NC State Athletics - Pack Pride Podcast

While the main topic of discussion for college sports has been on the fall season, Kevin Keatts and NC State men's basketball have returned to the court as well. Keatts joins Cory and James on this week's podcast to discuss the offseason and look forward to his fourth year with the Pack. What does Keatts think about his current roster? How are the freshmen performing this offseason? Is Keatts a proponent of the "NCAA Bubble" idea? What has Mike Summey brought to the program? Keatts' interview begins at the 21:24 mark, but make sure to listen to James and Cory discuss the first day in full pads for NC State football and basketball recruiting in the opening portion!

We're less than one month away NC State's 2020 football season kicking off on Sept. 12. With the Wolfpack recently starting fall camp, Michael and Cory will take a look at every position leading up to the matchup with Virginia Tech. What needs to happen for Devin Leary to take the next step? Who are the contenders for the backup QB spot? Is running back the best position group on the roster? How will Tim Beck's offense impact both positions?

There may be some uncertainty when it comes to college sports, but that's never stopped us from putting out quality podcasts. This week, James and Cory are joined by a Wolfpack legend Scott Wood, who discussed a wide range of topics on this week's Pack Pride Weekly Podcast. Just how many times was the "Corner" play successful? Did he see T.J. Warren having this much success in the NBA bubble? What are his thoughts on college football seasons being cancelled?

NC State landed its fifth four-star prospect in either the 247Sports rankings or 247Sports Composite rankings on Saturday afternoon with Oakboro (N.C.) West Stanly LB Jordan Poole committing to the Pack. Michael Clark and Cory Smith take a look at what his commitment means for State, why he picked the Pack, how he fits into the system and who's next for State's 2021 class on the Pack Pride Podcast!

It's been a busy week for the Wolfpack, whether it was fall camp starting for football, D.J. Funderburk returning, T.J. Warren bursting the NBA's bubble or some big baseball news. James and Cory cover it all in this week's podcast! What does Funderburk's return mean for the 2020-21 roster and young players? How seriously is NC State taking health precautions during fall camp? What has led to Warren's emergence?

With just over one month until the start of the regular season, NC State finally knows who it will be facing in 2020. Following the release of the Wolfpack's 2020 schedule, Michael and Cory take a look at the slate an offer an in-depth breakdown of every game and more on the Pack Pride Podcast. How difficult will the opening stretch of four games on the road in the first seven weeks be for the Pack? What's the toughest three-week stretch for the Pack? Can State close out strong to clinch a seven- or eight-win season this fall?

The 2020 football season is just over one month away, but NC State is still not sure who to prepare for in its season opener. Following the ACC shifting the schedule to conference-only with a plus-one model, Michael and Cory break down the matchups and offer their thoughts on the changes. Did NC State's schedule get easier or tougher? What are the best new matchups on the 2020 schedule? Will fans be allowed in the stadium? Will there even be a season after these drastic changes?

This sports season has been a trying one for athletes all over the country, but none more so than Olympic athletes. Former NC State National Champion Nick Gwiazdowski joins the Pack Pride Podcast to discuss how he's preparing for the postponed Summer Games and the current state of the Wolfpack wrestling program. Following Gwiazdowski's interview, Cory and James dissect the new matchups for NC State football after the ACC's release on Wednesday. We also take a look at what it means for the ACC-SEC showdowns, adding Notre Dame to the ACC and much more!

With NC State basketball returning to the court last week and another huge AAU tournament in Rock Hill, S.C. over the weekend, Cory and Miles take a look at some of the biggest storylines surrounding the Pack. How much has Terquavion Smith improved this offseason? Where does the Pack stand with De'Ante Green? What would the return of D.J. Funderburk mean for State in 2020-21? What are the expectations for the Pack's point guard spot?

With the football season ramping up toward a September kickoff, the News & Observer has hired a new NC State beat writer in Jonas Pope. The newest member of the Wolfpack media joined the Pack Pride Podcast to discuss his new role with Cory and James. What led to Pope accepting the position? Will NC State remain undefeated in basketball in games he attends? How much pride does Pope take in being an HBCU graduate in this position?

