NC State coach Keatts gave Abu a good reason to return

Abdul-Malik Abu created a good deal of anxiety amongst N.C. State fans last summer when he opted to enter the NBA draft without hiring an agent.

Abu ultimately came back for his junior season. The 6-8, 240-pound forward was not among the N.C. State players to put his name in this year’s draft.

There is a good reason for that, new coach Kevin Keatts said.

“I think I did a good job at the press conference, really working him, telling him how important he was going to be,” Keatts said, only half-joking.

At Keatts’ press conference on March 19, which all of N.C. State’s returning players attended, including Abu, Keatts said Abu would lead the country in dunks.

[NC State’s roster could change along…