NC State opened its Friday afternoon practice to fans, drawing a crowd that surprised even the coaching staff. Around 2,000 people had RSVP’d to attend the session held at Lenovo on October 9, though the exact turnout was unclear. The event wasn’t a special showcase but a regular practice, where the team ran drills continuously with just one brief water break.
Afterward, Coach Gainey addressed the crowd, flashing a broad smile and shouting “WOLF!” to applause. The atmosphere was casual yet energetic, with no hint of the usual reserve teams show in front of spectators.
The biggest news came on the injury front. Coach Vasiljevic revealed he has a torn Achilles tendon and is currently in a cast. This injury will sideline him for the entire season, though he remained on the sidelines during practice, contributing as best he could and appeared in good spirits.
Practice itself was intense, reflecting the coach’s focus on conditioning. Defensive drills stood out for their physicality, with defenders sticking close to ball handlers and pushing through screens. This approach suggested the team is preparing to maintain pressure and pace during games.
Individual performances caught the eye as well. Shah Hall made one of the most impressive plays, blocking a three-point shot before chasing down the ball to tip it to Paul McNeil for an easy layup. Hall’s athleticism and jumping ability were evident, matching reports of his capabilities.
Paul McNeil showed versatility, opting to drive around a defender instead of taking a lightly contested three-pointer during scrimmage. He also blocked a three-point shot later in practice, showing defensive effort beyond his scoring.
Christian Hammond demonstrated a smooth shooting stroke, connecting on three-pointers, driving to the basket, and sinking free throws with consistency. Emeli Yalaho impressed with his ball handling and court vision, recovering a loose ball and driving the length of the court for a score. He also maneuvered around tight defense patiently until an opening for a pass emerged.
Ven Lubin and Evans played together in some drills, while Hall paired with Evans in others. Robert Jurkovic hit a three-pointer during the session, looking comfortable and confident in his shot. Lubin missed a three-point attempt but made a solid 12-footer after driving into the lane.
The practice offered a clear view of where the team stands physically and technically, with a focus on toughness and continuous movement. The presence of so many fans on a Friday afternoon underlined the local interest in NC State’s progress despite the setback of Vasiljevic’s injury.
No further updates on player availability or schedule changes have been announced following the practice.
According to Yahoo Sports.
