NC State got a bit of good news heading into their matchup with Georgia Tech: senior guard Tre Holloman is officially off the injury report.
Holloman had missed the last two games after rolling his ankle early in the January 3rd contest against Virginia. But now, with his name no longer on the availability list, it looks like the Wolfpack will get one of their key veterans back in the rotation.
And while Holloman began the season in the starting five, he’s recently embraced a new role as a high-energy contributor off the bench-a shift that’s paid dividends. Case in point: his December 21st outing against Ole Miss, where he poured in 16 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. That kind of scoring punch gives NC State a reliable option when the offense needs a jolt.
On the season, Holloman is averaging 10.2 points per game and leads the team with a 43.5% shooting clip from the field. That efficiency, combined with his ability to stretch the floor, makes him a valuable piece whether he's starting or coming in as a sixth man.
However, NC State will still be without senior center Scottie Ebube, who’s set to miss his second straight game due to injury. Ebube has seen limited action this season-appearing in 10 games-but he made the most of his minutes in his last outing, scoring four points in just four minutes against Boston College. His absence may not shake the rotation dramatically, but it does thin out the frontcourt depth.
On the Georgia Tech side, freshman big man Mouhamed Sylla is listed as questionable. Sylla went down with an injury in the Yellow Jackets' game against Miami on January 10 and sat out the following matchup against Pittsburgh. His status will be something to monitor closely, as he’s been a steady presence in the paint for Tech this season, averaging 10.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
If Sylla can’t go, it would be a significant blow to Georgia Tech’s interior defense and rebounding-two areas where he’s made a real impact as a freshman.
So, heading into this ACC clash, both teams are managing key pieces of their rotation. For NC State, getting Holloman back is a timely boost. For Georgia Tech, all eyes are on Sylla’s status.