The NC State men’s basketball season kicked off this week, and that means it’s time for season predictions. Our sports editors break down what they think will happen in head coach Kevin Keatts’ second season:

ACC Record:

Alec- 11-7: The same mark NC State reached last season, but this year’s Wolfpack is unquestionably the more skilled team. Getting Syracuse, Virginia and Clemson at home helps, and NC State should again find itself in the top half of the conference.

Andrew- 10-8: The Wolfpack actually finishes one game worse than last year, but that says more about the quality of the ACC than this team. Duke looks like a candidate for the best team in the country, and UNC-Chapel Hill, Syracuse, Clemson, Florida State, Louisville and more are all strong. Going over .500 in league play would be a great season for the Wolfpack.

Camden- 10-8: NC State is a much better team this year than it was last year, but playing in the ACC is always a challenge. With seven ACC teams in the top 25 and Duke, Virginia and UNC-Chapel Hill all in the top seven, NC State will again have a tough schedule.  

NCAA Tournament Seed:

Alec- Seven: Two seeds better than last year, even with what should be a similar record. If the Pack can pick up a good nonconference win against Auburn or Wisconsin, it will help the cause. An ACC Tournament win would also go a long way towards a better seed.

Andrew- Eight: With an ACC record similar to last season, and around 20 wins overall, the Pack finds itself back on that eight/nine line come March.

Camden- Nine: Being in the ACC will benefit the Pack’s seed for the tournament, but its record should be about the same as last year.

Team MVP:

Alec- Torin Dorn: Dorn is the heart and soul of this Wolfpack team, and is built for Keatts’ system. He can play inside and out, and will likely lead NC State in scoring in his final campaign.

Andrew- Markell Johnson: Johnson was the ACC’s assist leader last season, and brings a scoring touch as well. He’ll be the one making things happen as the floor general for what should be a dynamic offense.

Camden- Torin Dorn: Dorn is such a versatile player as we’ve seen in previous years. He scored 28 points in 25 minutes in the Pack’s first game and will be the leader of this team in his final year.

Newcomer of the Year:

Alec- Devon Daniels: In Keatts’ guard-heavy system, Daniels will find himself starting and being looked to as a scorer. He can shoot and create for himself, and is maybe the Pack’s biggest 3-point threat with Braxton Beverly out with injury to start the season.

Andrew- C.J. Bryce: Bryce was Keatts’ leading scorer at UNC-Wilmington, and already looked impressive in the Wolfpack’s season-opening win over Mount St. Mary’s. Bryce has the advantage over other new players in this being his third year playing in Keatts’ system and will be able to serve as a leader for this team.

Camden- C.J. Bryce: Coming over from Wilmington, Keatts should have a decent plan of how to use him and work him into the game. Bryce was the third leading scorer against Mount St. Mary’s behind Dorn and Johnson, so his production should come right away.

Best Win:

Alec- Syracuse: There’s a lot of options here because of the Pack’s schedule, but this one makes the most sense. At home later in the season against a Syracuse team that is one of the best in the ACC, the Pack picks up a huge resume builder.

Andrew- UNC-Chapel Hill (at home): Keatts pulled off a stunner with an overtime road win against the Heels last year, and he guides the Pack to its first home win in this rivalry since 2013. It won’t be easy against a loaded Tar Heels squad, and in the second game of ACC play, but the Wolfpack will get up for this one and the team should have found chemistry by the end of non-conference play. NC State picks up an early signature win here.

Camden- Virginia: The Cavaliers visit PNC Arena this year in January in the middle of a three-game home stand. It won’t be easy against an always-tough defense that Virginia puts on the court, but the speed of the Pack should be able to open up the floor enough to contend for 40 minutes.