Thanks to a two-month stretch that saw NC State add 12 of its 15 commits in the 2021 class, the Wolfpack is back on track in recruiting. Steve Wiltfong, 247Sports Director of Recruiting, joined the podcast to discuss the Pack's current haul, how COVID-19 limited the program's success and how wild this fall will be for recruiting. Cory and James Curle also discuss various topics including conference-only scheduling, NC State's return to practice, Terquavion Smith's huge weekend and much more at the top of the show!

Following the hiring of Ruffin McNeill in a Special Assistant to the Head Coach role, Cory and James were joined by two people who know him best -- his high school coach Finley Read and Fayetteville Observer beat writer Sammy Batten. What makes McNeill such a beloved coach? How will he bring change in a limited role with the Wolfpack? Can he make an impact in recruiting despite not being able to travel?

Despite already filling all of its vacancies for the 2020 football season, NC State was still looking for one more leader on the staff. On Tuesday morning, the Wolfpack officially announced the hiring of former ECU head coach and Oklahoma assistant Ruffin McNeill. What does the hire mean for the Pack? How expansive will his role be in Raleigh? In what ways can McNeill help in recruiting and advising the staff and players?

While most of the sports world is still shut down due to COVID-19 restrictions, the NWSL has already kicked off the season. Former NC State women's soccer star Tziarra King was finally able to make her debut with a goal in the 89th minute for the Utah Royals FC in a 3-3 draw. King joins R. Cory Smith and James Curle on the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast to discuss her huge debut, how NC State helped shape her as a soccer player and the activism across the NWSL to help make a difference.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put an end to sports all across the country, but it's never too early to start looking ahead to the season. In the second part of our "double album" podcast edition with B.J. Barham of American Aquarium, we discuss the NC State football and basketball program. What was Barham's most memorable moment as a Wolfpack fan? What are his thoughts on the upcoming recruiting classes? After attending every home game last season, what does he see for the future of NC State basketball and football?

The COVID-19 pandemic has put an end to sports all across the country, but it's hit the music industry especially hard. In the first part of our "double album" podcast edition with B.J. Barham of American Aquarium, we discuss his love of NC State and the band's newest album. What went into releasing "Lamentations" during the pandemic? How did the album rise to the top of the Billboard charts? In what ways has NC State influenced his music throughout his career?

NC State's recruiting momentum continued to roll on Friday evening with the commitment of four-star defensive end Travali Price and long snapper/tackle Jayden Tate. Michael Clark and R. Cory Smith break down the two newest commits for the Wolfpack on the Pack Pride Podcast! What does Price add to the 2021 class? How did the Pack pull the brothers out of North Lincoln? How will they both fit in with the program? Who's next for the 2021 class following yet another four-star commit?

After losing one of its top assistants in Takayo Siddle to UNCW, NC State brought Mike Summey back home. The newest NC State assistant joins James Curle and Cory Smith on this week's Pack Pride Weekly Podcast! What led to Summey falling in love with NC State as a kid? How did his connection to Siddle lead to his hiring by Kevin Keatts? How much more passionate is Summey about recruiting to his alma mater? What are the difficulties of taking over as an assistant coach with the COVID-19 restrictions? Summey discusses all those questions along with stories about Simon Harris, Julius Hodge, camping at NC State with Terry Gannon and why getting the job with the Wolfpack brought him to tears.

The Wolfpack continued to roll on the recruiting trail over the last week with two new commitments on the defensive side of the ball. Michael Clark and R. Cory Smith provide their thoughts on the latest commits in defensive back Nate Evans and linebacker Caden Fordham and what they mean to the 2021 class. What led Evans to flip from Tennessee? What is Fordham's fit in the Pack's defense? Will the Pack continue to look at all three in-state linebackers? And, most importantly, who's next for State in the 2021 class?

