The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/896287
74 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2017-18 ■ Shaun Kirk 22 • G/F Jr. • Whiteville, N.C. • 6-8 • 195 Analysis: Kirk is a fan favorite with his high-flying athleticism and has a chance for a fresh start in his career. He could be a good fit for head coach Kevin Keatts' fast-tempo approach, but he needs to improve his ball-han- dling skills and play to his length on defense to earn playing time. He dis- played an improved shooting touch in his limited action as a sophomore. Career Highlights: Played sparingly as a reserve during his first two seasons … Set career highs with six points, three rebounds and 13 minutes in a win over McNeese State last season … During his freshman season, played a season-high eight minutes against Duke and Notre Dame … Rated as a three-star prospect coming out of Whiteville (N.C.) High by Rivals.com … Averaged 18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game as a senior, and was named the district and county player of the year … Played in the North Carolina Coaches Association East-West Game and had 23 points, while shooting 9 of 18 from the field, including 3 of 8 on three-pointers, and added six rebounds and two steals. Coach's Corner: "Shaun is doing great. When you talk about Shaun he is a guy who is tailor-made for this system — get out in transition. I am trying to get him to be a little bit longer on the defensive end and use his hands."— Kevin Keatts Personal: Majoring in exploratory studies … The son of Sherry and Neal Kirk … Has a sister and a brother … Active member at his hometown church … Birthday is Sept. 12. STATISTICS Year G-GS MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 3FG% FT% 2015-16 14-0 4.0 0.7 0.6 0.0 30.8 16.7 50.0 2016-17 14-0 4.6 1.8 0.9 0.1 56.3 30.0 80.0 Ten Questions With Shaun Kirk What's your biggest pet peeve? Probably holding the door for someone and they don't say "thank you." What was your favorite part of Italy? Bonding with my teammates and seeing the historical parts of Rome. If you could pick your NBA team, which one would you play for? Char- lotte Hornets. Who is your favorite non-basketball athlete? I like Tom Brady. When did you first dunk a basketball? Eighth grade. If you do not see me on the basketball court, where would you most likely find me? Probably getting Chick-fil-A. Who is the funniest player on the team? Markell Johnson. In a few words, what was your first impression of coach Kevin Keatts? I was excited, though I knew he was strict. If you knew you could have only one last meal, what would it be? Philly cheesesteak. Is there was a race on the team to see who was the fastest player, who'd win? Markell Johnson, and Lavar Batts is probably second. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN