College Sports

Photos: Get a preview of NC State basketball team before Final Four game against Purdue

By Robert Willett and Ethan Hyman

Updated April 5, 2024 7:32 PM

With Kaden Keatts holding the boom box, N.C. State players wait to take the court for their open practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — With Kaden Keatts holding the boom box, N.C. State players wait to take the court for their open practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

The N.C. State basketball team took to the court for an open practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024.

The Wolfpack ran drills for 50 minutes before thanking the fans from across the country who came to see the team play in its first Final Four appearance since 1983.

N.C. State faces Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals on Saturday.

Here are some of the sights from the day.

N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) and his teammates listen to head coach Kevin Keatts and assistant coach Joel Justus during their open practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks (34) and his teammates listen to head coach Kevin Keatts and assistant coach Joel Justus during their open practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

N.C. State practices at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State practices at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts wears custom sneakers with an ice cream cone for each win in the post season. Photographed after the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts wears custom sneakers with an ice cream cone for each win in the post season. Photographed after the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Wolfpack players thank the fans after N.C. State’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — Wolfpack players thank the fans after N.C. State’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s Jordan Snell (22) laughs with D.J. Burns Jr. (30) during the Wolfpack’s practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State’s Jordan Snell (22) laughs with D.J. Burns Jr. (30) during the Wolfpack’s practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s Jordan Snell (22) laughs with Jayden Taylor (1) during the Wolfpack’s practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State’s Jordan Snell (22) laughs with Jayden Taylor (1) during the Wolfpack’s practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

N.C. State assistant coach Joel Justus talks with D.J. Horne (0) during their practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State assistant coach Joel Justus talks with D.J. Horne (0) during their practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) signals to teammates as they switch ends of the court during practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr. (30) signals to teammates as they switch ends of the court during practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) and D.J. Burns Jr. (30) keep their eyes on the ball during their open practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) and D.J. Burns Jr. (30) keep their eyes on the ball during their open practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s Michael O’Connell (12) works on his shooting form during the Wolfpack’s open practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State’s Michael O’Connell (12) works on his shooting form during the Wolfpack’s open practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts directs his team during their open practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts directs his team during their open practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s Jordan Snell (22) works on his shooting form during the Wolfpack’s practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State’s Jordan Snell (22) works on his shooting form during the Wolfpack’s practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

N.C. State pep band member Cooper Wood plays sousaphone during the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State pep band member Cooper Wood plays sousaphone during the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s Casey Morsell (14) and his teammates stretch during their open practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State’s Casey Morsell (14) and his teammates stretch during their open practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Kimberly Wilson of Raleigh, aunt of N.C. State’s DJ Horne, cheers on the team during the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — Kimberly Wilson of Raleigh, aunt of N.C. State’s DJ Horne, cheers on the team during the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks plays Super Smash Bros. in the locker room at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks plays Super Smash Bros. in the locker room at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Daryl Middlebrooks, mom of N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks, yells to him as the Wolfpack take the court at the start of their practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — Daryl Middlebrooks, mom of N.C. State’s Ben Middlebrooks, yells to him as the Wolfpack take the court at the start of their practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) cups his long fingers together as he takes questions in the locker room prior to the Wolfpack’s practice on Friday, April 5, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra (23) cups his long fingers together as he takes questions in the locker room prior to the Wolfpack’s practice on Friday, April 5, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

North Carolina State coach Kevin Keatts, D.J. Burns Jr. (30) and assistant coach Levi Watkins take to the court for their practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. — North Carolina State coach Kevin Keatts, D.J. Burns Jr. (30) and assistant coach Levi Watkins take to the court for their practice on Friday, April 5, 2024, as they prepare for their NCAA National Semi-Final game against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Fans cheer on the Wolfpack during N.C. State’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — Fans cheer on the Wolfpack during N.C. State’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State practices at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State practices at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s DJ Horne looks at the Arizona Republic’s sports section before the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State’s DJ Horne looks at the Arizona Republic’s sports section before the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra, left, and DJ Burns Jr. speak to the media in breakout areas before the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State’s Mohamed Diarra, left, and DJ Burns Jr. speak to the media in breakout areas before the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. talks during a breakout media session before the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. talks during a breakout media session before the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s DJ Horne greets Purdue’s Lance Jones in the hallway outside the locker room after N.C. State’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State’s DJ Horne greets Purdue’s Lance Jones in the hallway outside the locker room after N.C. State’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. and DJ Horne walk off the arena floor area after the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. and DJ Horne walk off the arena floor area after the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Fans cheer on the Wolfpack during N.C. State’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — Fans cheer on the Wolfpack during N.C. State’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) poses with cheerleaders after during the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. (30) poses with cheerleaders after during the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts wears custom sneakers as seen after the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts wears custom sneakers as seen after the Wolfpack’s practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Wolfpack fans cheer on N.C. State during their practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. — Wolfpack fans cheer on N.C. State during their practice at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Friday, April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack will face Purdue in the NCAA Tournament national semifinals Saturday. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published April 5, 2024 at 4:59 PM with the headline "Photos: Get a preview of NC State basketball team before Final Four game against Purdue."

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Robert Willett

The News & Observer

Robert Willett is an award-winning photojournalist at The News & Observer.

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Ethan Hyman profile

The News & Observer