After starting out his high school and college career in Raleigh, N.C., former NC State defensive back Juston Burris was drafted to the New York Jets in 2016. Following an up-and-down four years in the NFL, Burris signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason to return to his home state. This week on the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast (From Home), Burris joins James Curle and R. Cory Smith to discuss his NFL career so far, returning home, his time in Raleigh and how he's using his platform to work toward creating change.

When it comes to NC State football, Nate Irving is widely considered one of the best defensive players to ever suit up for the Wolfpack. Nate joined Cory and James on this week's podcast to discuss his time with the Pack and his life now. Among the topics on this week's show, Nate talks about what led him to NC State, his time in the NFL, life as a high school coach and how closely he still keeps up with the program to this day. Irving also touches on his thoughts on what needs to change in our country to end racial injustice. Irving dives deep into the topic that's the most pressing in our country right now.

NC State has landed its second 4-star recruit in the 2021 class with Micah Crowell making his commitment official. Michael Clark and Cory Smith break down what his commitment means for the Pack. What does Crowell add to the 2021 class? How did the Pack pull him out of East Forsyth? How will he fit in with the program? Who's next for the 2021 class following Crowell?

Earlier this week, NC State landed two of its top offensive line targets in the 2021 class in a span of three days. Michael Clark and Cory Smith break down the new additions and what it means for the 2021 recruiting class. What is the Pack getting in Jaleel Davis and Thornton Gentry? How will they help in recruiting fellow o-linemen in 2021? Who's next for State's class in 2021? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

When it comes to NC State legends, one of the most well-known players in the program's history is Julius Hodge. The former NC State star joined the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast to discuss his past with the Pack and his present as a coach! What ultimately led Jules to committing to NC State? What are his thoughts on Kevin Keatts and the current program? What advice would he give to players testing the NBA waters? Hodge also gives a surprising pick in his Top 3 point guards of all time. Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

Though there are still no live sports to talk about, the last week was packed with NC State news. Cory and James discuss the latest topics and dig into the mailbag from social media and the Pack Pride message boards. Topics include the commitment of Aaron McLaughlin, hiring of Mike Summey for NC State basketball, Raina Perez committing to WBB, NC State's case going to the IARP and much more in the mailbag feature! Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

On Thursday afternoon, NC State landed its top target at the quarterback position in Aaron McLaughlin. Michael and Cory breakdown the 4-star 2021 QB on the latest podcast. How did the Pack land McLaughlin? How will he fit into Tim Beck's system? What will his connection with Porter Rooks mean for the future? What does his commitment mean for the rest of the 2021 class? We break all of that down and much more! Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

Last May, A.J. Cole got an invite to the Raiders' rookie mini-camp with a chance to get an invite to fall camp. Cole blew away the competition that weekend, made the preseason roster and ultimately won the job as one of 32 punters in the entire NFL last year with Oakland. The former NC State special teams star joined the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast with James and Cory to discuss his rookie season, preparation during the COVID-19 pandemic, his time with the Wolfpack, mission trips to Africa, supporting Kyle Bambard after the Clemson game in 2016 and much more!

With all of college sports shut down and recruiting in a dead period, creative teams all across the country have been busier than ever. Whether it's creating social content, graphics for recruits or tracking down creative pirates -- you know who you are -- Chanelle Smith-Walker has been working like crazy lately for the Wolfpack. The Director of Creative Media for NC State Football joined the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast to discuss her position and its importance to the program as a whole. James and Cory also break down Josh Hall's departure, what next year's roster might look like and Will Shipley's decision to commit to Clemson.

