Michael O’Connell’s consistent play paces NC State’s ability to take care of the basketball 

It’s been an up and down season for NC State graduate guard Michael O’Connell. He led the Wolfpack in scoring to open the season against The Citadel with a 14-point effort, but he hasn’t eclipsed double figures since then. The Stanford transfer’s minutes began to dwindle towards the end of non-conference play, including just four minutes against No. 12 Tennessee in San Antonio. But as of late, there’s been an uptick in O’Connell’s minutes — and it’s a byproduct of his ability to run NC State’s offense. What’s been the biggest point of in-season growth for one of the Wolfpack’s primary ball handlers? He has looked to pass first.