FTF - Grudge Match

There is one person who is the absolute key to Wake/NCSU.

Not Da Jewels, not Justin Gray, not Taron Downey, and not Engin Atsur. The key to this game is Eric Williams.

NCSU ran FSU out of the building while Alexander Johnson was in the game, primarily because he couldn’t cover Illian Evtimov, and additionally because he couldn’t take advantage of Evtimov on the offensive end. With Jordan Collins injured, State is woefully short when it comes to post defenders. Evtimov is crafty (read- he is white and knows how to pull folks down and make it look like a charge) and physical enough to bang some. Cedric Simmons is a year away from being a solid post defender and Andrew Brackman is a PF in a WF’s body.

It is critical that Eric Williams get off to a good start tomorrow, and that Wake continues to make him a part of the offense out of the low post. Just as important is Williams’ D on the other end. I would seriously think about matching Williams up on Brackman/Watkins as opposed to Evtimov, if only for the fact that neither of those guys can pull Williams away from the basket the way Evtimov does. Generally, Williams away from the basket = Williams in foul trouble. If that happens, expect State to clinch a NCAA bid.

If not, get ready for the All-ACC NIT Final 4! Clemson, NCSU, Maryland, and Miami take over the Big Apple!!!!!

Ben is an attorney in Charlotte. And happy that Wake plays a later game.