— NC State fans finally got their wish this week when Kevin Keatts' Wolfpack squad entered the national rankings at No. 20 in the AP poll, the program's first appearance since Jan. 23, 2013.

The ranking has been a few weeks in the making for State. At 11-1, NC State has not only been winning games but done so in dominant fashion – having won nine of the 11 contests by double-digits. Even in the lone loss, which came on the road at Wisconsin, the Pack led for 38 minutes before some questionable calls down the stretch proved to be pivotal in the defeat.

The biggest win came last week, a 78-71 home victory over No. 7 Auburn where State's firepower was too much for the Tigers. Braxton Beverly had 14 first-half points, Devon Daniels scored 15 in the second half, and Markell Johnson was the best player on the floor. The junior point guard finished with 27 points on 9 of 15 field goal attempts, including 5 of 8 from three-point range. Winning that game with very little production from CJ Bryce and Torin Dorn really exemplifies what this team is capable of.

In fact, a performance like that – as opposed to the national ranking – is why NC State fans should be happy right now. While the polls give the program some national publicity, this team is in a position to make some noise this year and exceed expectations.

Anyone who reads my work at Inside Pack Sports knows I have been really high on NC State, even in the preseason. Kevin Keatts has experience re-loading rosters from his time at Hargrave Military Academy, and while he had a lot of success in year one at NC State, this team was built more in the mold of the type of roster he loves coaching.

First of all, the depth is unique. NC State has a legitimate 10-man rotation with all 10 players averaging between 13.3 and 25.2 minutes per game. Keatts essentially has two different five-man units at his disposal. That was something we saw over the weekend when the five-man bench outscored the starters in the win over USC Upstate, scoring a ridiculous 62 bench points.

The versatility is advantageous both offensively and defensively. Offensively, NC State is shooting 41.2 percent from three-point range and has seven different players shooting better than 38 percent from deep. There are multiple playmakers, and, like last season, Johnson is leading the way. Though he is averaging fewer assists this season, he has seen his scoring and efficiency skyrocket.

Defensively, the Wolfpack applies full-court ball pressure and is capable of switching all screens – something that helps to bog down opposing offenses. Despite being undersized, the additional length on the wing allows State to be extra aggressive in the passing lanes, which is a big reason why NC State is averaging 8.0 steals per game.

This team reflects their head coach.

Kevin Keatts is intense and competitive. He demands effort, specifically on the defensive end, while allowing freedom offensively. He stresses the value of winning as a team and clearly his players have bought in – a given considering the chemistry being displayed while shuffling in different lineups and rotations all game.

NC State fans are pumped up that their Wolfpack has entered the national rankings, and rightfully so. It's been a long time. But this shouldn't be the pinnacle for NC State. It really is probably just the beginning because all the pieces are in place for the Wolfpack to be a mainstay in the rankings and among the ACC's best teams this year.