NC State's season was a rollercoaster, starting with high hopes and ending with a nail-biting finish. Positioned for a strong ACC Tournament run, they seemed set for a double-bye and a solid NCAA Tournament seed. But then, the wheels came off with six losses in their final seven regular-season games, leaving fans on edge.
However, the ACC Tournament saw the Wolfpack roar back to life. They took down a determined Pitt team in the first round and gave No. 2 seed Virginia everything they could handle, showcasing some of their best basketball of the year.
For those who keep a close eye on bracketology, NC State’s win against Pitt was the clincher for their NCAA Tournament bid. Yet, some fans were still skeptical, fearing they might miss out entirely. This perception gap highlights the complexity of tournament selection.
This year, NC State finished with 20 wins, which might not seem overwhelming compared to past seasons under Kevin Keatts, where similar records left them on the bubble or in the NIT. The key difference?
Strength of schedule. Keatts’ strategy of padding wins with weaker non-conference opponents didn't hold up as the selection committee began to prioritize tougher schedules.
Wade and his staff took a different approach, scheduling tough early-season opponents to prepare for ACC play and bolster their March credentials. This year, their strength of schedule ranked 34th nationally, contributing to a NET rating of 35-a number that typically secures a tournament spot.
Contrast this with Keatts’ second season, where despite a 24-win record and a NET of 33, NC State was left out due to a soft schedule. This season, with a stronger overall profile, including five Quad 1 wins and ten conference victories, the Wolfpack are firmly in the field of 68.
The only mystery now is their seeding and region placement. Here’s where top bracketologists stand:
- Hoops HD (7th): #10 seed
- Glazewskitology (8th): #10 seed
- Bracksketblogs (10th): #10 seed
- Bauertology (11th): #10 seed (Last Four Byes)
- The Pi-Rate Ratings (13th): #10 seed
- T3 Bracketology (14th): #11 seed
- D Ratings (15th): #9 seed
- 1-3-1 Sports (16th): #10 seed
- Kevin Pulsifer (18th): #10 seed
- Joe Lunardi: #10 seed
And now, my take: I’m predicting a 9 seed for NC State. While metrics might suggest otherwise, the Tournament Committee loves a good storyline.
NC State’s history, from the legendary 1983 run to recent Final Four appearances, offers plenty of narrative appeal. Add in the buzz around new coach Will Wade, and you’ve got a team that’s not just about numbers but also about marketability and drama.
So, while the metrics might lean towards a 10 seed, don’t be surprised if NC State lands a bit higher, ready to capture the spotlight once again.