Over the weekend, NC State football had two more former players taken in the 2020 NFL Draft. Defensive linemen Larrell Murchison and James Smith-Williams join the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast to discuss being selected by the Titans and Redskins, respectively. Murchison and Smith-Williams talk with Cory and James about the grueling final day of the draft, how NC State developed them for the NFL, their new teams and much more on the podcast! Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

On Sunday evening, NC State landed its highest commit in the 2021 class with wing Ernest Ross committing to the Wolfpack. Cory and Miles take a look at what Ross' commitment means for Kevin Keatts and his staff along with the entire 2021 class. What does Ross bring to the Wolfpack in this class? How does he fit in with the current 2020 and 2021 commits? Which player will be next to commit to State in 2021? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

With the 2020 NFL Draft kicking off on Thursday evening, there's no better person to talk to about the development of NC State players than Dantonio Burnette. The former Wolfpack linebacker and current Assistant AD/Director of Strength & Conditioning for football joined the podcast to discuss the upcoming draft and strange offseason. How are players working out during the pandemic? What does the Pack's draft success say about the program? How much input does Coach Thunder have when recruiting players? Tim Peeler also joins as a co-host with Cory and James to discuss his latest NC State finds during the pandemic along with the upcoming draft. Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section. ***Note: Coach Thunder's interview begins at the 38:15 mark in the podcast***

Despite the current dead period due to COVID-19, NC State has still been active on the recruiting trail. With four commits currently in the fold, the Wolfpack still has several of its top targets on the board. Michael and Cory break down the Top 11 players still on the Pack's board, update where State currently stands for all of them, and discusses what the final class should look like overall. Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

In these uncertain times, the lack of live sports isn't stopping NC State from making news. James and Cory are joined this week by Joe Giglio -- along with a special appearance by Dereck Whittenburg! We discuss the current landscape of sports for the Wolfpack and all of college athletics, Joe's new gig and what the latest NCAA news means for the future of the Wolfpack basketball program. Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions forcing the Pack Pride Podcast to shoot remotely, we haven't recorded from Amedeo's in more than a month. So James and Cory joined our "regulars" on a Zoom video to discuss life in quarantine. There's also some NC State discussion focusing on Josh Hall's decision to go through the NBA Draft process and the latest on NC State's NCAA case, but this week was about checking in on Wolfpack Nation. Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

The NC State basketball season has been officially over for three weeks now. It's left a void in the lives of Wolfpack fans who had hopes of an NCAA Tournament run this year, but Cory Smith and Miles Masercola are here to help! We opened up the mailbag to answer questions from subscribers in this Q&A podcast. What would an ideal starting 5 look like? How much will depth help Kevin Keatts run his system? Will there be any redshirts for the 2020-21 season? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

The season came to an unceremonious end for several winter and spring athletes, but NC State still put together a strong athletic year. James and Cory take a look back on the year and hand out their awards for several categories. They make their case for awards such as Freshman of the Year, Senior of the Year, Female and Male Athlete of the Year, Overall MVP, Best Team and much more. And no ... not all of the picks were the same! Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

At this point, we've all come to terms with the fact that the 2019-20 season isn't coming back for any sport. While it's a reality, it's still a tough pill to swallow for any senior athlete that fought so hard to get to the NCAA Tournament. Former NC State point guard Aislinn Konig joins the Pack Pride Podcast to discuss the end of her career, her proudest moment in an NC State uniform, what the Wolfpack means to her and why she doesn't have any plans to stop playing basketball any time soon. Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

After an insane week across the country and the sports world in particular, James Curle and Cory Smith discuss how the week affected NC State athletics. Whether it was the end of the men's and women's basketball seasons or what comes next, James and Cory cover it all! What was it like being in Greensboro when the ACC Tournament was canceled? Why does the cancelation cripple a special season for both women's basketball and wrestling? How will this affect the baseball team, including players that might not return despite playing 17 games in 2020? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

On Thursday afternoon, the entire 2019-20 season came to an abrupt end as the NCAA announced the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament. Following the ACC Tournament, Cory and Miles take one final look back at the 20-12 campaign for the Wolfpack. What do we make of the 2019-20 season overall for the Pack? Will seniors return to the team after not playing the conclusion of the year? How much potential does next year's squad have? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

NC State downed Pittsburgh with ease, 73-58, to advance in the ACC Tournament and likely put itself firmly inside the NCAA Tournament bubble. But what would a win over Duke on Thursday provide? Miles and Cory take a look at what the win over Pitt means for the Pack, Devon Daniels' huge performance, preview the Duke matchup and the strange day across college basketball on the Postgame Podcast. Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

