NC State basketball, despite its recent victories, finds itself outside the AP Top 25 Poll and USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. Kevin Keatts' eighth Wolfpack bunch has yet to earn a spot among the top 49 teams, nor among the 41 receiving at least one vote from the coaches. This absence from the national rankings is a surprising turn of events for a team that was a defending ACC Tournament champion and Final Four participant.

"NC State Basketball's Journey to Earn National Recognition"

Defending ACC Champion's Unranked Start

The 2024-25 NC State basketball team, having just defeated Colgate 72-49 on Monday night, now faces an uphill battle to gain respect from the voters. Despite their impressive performance, they start the season with a 4-0 record but are completely absent from the national rankings. It's almost as if their achievements are being overlooked. This is a unique situation for a team that has previously achieved such great success.The fact that they are the first reigning ACC champ and Final Four participant to start 4-0 and get zero votes in the AP Poll is a testament to the competitiveness of college basketball. But from a fan's perspective, the Pack looks strong, and their victories over Colgate show their potential.

Upcoming Showdown Against Purdue

The Wolfpack will get a chance to prove themselves when they face No. 6-ranked Purdue at the Rady Children’s Invitational in San Diego, Calif., at 3 p.m. ET Thursday, Nov. 28 (FS1). This is a crucial test for the team as they look to earn some national recognition. A win against a highly ranked opponent like Purdue could potentially change their standing in the polls.The players will need to bring their A-game and play with the same intensity they showed against Colgate. It will be a tough challenge, but one that the team is ready to take on.

Home Game Against William & Mary

Before their matchup against Purdue, the Wolfpack will face William & Mary at 7 p.m. ET Friday (ACC Network Extra) at home. This game is an opportunity for the team to continue to build their momentum and show their fans what they are capable of.If they can win this game convincingly, it will add to their confidence and give them a boost as they head into their showdown against Purdue. But they will need to be focused and play their best basketball to come out on top.Stay tuned to NC State Wolfpack On SI for more NC State basketball news as the team continues on their journey to earn national recognition.