The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/896287
NOVEMBER 2017 ■ 55 PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN ■ Lavar Batts Jr. 3 • PG Fr. • Concord, N.C. • 6-2 • 170 Analysis: Batts is likely to have a chance to make an immediate contri- bution at NC State. He is athletic and fast, thus well suited for the tempo new head coach Kevin Keatts wants to play. He needs to improve his jumper, however. Career Highlights: Rated by Rivals.com as a four-star prospect and the No. 96 overall player in the 2017 class … Originally signed with VCU, but changed destinations after coaching changes there and in Raleigh … Played for his father, Lavar Batts Sr., at Robinson High and set a Cabarrus County public school record with 2,174 career points … Averaged 23.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game as a senior … Named Mr. Bas- ketball by The Charlotte Observer … Led Robinson to a 3-A state title as a junior while averaging 20.7 points, 5.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 steals a game … Was the title game's Most Outstanding Player after scoring 16 points … Picked as the North Carolina MVP in the Carolinas Classic all-star game after his senior season. Coach's Corner: "He is very good and quick with the basketball. He has a chance to be really special in the system that we play." — Kevin Keatts Personal: Son of Starr and Lavar Batts Sr. … Has one sister … Birthday is Dec. 25. Ten Questions With Lavar Batts Jr. What's your biggest pet peeve? I don't like being lied to. What was your favorite part of Italy? The sightseeing and the team bond- ing. What size shoe do you wear? 13. If you could pick your NBA team, which one would you play for? Hornets. Who is the best basketball player of all time? Michael Jordan. 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? In my bed asleep. In a few words, what was your first impression of coach Kevin Keatts? He's a really good dude. If you knew you could have only one last meal, what would it be? One of my mom's home-cooked meals. Is there was a race on the team to see who was the fastest player, who'd win? Me. BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2017-8