By Corey Moriarty, Communication Management ’25

 

The March Madness tournament has always been very exciting and always has unexpected things happen, hence “madness”. This year one team has everyone cheering them on as they were an 11 seen entering the tournament. NC state has made an incredible run to the final four of the tournament this year and has had many things go their way for this to happen. Only 6 other 11 seeds have made the final four in tournament history, 5 of those teams advanced to the championship. Following this trend, maybe NC state will become the 6th team to advance to the championship.

NC State had a mild regular season with the record of 26-14 but ended the season by winning the ACC tournament, securing their spot in the big dance. They have taken a their momentum from the ACC win into march and won four straight games to advance to the final four. They have been hot and determined, a dangerous combination.

 

 

A few key players have led the wolfpack to where they are today. One of those players is Ben Middlebrooks. Although he only averages 5.8 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game, he brings an energy when he is on the court that makes the other players better. He shows his grit by making big plays such as diving on the ground and being sticky on defense.

Ben Middlebrooks Number 34

Another star on the squad is Guard, DJ Horne, averaging a whopping 16.8 points per game and shooting 43% from the field this season. He brings the team up by his scoring and big plays.

DJ Horne Number 0

And of course, the big star, the player who took everyone by surprise, in a BIG way. 6 foot 9 inches 275 pound center DJ Burns Jr. Burns has people cheering for him to just receive the ball in the paint. He is deadly with his baby hook shots and elite passing skills. He is usually the biggest player on the court and bodies his defenders. He averages 13 points per game and seems to come up big in big time games leading the team to victory.

This tournament has been exciting for many fans, but NC state fans have been shocked with their teams performance.

The wolfpack plays Purdue in the final four game this week and Burns will have his hands full with 7 foot 4 inches Zach Edey. The game should be a close one and either team could win it and advance.