NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan makes decision on Kevin Keatts, basketball program

According to the Raleigh News and Observer, North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Kevin Keatts is going to return to the program next season. It will mark his sixth season in Raleigh, with just one NCAA tournament appearance.

Athletic director Boo Corrigan commented as to why Keatts will be back next year, saying Keatts earned the right to do so. He also said there are some elements that have hampered the head coach and cited non-basketball reasons as a positive point as well.

“The play will come,” Corrigan said. “I believe in what Kevin is and who Kevin is from a basketball coaching standpoint and I think he’s earned the right to (coach).

“With everything that’s gone on since he’s been here,” Corrigan said. “With the NCAA and the injuries, it’s not an excuse, but I think the way he’s performed across the board — academically and socially, and what he’s done with the program, increasing graduation rates — that needs to be considered.”

Keatts has only made one NCAA Tournament during his time with North Carolina State, coming during his first season in charge. The Wolfpack are not on track to make the postseason this year, currently sporting an 11-18 overall record and 4-14 in the ACC — sitting second to last in the conference, just behind Georgia Tech on a tiebreaker.

When Corrigan was asked if change could come based on the upcoming ACC Tournament, he said no matter the results in Brooklyn, Keatts will be the men’s basketball head coach next season.

Coach K reflects on North Carolina State, rest of ACC

As Mike Krzyzewski continues coaching his way through his final season at Duke, he received a farewell gift from long-time rival Tony Bennett and Virginia’s basketball program for all he has done for the ACC. After escaping with a 65-61 win on the road, the Hall of Fame coach took time to reflect on what the conference means to many people.

During his postgame press conference, Mike Krzyzewski thanked Tony Bennett and Virginia for their sign of support and took a deep dive into what the ACC has meant to him over the years.

“Tonight was, to me, I was a little bit emotional about it because that’s the college game and that’s the ACC I know,” said Krzyzewski. “It’s beautiful. There’s not one program that wins all the time. There are a lot of great programs and they should be celebrated, and the people in them should be celebrated – not just by their own fans, but by the other programs. It’s just a huge sign of respect.”