5 Summer Goals For North Carolina State Basketball

By Reed Hunnicutt

5 Summer Goals For North Carolina State Basketball

Abdul-Malik Abu — NC State put together a solid postseason after knocking off the top seed Villanova Wildcats before falling in the Elite Eight. Despite the loss of their top two scorers, the Wolfpack are still in a good position to make a strong push in the NCAA tournament. These five steps can help them reach that point.

5. Find Another Ball-Handler

Terry Henderson

5. Find Another Ball-Handler

Terry Henderson — Anthony Barber is clearly the lead guard for the Wolfpack next season. But outside of him, there are no proven ball-handlers on the roster after Trevor Lacey decided to go pro. West Virginia transfer Terry Henderson, who sat out last season, is more of an off-guard, but he played significant minutes as a sophomore for the Mountaineers. It will be up to him, or possibly one of the Martin twins, to take some pressure off of Barber.

4. Make the Martin Twins the Main Wing Options

Caleb Martin

4. Make the Martin Twins the Main Wing Options

Caleb Martin — Caleb Martin played a bigger role last year, averaging 4.8 points off of the bench. Cody Martin only appeared in 19 games, averaging 3.4 points. Caleb is more of an aggressive scorer while Cody likes to set up teammates and get after it on the defensive end. Both will be needed to make up for the loss of Ralston Turner. Expect Caleb to start at SF with Cody being the first wing off of the bench.

3. Develop A Jump Hook For Beejay Anya

Beejay Anya

3. Develop A Jump Hook For Beejay Anya

Beejay Anya — Anya is known to be an elite shot-blocker with little offensive game. He doesn’t need to be a force on the block in order for NC State to win, but it would help to have the option to slow the pace with some post up opportunities. With a ridiculous 7-foot-8 wingspan, Anya’s jump hook would be difficult to contest. If he can make that his go-to move, teams will struggle to defend him.

2. Prepare Terry Henderson and Anthony Barber To Play Big Minutes

Anthony Barber

2. Prepare Terry Henderson and Anthony Barber To Play Big Minutes

Anthony Barber — Henderson and Barber will be the most reliable guards on the team next year. At West Virginia, Henderson averaged 11.7 points on 38 percent shooting from three, so he will be counted on to be a top scorer. Barber will be one of the best guards in the ACC next season, and a lack of guard depth will require him to play at least 35 minutes a game in order for the Wolfpack to be at their best.

1. Help Abdul-Malik Abu Develop Into A Star

Abdul-Malik Abu

1. Help Abdul-Malik Abu Develop Into A Star

Abdul-Malik Abu — Abu was a highly recruited forward out of high school. After a slow start, he began to blossom in the NCAA tournament, posting a double-double against Villanova. He’s got the physical tools and instincts to be a real threat in the ACC. The coaching staff should continue to help Abu make that big jump from his freshman to sophomore season. If done right, Abu will be recording double-doubles all year.

Reed Hunnicutt is an ACC Basketball Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @rd_hunnicutt04, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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NC State Wolfpack

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