The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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MAY 2017 ■ 77 ■ BASKETBALL RECRUITING the Wolfpack upset Duke 87‑75 on Jan. 11, 2015. "Our first visit to NC State was with assistant coaches Bobby Lutz and Rob Moxley," Batts Sr. said. "They were very high on Lavar, but Coach Gottfried just never wanted to pull the trigger. I'm glad it happened that way. When Coach Keatts became the coach, everything happened for a reason." Batts' enthusiasm and leadership could help the Wolfpack recruit other players down the road. "You don't have to go to the Dukes and Carolinas. No disrespect to them, but peo‑ ple sleep on NC State," the four‑star recruit noted. "It is time to wake them up." Playing close to home and ending up at an ACC school helped NC State become an ideal landing spot. "Mom is very, very ecstatic," Batts Sr. said. "Personally, I didn't care where he went. I just wanted him to be happy and showcase his talents at a high level with guys I know can help him get better on and off the floor." Batts was a first‑team All‑Charlotte Ob- server region selection after averaging 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals his senior year, and finished with 2,174 career points. Father and son teamed up to lead Robin‑ son High to a 2015 North Carolina 3A state title. Batts scored 16 points and dished out five assists in a 59‑55 win over Fayetteville (N.C.) Terry Sanford. "That was great," Batts Sr. said. "A lot of coaches don't get to win one of them. To getaway state title and be with my son was a dream come true. I'll never forget that the rest of my life." Batts averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game in 21 contests for CP3 last spring and summer. He shot 49.7 percent from the field, 31.0 percent on three‑pointers and 75.8 percent from the free throw line. Batts was recently named the MVP of the Carolinas Classic after scoring 16 points to lead the North Carolina squad to a 134‑115 victory over South Carolina, March 18 in Socastee, S.C. His energy and athleticism should blossom in the Wolf‑ pack's style of play. "I am going to go there and play hard," he said. "My parents give 100 percent ef‑ fort, and they do everything to the best of their ability. I know I get that from them." The elder Batts is looking forward to seeing his son transition from the maroon at Robinson to the red and white at NC State. "It has been a great ride," he said. "I knew it would come to an end one day, but I'm glad he is on to his new chapter in his life." Bossi pointed out that Batts needs to im‑ prove upon his three‑point shooting. "The top priority will be continuing to work on his jump shot," Bossi said. "If he can become a consistent threat with the jumper, he could end up a huge steal for State." ■ For regular reports on NC State basketball recruiting plus videos of Wolfpack commitments and targets visit TheWolfpacker.com. THE WOLFPACKER • PO BOX 2331 • DURHAM, NC 27702 • 1-800-421-7751 Visit our online store for more leather items! www.TheWolfpackerOnline.com #2365 Pad Holder $59 + $15 S&H #2366 Tablet Case $56 + $15 S&H #2363 Leather Briefcase $239 + $20 S&H (Available in Black or Brown) #2362 Leather Rucksack $239 + $20 S&H #2364 Two-Tone Tote $169 + $20 S&H #2360 Leather Duffel $259 + $20 S&H #2361 Large Leather Duffel $319 + $20 S&H Items are shipped direct from manufacturer. Returns not related to damage may be subject to restocking fee. Delivery area limited to continental U.S. Leather and logo tone varies per piece. Please add sales tax if shipping to: NC (7.5%), MI (6%) or IN (7%) #2362 Rucksack #2363 Briefcase (Black or Brown) #2361 Large Duffel #2366 Tablet Case #2365 Pad Holder #2360 Duffel #2364 Two-Tone Tote Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery Quality Westbridge Leather With Hand-Embossed Block NCS Logo "What stands out about Batts to me are his physical attributes. He's got long arms, he's speedy with the ball and he's very athletic. He is a guy who is capable of pushing the tempo on the offensive end and looks most comfortable in an up-and-down setting." ■ Rivals.com recruiting analyst Eric Bossi on Batts