NC State

[bob1485]

We are about to ROLL y'all! GO PACK!!!!




Juuuuuust kidding. I can speak for most Pack fans in saying I hate we are playing y'all this early. Too much ACC Red on Red crime. Was definitely pulling for you vs. UNI to carry the ACC banner, but would much rather have been looking across at UNI this round. I know we feel a little better after beating you once this year, but that means very little. I think both teams are playing different right now. And Pitino with a week to prepare is a concern.

That being said I do think the ball is in our court, so to speak. Not taking away from UL, because we pretty much know you will bring your A or B game, but I think this match up depends more on which NCSU team shows up. I think we have a slightly higher ceiling in this game, and a much lower floor. I honestly expect both teams to come out and play well and it be a very close game.

I am hoping Cat will cause a ton of issues for your defense, because while your Offense looks a little better without Jones he did have the kind of speed that could hinder Cat, hard to tell from the outside but it looks like he is going to have an advantage. Of course Harrell is always a problem, should have never let him get out of NC, and Rozier has really looked good. Hopefully our Bigs can keep the momentum going because, even though our guards are our stars, the front court guys have really made the engine run. Their size and athleticism can really cause issues for just about anyone.


Here's to a good game and hopefully the Winner can take it to the house and beat UK (or more hopeful someone does that before then!).

 

[tn00nan]

How the hell did you guys lose so many games this year? You look damn good to me - not just when you played us before but in this tourney.

I think you took UL (the players, not Pitino) by surprise last time. Won't be the case this time. It will be a war this Friday.

I think whoever wins our game should win the region.

 

[Cue Card]

Originally posted by bob1485:
We are about to ROLL y'all! GO PACK!!!!




Juuuuuust kidding. I can speak for most Pack fans in saying I hate we are playing y'all this early. Too much ACC Red on Red crime. Was definitely pulling for you vs. UNI to carry the ACC banner, but would much rather have been looking across at UNI this round. I know we feel a little better after beating you once this year, but that means very little. I think both teams are playing different right now. And Pitino with a week to prepare is a concern.

That being said I do think the ball is in our court, so to speak. Not taking away from UL, because we pretty much know you will bring your A or B game, but I think this match up depends more on which NCSU team shows up. I think we have a slightly higher ceiling in this game, and a much lower floor. I honestly expect both teams to come out and play well and it be a very close game.

I am hoping Cat will cause a ton of issues for your defense, because while your Offense looks a little better without Jones he did have the kind of speed that could hinder Cat, hard to tell from the outside but it looks like he is going to have an advantage. Of course Harrell is always a problem, should have never let him get out of NC, and Rozier has really looked good. Hopefully our Bigs can keep the momentum going because, even though our guards are our stars, the front court guys have really made the engine run. Their size and athleticism can really cause issues for just about anyone.


Here's to a good game and hopefully the Winner can take it to the house and beat UK (or more hopeful someone does that before then!).

It's a horrible match up for the Cards. NC State has the advantage inside and out. The only area I feel the Cards have a distinct advantage is coaching, and I don't know if that will be enough to pull off what I would consider to be an upset.

We'll find out soon enough I guess. Either way, we're guaranteed a ACC team in the elite 8 no matter what happens with the other 3 ACC teams playing.




This post was edited on 3/23 10:03 AM by Cue Card

 

[slippery1]

I think we have a 40% chance to beat you guys. If we don't then I predict Cat and your Bigs will win the title. You will give UofK all they can handle and more.

 

[bob1485]

Originally posted by tn00nan:
How the hell did you guys lose so many games this year? You look damn good to me - not just when you played us before but in this tourney.

I think you took UL (the players, not Pitino) by surprise last time. Won't be the case this time. It will be a war this Friday.

I think whoever wins our game should win the region.

We find interesting ways to lose. Lost to Wofford early on after Lacey hit a half court shot that would have won it but after 10 minutes of looking the refs decided it didn't beat the buzzer. Lost games like ND where we were up 16 and just tried to coast, ended up losing in OT. Missed tips against UNC, late flagrant foul call against UVA, and then just decided to not show up against a Wake and BC. We have played a top 5 schedule so the Losses pile up quick if you don't show up every night, which we did not.

