP: Jayden Taylor
Taylor is the only returning double-digit scorer. He, O’Connell, and transfer Mike James will man the perimeter, but Taylor will be required to provide most of the scoring. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield is talented, we know what he will provide in the post.
Now the issue is replacing DJ Horne and all of his production. When Horne was hurt last season, Taylor filled in and did a fine job. Now it’s his backcourt, and the team will go as far as he takes them.
NC State Basketball Make-Or-Break Player: Ben Middlebrooks
DJ Burns Jr. provided a lot for the Wolfpack, both offensively and defensively. His departure will be felt regardless, but Middlebrooks having a strong season should soften the blow.
Huntley-Hatfield, as mentioned, is a great talent. The Louisville transfer had eight double-doubles last season and has continued to trend upward his entire career. If Middlebrooks can provide the bulk of the defense down low, this frontcourt could be scary.
Key Analytic: Rebounding
Last season, NC State was a middle-of-the-pack team on the glass. The Wolfpack ranked 9th in the ACC in team rebounding (35.3 RPG), but the departed Mohamed Diarra provided most of that production. With he and Burns gone, the only returner who averaged 4+ rebounds per game last season is Middlebrooks.
Huntley-Hatfield is on pace for double-digit rebounds. Middlebrooks, with an increase in minutes, should see an increase. Taylor will probably play small forward, and he rebounds well for a listed guard. Without Burns’ physical presence, NC State needs a lot of people to step up. Their success depends on the glass.
NC State Basketball Projections
Projected Conference Finish: 7th in the ACC
Projected Postseason Ceiling: NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen exit
Keatts will not play Huntley-Hatfield and Middlebrooks together, just as he did not play Burns and Middlebrooks together. Expect to see Styles as an undersized 4.