The UNC men’s basketball team’s 84-76 win over NC State in the ACC Tournament has provided a lifeline for coach Kevin Keatts, but it may not be enough to save his job. The Wolfpack was struggling this season, and a loss to Carolina could have made Keatts a hot commodity on the coaching market.
Last season, NC State had a remarkable run, winning four games in four days at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., only to fall short against UNC in the ACC Tourney championship. This year, the Wolfpack was riding high after beating Duke and Louisville, but they lost two key players to transfers, which has left them with a 9-6 record.
The Tar Heels, meanwhile, are 3-1 in ACC play and heavily favored over Cal and Stanford in their next two home games. However, a brutal stretch of games against Wake Forest, Pitt, Duke, and Clemson could impact their NCAA chances.
Keatts’ struggles to recruit top talent have also come under scrutiny. The school raised money to buy him out of his contract, only to use that funds for other purposes, including NIL deals for transfers like Dontrez Styles. If NC State loses again, it could be a one-game season for Keatts.
The matchup between UNC and NC State on Saturday will be crucial in determining the Wolfpack’s coach’s future.
Source: https://chapelboro.com/sports/chanskys-notebook-1-game-seasons