Cat Barber just didn't know what to do with himself until about mid year...we were too reliant on Turner for scoring and he would disappear for games at a time (like he did against Nova)...The Bigs are all young and are just now coming out, led by Abu who is going to be a very, very good player. The talent is there, these are all high rated recruits, just been a struggle to stay consistent. Gottfried has his flaws but his teams are always peaking at the end of the year.

 

[cardsp]

Originally posted by bob1485:

Originally posted by tn00nan:
How the hell did you guys lose so many games this year? You look damn good to me - not just when you played us before but in this tourney.

I think you took UL (the players, not Pitino) by surprise last time. Won't be the case this time. It will be a war this Friday.

I think whoever wins our game should win the region.

We find interesting ways to lose. Lost to Wofford early on after Lacey hit a half court shot that would have won it but after 10 minutes of looking the refs decided it didn't beat the buzzer. Lost games like ND where we were up 16 and just tried to coast, ended up losing in OT. Missed tips against UNC, late flagrant foul call against UVA, and then just decided to not show up against a Wake and BC. We have played a top 5 schedule so the Losses pile up quick if you don't show up every night, which we did not.

Cat Barber just didn't know what to do with himself until about mid year...we were too reliant on Turner for scoring and he would disappear for games at a time (like he did against Nova)...The Bigs are all young and are just now coming out, led by Abu who is going to be a very, very good player. The talent is there, these are all high rated recruits, just been a struggle to stay consistent. Gottfried has his flaws but his teams are always peaking at the end of the year.

Whenever Pitino has a week to prepare normally good results especially when we have played the opponent once.

 

[Raleigh2Miami]

Originally posted by cardsp:

Originally posted by bob1485:

Originally posted by tn00nan:
How the hell did you guys lose so many games this year? You look damn good to me - not just when you played us before but in this tourney.

I think you took UL (the players, not Pitino) by surprise last time. Won't be the case this time. It will be a war this Friday.

I think whoever wins our game should win the region.

We find interesting ways to lose. Lost to Wofford early on after Lacey hit a half court shot that would have won it but after 10 minutes of looking the refs decided it didn't beat the buzzer. Lost games like ND where we were up 16 and just tried to coast, ended up losing in OT. Missed tips against UNC, late flagrant foul call against UVA, and then just decided to not show up against a Wake and BC. We have played a top 5 schedule so the Losses pile up quick if you don't show up every night, which we did not.

Cat Barber just didn't know what to do with himself until about mid year...we were too reliant on Turner for scoring and he would disappear for games at a time (like he did against Nova)...The Bigs are all young and are just now coming out, led by Abu who is going to be a very, very good player. The talent is there, these are all high rated recruits, just been a struggle to stay consistent. Gottfried has his flaws but his teams are always peaking at the end of the year.

Whenever Pitino has a week to prepare normally good results especially when we have played the opponent once.

THIS.

I've followed UofL through my extended family and my parents went there.

Pitino is the best in the business when it comes to planning. Gottfried is a great coach, but still learning the ropes in a way.

I'm concerned but also happy as hell to be in the Sweet Sixteen.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

I love these NC St fans wish they would come around more often.

 

[cardz4life]

The OP makes alot of valid points. I can't see how the guards can stay in front of Cat Barber. He's like your version of Russ Smith. But I can't look past Pitino. The advantage appears to be with NC State but we have a big coaching advantage IMO.

 

[Don Pitinos Cards]

The Sweet 16 is Pitino's round. Cards roll on friday

 

[CardChipper]

Abu was a monster yesterday. Great game by the Wolfpack, and of course Barber is just unguardable. Look for us to double Barber and hack a shak on Abu Friday. We probably won't have fouls to give late, as a guess. Our bigs are just as young but Mangok has been really defending well lately, and Onuaku has played up to his potential. Should be a good one.

 

[zipp]

If Gottfried lets Bobby Lutz call the shots, we're in trouble. That guy was tough as nails at Charlotte, and older U of L fans remember too well.

Good luck Friday and beyond if you guys emerge victorious...

 

[ItsintheCards]

While I sincerely hope we destroy the Pack on Friday, if we lose, I will enthusiastically cheer for them the rest of the way. By the way, Bob Valvano is our analyst on the radio broadcast.

 

[bob1485]

Originally posted by Ipartiedwithhopgood:
I love these NC St fans wish they would come around more often.

