Wolfpack winning: Get to know NC State undefeated teams of yesteryear and now

“…the bond [our team has] between each other…and the coaching staff: how they’ve brought us together. The enthusiasm and energy we bring every day makes [NC State] so special,”  –Elissa Cunane

Doubt has consumed critics for the past few years regarding the future of NC State. How can the Wolfpack survive in a post-Miah Spencer and Dominique Wilson era? Will the Red rebound the same after Chelsea Nelson graduates? This year’s team, despite the early loss of starting point guard Kaila Ealey due to injury, played well in pre-conference contests.

Entering the Davidson game, Grace Hunter held the leading scorer position, notching just over 15 points per game, with her teammates not far behind. Three other starters averaged over 11.0 PPG as of Dec. 28, 2018: Kiara Leslie (14.0); Elissa Cunane (13.5); and Aislinn Konig (11.8). Each had an impressive showing against Davidson.

Leslie is a well-rounded player who knows nothing but success.  Coming from elite program, Maryland, she brought her talent to her home team and NC State has benefitted from her active minutes since.  She is a 6’ guard who moves well in transition and can create her own shot. She delivers from the wing and has a few post moves in her skill set.  Leslie is the team’s leading rebounder, averaging 8.5 RPG. Her nonchalant expression while playing belies her intensity on the court.  Both she and DD Rogers have helped fill the void of the rebounders who graduated in last year’s class.

On complete opposite ends of the experience spectrum, freshman Elissa Cunane has immediately made an impact on the program. Her game is raw, but her long 6’5 frame is promising for the Pack.  Cunane’s stats do not reflect those of a freshman and she has earned the responsibility of being an integral part of her team’s success. Earning ACC Rookie of the Week honors within weeks of stepping on the court says something.  She joins Leslie and Rogers in doing what the Pack does best: rebounding.  Cunane is also a true post who actively lives in the paint and can draw in another team’s defense, allowing a flow of offense from distance.

Aislinn Konig accepted the role as a two guard the past few years with the Pack due to the makeup of the roster, but because of the absence of Ealey, she returned to her natural position as point guard.  The transition has resulted in more Konig distribution and much less focus on scoring. Long-distance shooting is still in the arsenal, however: Konig has the second-longest streak in the nation, hitting at least one three-pointer in the last 46 consecutive games.

“[NC State is] missing a great piece with Kaila [Ealey] being gone…I’m just trying to do what’s best for the team and do what they ask me to do,” Konig told High Post Hoops.  Her shots from range have been swing moments in the Wolfpack’s big start. NC State doesn’t necessarily shoot in high volume from the field, and are known to have slow first halves, but Konig’s threes have saved her team on multiple occasions.  She hit 91 threes last season, breaking a previous program record set in 1995-96 by Jennifer Howard.