Kevin Keatts breaks down Duke's changes since first meeting

There was just one game remaining on NC State’s regular season schedule: a trip 30 miles due northwest to take on Duke. This will be the Wolfpack’s second matchup against their in-state rival. The first time the two teams faced off, NC State dominated Duke at home 84-60. But a lot has changed since the two teams squared off in early January. As they gear up for their Tuesday night contest, NC State head coach Kevin Keatts breaks down the Blu Devils’ changes since their first meeting.

“Well, John’s done a really good job with his team. It’s a completely different team. I mean, they’re playing really good basketball,” said Keatts. “They got (Jeremy) Roach back, and he’s playing a little bit off the ball, and the young guys are really, really gotten better. And I don’t even think we can call them young guys because at the end of the year now, at the end of February, they should be sophomores and grown up. They’ve gotten a lot better and obviously, as you said, 15-0 at home; they’re really good at home also.

Duke has found some rhythm as of late and is currently on a four-game winning streak, with three of those coming at their home of Cameron Indoor. Meanwhile, NC State is 1-2 in their last three road contest.

Keatts raves about impact of Jarkel Joiner at NC State

Saturday’s 96-71 loss to the Clemson Tigers would likely be NC State guard Jarkel Joiner’s home last regular season contest. Despite the difficult loss, the Wolfpack suffered at the hands of their ACC rival, head coach Kevin Keatts took a moment to rave about the type of player Joyner is and what he’s meant to the program.

“He’s a warrior — a great person,” said Keatts. “He’s a great human being (and) he’s a better person than he is a basketball player. And we know what type of basketball player he is. He’s the ultimate competitor. We’re so glad that he decided to come to our program and join us. He’s forever part of the NC State family, even though you only get it for one year. But he’s meant so much to us, not just us as a coaching staff, but to Wolfpack nation and also the guys in the locker room. And so, we’re going to miss him. Like, we’re going to miss all my kids; I love them all. But what that young man’s been able to bring to our program has really injected some energy on both ends of the floor and a positive mindset.”

In the Wolfpack’s home regular-season finale, Joiner had a rough day from the field. The senior guard from Oxford, MS, was an abysmal 4-14 shooting from the field for 16 points. Joiner also had three turnovers to his four assists.