UL is definitely a welcomed addition to the league. For one, high quality basketball school. And second, another RED team to fight the blues.

For the Bobby Lutz mention...Oh he will definitely have large hand in the game plan. He is responsible for much of the scouting and almost all of the defensive preparation. Obviously not on Pitino's level but after a week of prep, he will have a nice plan put together for the defensive end.

And for the hack a Abu idea, he is only a 54% free throw shooter but he actually has really nice form and touch, and I think he has been like 75% over the past 10 games or something. Now Freeman is a BAD free throw shooter and Anya is around that 54% mark as well, though he too has a decent looking shot. Honestly though, don't be surprised to see a substantial dose of Kyle Washington. While he is actually a good shot blocker, he is a liability on the Defensive end, but he can put the ball in the basketball and stretch the D at the 4 spot.

ItsintheCards - Thats cool about Bob V I didn't realize that. I knew he had coached in that area, Bellarmine I believe. And I share the sentiments, I would love to win by 20, but if we lose y'all will be the team I'd go for the rest of the way.

 

[WKCard]

Tidbit for those that may not know, Gottfried coached Murray State years ago. (90's maybe early 2000's) GO CARDS!!!

 

[Knucklehank1]

To steal and refine a quote from Bob Knight:

"I was worried about losing until I looked down the floor and saw (Mark Gottfried). Then I knew we had a chance."

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Originally posted by bob1485:

Originally posted by Ipartiedwithhopgood:
I love these NC St fans wish they would come around more often.

UL is definitely a welcomed addition to the league. For one, high quality basketball school. And second, another RED team to fight the blues.

For the Bobby Lutz mention...Oh he will definitely have large hand in the game plan. He is responsible for much of the scouting and almost all of the defensive preparation. Obviously not on Pitino's level but after a week of prep, he will have a nice plan put together for the defensive end.

And for the hack a Abu idea, he is only a 54% free throw shooter but he actually has really nice form and touch, and I think he has been like 75% over the past 10 games or something. Now Freeman is a BAD free throw shooter and Anya is around that 54% mark as well, though he too has a decent looking shot. Honestly though, don't be surprised to see a substantial dose of Kyle Washington. While he is actually a good shot blocker, he is a liability on the Defensive end, but he can put the ball in the basketball and stretch the D at the 4 spot.

ItsintheCards - Thats cool about Bob V I didn't realize that. I knew he had coached in that area, Bellarmine I believe. And I share the sentiments, I would love to win by 20, but if we lose y'all will be the team I'd go for the rest of the way.

Met a few of you guys @ the football game this year, it was a close game. Classy group it was nice mingling.

Yeah Bobby Lutz knows his stuff.

I hate this match up for us but I feel we're somewhat blessed to be playing.

If you guys win you might want to give it 24/48 hours before coming back LOL

 

[GoPack704]

Louisville is ok, but man Eric Shelton was such a bust for my Panthers.

 

[Boom Boys 13]

We need to just pack in the zone, no man to man to let Barber carve us up. Pick and choose when you press since Barber broke the press by himself last time. If State beats us from the outside, so be it. Give Coach P 5 days to prepare for anyone and we have the edge typically.

 

[ajgcardman]

Originally posted by zipp:
If Gottfried lets Bobby Lutz call the shots, we're in trouble. That guy was tough as nails at Charlotte, and older U of L fans remember too well.

Yeah, but this isn't exactly Denny's 2000 team, right Zipp?

 

[Cue Card]

Originally posted by Boom Boys 13:

We need to just pack in the zone, no man to man to let Barber carve us up. Pick and choose when you press since Barber broke the press by himself last time. If State beats us from the outside, so be it. Give Coach P 5 days to prepare for anyone and we have the edge typically.

Offensive rebounding will be crucial to the outcome of this game IMO. The team that rebounds the best will win the battle of the garbage buckets and that could be the difference. Since NC State is bigger and stronger in the post, I don't like that thought at all.

To compensate for the poor match ups inside, our guards will need to hit open and 3 point shots. Barber and Lacy are one of the best guard tandems in college basketball, so there is no advantage there either. It would be great to get one or both in foul trouble to limit their minutes.

This will be a very difficult game to win, but if we're going to win, we'll have to take it. NC State isn't going to give it to us.