Kevin Keatts raves over Jarkel Joiner's leadership, impact on Terquavion Smith

NC State head coach Kevin Keatts found himself a true team leader in senior guard Jarkel Joiner. Following the Wolfpacks’ 77-69 victory over in-state rival North Carolina, Keatts praised Joiner for his leadership and for helping develop sophomore guard Terquavion Smith.

“You know, we don’t have a lot of five-star guys or McDonald’s All-American guys on our roster, out of high school, but I don’t know that I could have got a better person, combination of a player, to lead your team than Jarkel Joiner,” said Keatts. “He has been great for Terquavion as an older guy who’s been through it. He’s allowed Terquavion Smith to be Terquavion Smith and never complains about if he takes a shot. They have developed a great bond.”

As Keatts continued, it was clear that Joiner has made a profound impact on his head coach as well as other players in the locker room. So much so that despite the Oxford, MS, native currently being in his senior season, Keatts is trying to find a way to keep him on the roster for next season.

“He’s been great for our locker room. He’s been great for our program. I’m going to try to figure out if I can get him another year through some type of petition to get him back. Because you know you don’t find kids like that; that’s willing to sacrifice, on some given nights, his ability to score to help his team win.”

Keatts discusses the importance of picking up in-state wins

In-state matchups mean a lot in college sports. That’s especially true in the state of North Carolina during college basketball season and, at the moment, Kevin Keatts and NC State are in the lead when it comes to that conversation.

Keatts spoke about the Wolfpack’s in-state victories during media on Monday after winning 77-69 over North Carolina this weekend. He’s happy to give their fans and his players the bragging rights but, depending on the season, he said it’s not as important as the conference aspect that comes with those wins.

“I’m tickled for our fans. Obviously, they get a chance to go to work today or tomorrow have a few bragging rights. I’m happy for our kids. Whether we say it or not? Our kids read that stuff and grow up playing AAU against a lot of the players that play in-state,” said Keatts.

“I don’t say it’s more important,” Keatts said. “I say each year presents a different thing. It just depends on who’s a hot team, what their Quads are. And the certain teams you have to beat to put yourself in a great situation.”