WRAL Sports Fan

Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/18/christmas-wish-list-nc-state-needs-to-trim-down-on-turnovers-this-holiday-season/

RE: Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

Gotta have it list-topper: Defensive stops

NC State ranks 226th in the nation, giving up 68.3 points per game. Granted, that is in part due to their up-tempo pace and they put up 78.4 points per game themselves, but theyll have to lock down defensively before the start of ACC play. With how impressive they have been offensively (Top 30 in scoring, nearly 40 percent from three-point range, best field-goal percentage in the country), working to get defensive stops turns NC State from a Sweet 16 contender to a team that can run deeper into March.

Gottfried doesnt have a go-to shot blocker or enforcer in the paint, but Richard Howell and C.J. Leslie are both capable of denying or altering shots at the rim. On the perimeter, NC State ranks in the top half of the conference in steals, thanks in large part to guard Lorenzo Brown (2.3 steals per game).

Stocking stuffer: Cutting down on turnovers

It usually happens for everyone after the holiday season, hitting the gym and trimming some pounds off the waistline after theyve accumulated from all that eggnog and pie. But for Mark Gottfried and his NC State Wolfpack, theyre trying to trim down on turnovers before the start of conference play after the New Year.

NC State turns the ball over 14 times per game, which ranks them in the bottom half of the ACC. Against teams like Duke, which turn the ball over much less, conference play will take a toll on them. The turnover number is in part because of pace, as well, but they dont force turnovers particularly well, either, which leads to a low turnover margin.

Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

I think this is a fair assessment.. If we start playing defense for 40 mins instead of 20 to 25 will be tough to beat

RE: Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

Oh and take better care of the ball! lol this all starts with ZO and the last couple games he has been better, which I can say for the whole team seems we are getting better week to week

RE: Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

Well, gee, maybe Santa will leave us a present under the tree.

RE: Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

Harr, I always read your posts. You are the biggest, best cheerleader State has on these boards. I appreciate your information, as I don't have time to look it all up like you.

GO PACK!!!

RE: Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

Learn how to spell.It's Christmas....Even the writers got it correct on the web page.

RE: Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

If Brown can get consistently better as the season progresses, the Pack will be a force when it counts. The freshman Warren is playing on a very high level as well. The rooks getting better bode well for this team.

RE: Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

Learn how to spell.It's Christmas....Even the writers got it correct on the web page. 

- Posted by kkevin7048

+1

RE: Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

Good game! We got better!

RE: Packs Xmas Wish List: Defensive Stops/LimitTurnovers

Good game! We got better! 

- Posted by harr2006

yeah... but, we need to share the ball more... 12 assists last night, and that just won't cut it.

the D was better in spurts, and our shot selection was phenomenal... that's why the Pack is the #1 SHOOTING team in the Nation... High % shots will do that :)

Feeling very good about the steady improvement of this club, and once ACC play gets here, they'll realize the importance of bringing it for 40 MINUTES, EVERY night.

Go Pack!