Kevin Keatts on Michael O'Connell injury: 'It definitely changed us'
Unfortunately it seems every year a key injury hits a team at exactly the wrong moment in time and ruins what could otherwise be something truly special. NC State found that out the hard way via Michael O’Connell in this year’s Final Four.
The Wolfpack were on a remarkable run, having won nine straight games to reach the Final Four. They were America’s darling, getting the chance to go up against the 1-seed, the Goliath Purdue.
Things didn’t get off to the best start, with Purdue jumping out to a quick early lead. But disaster struck about six minutes in, when NC State shooting guard Michael O’Connell tripped up in transition, seemingly pulling his hamstring.
O’Connell would sit for most of the game, only briefly checking back in for a three-minute stretch in the second half.
“Well, when Michael’s injury occurred, it definitely changed us,” coach Kevin Keatts said. “It made (us), under the circumstances, go back to (DJ) Horne handling the ball a little bit more than we wanted to. I thought Breon (Pass) came in and did a good job for us.”
NC State managed as best it could, but it just wasn’t the same without an additional threat in there to accompany the DJs. Purdue widened the lead considerably, even as O’Connell tried to make a valiant return.
With about 10 minutes left in the first half, a clearly hobbled Michael O’Connell came back out onto the floor. It was clear he was having trouble keeping up with opposing dribblers off the bounce, and he lasted only about three minutes before sitting the rest of the way.
NC State just didn’t manage very well without him.
“That being said, we’ve been playing seven or eight guys, one of your key guys go down, it changes a lot,” Keatts said. “He’s our leading assist guy, so we didn’t really have anyone that could create for someone else.”
The Wolfpack finished the game with only 10 assists on 21 made field goals. Big man DJ Burns led the way with four dishes.