Takeaways from the Open Practice

NC State held an open practice at Lenovo on October 9, allowing the public to witness the team's conditioning-focused drills. Coach Gainey addressed the crowd after the practice, smiling and yelling "WOLF!" He estimated that 2,000 people had RSVP'd, though the actual number was uncertain. The turnout was surprising for a Friday afternoon.

Injury report: Coach Vasiljevic suffered a torn Achilles tendon and is in a cast, ruling him out for the season. However, he remained on the sidelines, contributing as much as possible during practice and appearing in good spirits.

Key takeaways:

1. Practice was non-stop, with Coach Gainey emphasizing conditioning.

2. During defensive drills, players demonstrated physicality and screen-fighting techniques, hinting at the intensity they'll bring to games.

3. Shah Hall's most impressive play involved blocking a 3PT shot, chasing it down, and tipping it for an easy layup.

4. Paul McNeil showcased his athleticism and basketball IQ by driving around defenders and blocking shots.

5. Christian Hammond had strong shooting and free-throw shooting performances, while Emeli Yalaho demonstrated his versatility by handling the ball well in various situations.

6. Lubin and Evans, Hall and Evans, and Robert Jurkovic all contributed positively, with Jurkovic hitting a 3PT shot that hinted at his potential impact.

7. Ven Lubin missed his only 3PT attempt but made a crucial 12-foot layup.

The open practice provided fans with a glimpse of NC State's skill and intensity, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.