Instant Reaction: NC State Topples Duke, 84-82 in Durham

Takeaway 1: Dennis Smith, Jr. is good. Like, really good

Dennis Smith, Jr. could not be stopped. The freshman guard took over the second half of the game, ending with 32 points, on 10/18 shooting and 6 assists. This is exactly what Mark Gottfried and staff imagined when they landed the number 4 recruit (ESPN) in the 2015 class. Unfortunately, a torn ACL in the summer of 2015 delayed his college debut until this season, but it seems as if Smith, Jr. has not missed a beat. In 21 games this season, Smith, Jr. is averaging 19.5 points per game in addition to 6.5 assists per game. There is no doubting the importance of Dennis Smith, Jr. to the NC State program, but as their 14-7 record tells, one player cannot do it alone.

Tonight was different. Fellow freshman Ted Kapita came off the bench and recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Abdul-Malik Abu totaled 19 points and 9 boards. For once, it seemed that the Wolfpack have found their groove, and could become a sleeper in the ACC tournament. After averaging almost 14 turnovers per game entering tonight’s contest, NC State managed to control the ball better, turning the ball over just 10 times. Ball control is obviously important to all teams, but it is of paramount importance to NC State because of Dennis Smith, Jr.’s impressive skills. In simple terms, less turnovers=more possessions=more Dennis Smith, Jr. with the ball.

Takeaway 2: Grayson Allen still has not grown up 

Grayson Allen just can’t seem to get out of his own way this season, with the latest incident being a shove to Terry Henderson. You can watch the video and form your own opinion, but from my perspective, Allen deliberately walked into Henderson as Henderson went to congratulate a teammate. Now, since I was not there, I do not whether Henderson said something to mock Allen or if Henderson had any fault in the situation, my judgement was formed solely on the 11 second video. Either way, Grayson Allen has some issues he needs to workout. What kind of message is Coach K sending to his team if he doesn’t hold Allen accountable at all. The “indefinite” suspension only lasted one game and obviously has not changed Allen’s behavior at all. Not all the blame can fall on Coach K’s shoulders, as university administrators have also turned a blind eye to the incidents. While it may not be their place to intervene, when a single player constantly embarrasses a school with Duke’s reputation, when is it time to stop the bleeding?

Takeaway 3: The ACC is loaded with talent

This game showcased some of the conference’s premier players, featuring Smith, Jr., Allen, Luke Kennard, Jayson Tatum and Harry Giles. As for the players that did not play in tonight’s game, Jamel Artis of Pitt is averaging 22 points per game while his teammate Michael Young is averaging 21. Justin Jackson of UNC is an intriguing forward who can do a little bit of everything. And who could forget Donovan Mitchell’s outstanding athletic ability. This will be an interesting year in the ACC tournament.