Leaky Black foul on Terquavion Smith ‘a really good basketball play,’ says NC State coach

Leaky Black’s foul on NC State star Terquavion Smith during Saturday’s UNC-NC State game was ruled a flagrant 2 and resulted in an ejection for Black. Smith was caught in the air on a layup attempt, came down hard on the court, and had to leave the game on a stretcher.

He was taken to UNC Medical Center, but left shortly thereafter when X-rays came back negative. NC State coach Kevin Keatts told reporters on Monday he expects Smith to be a game-time decision

for Tuesday’s game against Notre Dame.

Keatts also commented on the play that resulted in the injury. Though some on social media thought the move from Black was a dirty one, Keatts defended the UNC forward.

“I thought it was a good basketball play,” he said. “I didn’t think Leaky did anything intentional to try to harm him at all. I thought it was a really good basketball play. I thought he went for the ball, maybe even tipped the ball. It just, it was ugly because he came across and basically missed it and hit (Smith) across the head, and then obviously just the way (Smith) fell.”

Immediately after the game, UNC coach Hubert Davis said Black asked for Smith’s number to be able to call and check up on him. Black also posted on his Instagram story, saying in part, “hope he gets back on the court as soon as possible.”

The Tar Heels won Saturday’s contest 80-69. Sounds like there’s no ill will over what happened beyond the outcome.