What has been speculated for the last few months in Raleigh has been confirmed by NC State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan. Head men’s basketball coach Kevin Keatts will return for the 2022-23 season. But should he?
Yes. Simply put, and here’s why….
The team the Wolfpack went into camp with is not the team we see on the floor weekly. The injury bug bit this team on opening night and kept feasting. Starting center Manny Bates went down during the season opener within a minute of play starting a domino effect in the post as Ernest Ross was lost later for the season – leaving NC State down to its fourth post player.
Even with the injuries, minus the two matchups between UNC and one against Duke, the Wolfpack have been in almost every game and have played to the end until they eventually just run out of gas.
While that doesn’t equal wins, the never-give-up mentality that NC State has gone off of for years is evident as this team gives its all and can play with almost anybody in the country.
With hopefully a few returning players and the possibility of top 2023 guard Robert Dillingham flirting with reclassifying and reporting to Raleigh a year early, should give Keatts the chance to save face next season.
But 2022-23….is win or stay home.