NC State basketball finished the regular season firmly on the bubble, but will need another win to feel good about its chances. Miles and Cory take a look at the opener of the ACC tournament for the Wolfpack against Pitt before tipoff in Greensboro. Just how critical is this game for the Pack's NCAA Tournament chances? Which players need to step up the most to topple Pitt again? How important will it be for State to punch Pitt in the mouth early to conserve energy for a potential run? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

Coming off a monumental weekend for NC State, James and Cory were joined by former Wolfpack running back Nyheim Hines to discuss everything from the WBB and wrestling ACC championships to the start of the ACC Tournament this Wednesday. Hines also discusses his recruitment at NC State, favorite game with the Wolfpack, relationships with current players, NFL career and life as a Pack fan now that he's no longer with the program. Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

Looking to sweep Duke in the season series, NC State got off to a strong start, but fell apart on both ends of the floor late in an 88-69 loss to No. 12 Duke. Cory and Miles take a look back on the loss as well as what State needs to correct against Wake Forest. How much did the Blue Devils' zone hinder the Wolfpack's offense? What changed on the offensive glass from NC State's last win over Duke? Which players need to step up for the Pack to down Wake on Senior Night? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

NC State needed all 40 minutes to pull out a win over Pitt, but got exactly what it needed to move to 18-11 (9-9 ACC) on the season. Miles and Cory take one final look back at the win for the Wolfpack and preview the Duke matchup. How special was Manny Bates' performance? What did NC State's ability to finish say about its growth down the stretch? Can the Pack complete the Duke sweep for the first time since 1994-95? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

Tuesday night was yet another deflating loss for NC State against a hapless UNC team by a final of 85-79. The Wolfpack had its chances to run away, but crumbled on the offensive glass and couldn't stage a late comeback to win the game. Miles and Cory take a look back at the loss, including Markell Johnson's double-double, the domination on the boards and the moments that ultimately led to the loss for the Pack. We also examine where NC State currently sits on the NCAA Tournament bubble and why the loss to UNC actually doesn't mean anything if State can take care of business at home down the stretch. Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

Prior to NC State's latest Play 4 Kay Game against Duke, James and Cory shot a live podcast from Reynolds Coliseum. The guys were joined by former NC State star and WNBA player Kiara Leslie! Leslie takes a look back at her time in Raleigh, what it was like being a first-round pick and what makes Wes Moore and the current WBB team so successful. James and Cory also examine the last week for NC State -- including a Top 10 win over Duke -- along with the upcoming game against UNC. Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

Despite playing yet another strong first half, NC State couldn't keep up with Florida State in the final 20 minutes to clinch a second straight Top 10 win. Miles and Cory take a look back at the outcome on the Postgame Podcast. What happened on the boards in the second half? How much did foul trouble for D.J. Funderburk affect the game? Can the Pack fix its rebounding issues before facing UNC on Tuesday? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

Talk about a turnaround! Just three days after a deflating loss to Boston College, NC State trounces Duke at home by a final of 88-66 at home. Miles and Cory take a look back on the victory and what it means moving forward. Just how good was Markell Johnson for the Pack? What led to State beating Duke on the boards? How critical is this win for the resume -- and what comes next? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

After a rollercoaster week for NC State Athletics, we felt it was necessary to bring on the one person who has been through it all -- NC State legend Dereck Whittenburg! The former Wolfpack basketball star and current Associate AD discussed his days with the Pack, his current projects as a producer, the current NC State basketball squad and much more from Amedeo's! Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.

NC State wasn't able to escape Boston College with a win on Sunday despite an improved second half due to miscues down the stretch. Miles and Cory take a look back at the 71-68 loss in Chestnut Hill. How significant the final call on the late turnover for the Pack's season? What happened to NC State's three-point shooting? Can the Pack repair its resume over the final six games before the ACC Tournament? Listen to the full podcast below and subscribe on iTunes, the Google Play Store or find us on Spotify by searching for "Pack Pride Podcast" under the podcasts section.