N.C. State University has decided to part ways with men’s basketball coach Kevin Keatts after an eight-year run that came to a sudden end following a disappointing season. This decision was announced just after the Wolfpack finished their year with a record of 12-19.
Athletic Director Boo Corrigan expressed gratitude towards Keatts for his contributions to the university, emphasizing his dedication and the passion he brought to the program. He acknowledged that Keatts would always hold a special place in Wolfpack history due to the achievements of his latest team.
In his farewell, Keatts shared on social media that his time at N.C. State had been “a dream come true.” He expressed optimism that he was leaving the program in a better condition, believing that it could thrive despite recent challenges. He humorously noted that he would be “entering the portal,” referencing the growing trend of player transfers in college sports.
Keatts’s overall record at N.C. State stands at 151 wins to 113 losses, with 69 wins to 84 losses in ACC play. His coaching led the Wolfpack to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a remarkable run that took them to the Final Four for the first time since 1983, when Jim Valvano famously led the team to a national championship.
However, the following season saw a significant drop in performance. The team’s struggles involved a reworking effort through the transfer portal, which did not yield the expected results. The Wolfpack finished with an abysmal 5-15 record in the ACC, notably failing to perform well in away games, where they went winless.
Throughout his tenure, Keatts faced numerous hurdles, including dealing with the aftermath of a previous corruption investigation that impacted the program. Despite achieving five seasons with 20 or more wins, he ultimately couldn’t provide the consistency that many Wolfpack fans were hoping for.
When he arrived at N.C. State in 2017 from UNC Wilmington, Keatts was seen as a potential savior for a program that had struggles under his predecessor. While he made a strong start by leading the team to a successful inaugural season, ups and downs followed, culminating in this recent disappointing year.
With the program now searching for a new direction, fans and stakeholders will be hoping for a fresh start that can return the Wolfpack to its former glory in college basketball.
