Since defeating top-seeded Villanova in the 2015 round of 32 (thereby making a certain Wildcat piccolo player weep), NC State has compiled a 31-35 record. That, not surprisingly, was judged insufficient by the powers that be in Raleigh, and coach Mark Gottfried was let go after six seasons.
Now former UNC Wilmington coach Kevin Keatts is in charge. Keatts apprenticed as an assistant under Rick Pitino at Louisville, and the 44-year-old then led the Seahawks to a 54-14 record over the last two seasons. UNCW played a relatively fast tempo and forced opponents to commit a high number of turnovers.