GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — North Carolina State coach Kevin Keatts is making a statement with his footwear during the Wolfpack's remarkable Final Four journey. Keatts was seen at State Farm Stadium wearing custom Adidas shoes that pay homage to the team's unexpected Final Four appearance, their first since the memorable 'Cardiac Pack' championship run led by the late Jim Valvano in 1983.
The unique design on Keatts' shoes includes the official Final Four logo on the right shoe near the heel, along with the team's rallying cry, 'Why not us?' positioned closer to the top. Notably, the right shoe features illustrations of nine ice cream cones on the heel, symbolizing the team's tradition of celebrating road victories with ice cream. This tradition has extended to their recent success, including winning the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament and securing four more victories in the NCAA tournament to reach the Final Four.
Keatts proudly displayed the updated shoes to reporters, emphasizing the significance of the nine different colored ice cream cones representing the schools defeated during the team's current winning streak. When asked about the potential challenge of adding more ice cream cones for additional victories at the Final Four, Keatts confidently dismissed any concerns, stating that there would always be room for more if needed.
N.C. State is set to face Purdue in the national semifinals on Saturday, marking a historic moment for the Wolfpack as they continue their unexpected and inspiring postseason journey.
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