Making NCAA Tournament is the goal, and Wake Forest has all the parts to do it

Maybe, this is the year.

The Wake Forest mens basketball team has teetered on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament seemingly every season that Coach Steve Forbes has been in Winston-Salem.

Not this year, however, because the Demon Deacons have everything they need to be successful not only in the ACC but in the national picture.

Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes oversees practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

We have that pressure every year, internally, Forbes said on Monday afternoon about trying to make the NCAA's in his fifth season in Winston-Salem.

Thats not something thats created from the outside because we put more pressure on ourselves.

We know what the standard is for us, so we just attack it.

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To attack it this season, the Demon Deacons have three starters returning in wing Hunter Sallis, small forward Cam Hildreth and center Efton Reid.

All will play major minutes with Sallis at least in the conversation for ACC player of the year.

With that experience, and several newcomers thanks to the transfer portal, Forbes says right now he can go 10 players deep.

Players such as TreVon Spillers (App State), point guard Ty-Laur Johnson (Louisville), Omaha Biliew (I0wa State), Devin Cosby (Alabama) and Churchill Abass (DePaul) will give Forbes maybe his deepest team since he arrived.

Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis (23) is interviewed during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

To get Hunter back, who was our leading scorer, and to have Cameron back, who is a 1,000-point scorer already and to have Efton back who is one of the best big men in our league is a great starting point, Forbes said.

To have that core back in this day in and age, they showed loyalty.

Reid said theres a difference in this years team compared to a year ago.

The chemistry, Reid said.

We hang out way more off the court with everybody including the walk-ons.

When we get together everyone comes out and its the most chemistry Ive seen in all the teams that I have been on.

In two of Forbes four seasons the Demon Deacons made it to the NIT, including last season.

Theres maybe more a sense of urgency to get to the NCAAs this season because of the seniors on the team.

The expectations are really high as a team and there are expectations put on us already a little bit, said Sallis, who could have gone to the NBA but stayed for another season at Wake Forest.

I feel like thats good, and we have some confidence already.

He's one of the candidates for ACC player of the year One of Forbes mottos that he tries to get his team to go by is gritty, grimy, tough and Sallis says this team has those characteristics.

It feels great, Sallis said about seeing Wake Forests name among the top teams in preseason talk.

It feels great and I expect nothing less because we have a really good team this year.

The Demon Deacons haven't been to the NCAA Tournament since 2017 and haven't won an NCAA Tournament game since 2010, but that could all change this March.

In Forbes long career as a coach he acknowledged this Wake Forest team might be his fastest.

The Demon Deacons will be getting down the floor at break-neck speed and that has Forbes smiling.

They tried to shoot it in four seconds, Forbes said when asked if his team is as fast as the Hank Gathers, Bo Kimble Loyola-Marymount teams of the late 1980's.

...We dont try to shoot it that fast, unless we can.

We are trying to get to the scoring area in three- or four-seconds max and they are good at it.

Forbes cited Johnson, who is from Brooklyn, with elite level speed that has helped with the pace of play.

One of the best shooters on the team says he's excited about this season I think so, Forbes said when asked if a faster team will help on the defensive end.

We are a lot longer and athletic and we can change a little schematically.

This is like my East Tennessee State teams that were just athletic across the board.

Parker Friedrichsen was a skinny true freshman last year who was the best shooter on the Demon Deacons.

He decided to bulk up this summer staying in Winston-Salem and attending summer school.

She suffered a stroke in August of 2023 and is still recovering Because of that, Mike Starke, the teams strength coach, had him lifting weights four times a week and Friedricksen said hes added 17 points and is around 185 pounds.

Just being here in the summertime was big because I stuck to my routine, Friedrichsen said.

Were so fortunate to have everything I need here in terms of the facility and with the help of (Starke) its what I needed.

He's one of the most athletic players on the Demon Deacons While the Demon Deacons have come close to making the NCAA Tournament they never could get off the preverbal bubble.

Maybe the perception of what kind of team Forbes has put together will help them never get on the bubble this season.

Forbes says it cant hurt.

Weve been on the bubble two times and partially three times, Forbes said.

We have to get off the bubble and to do that you have to win those games in nonconference, and then we have to win the right games in the conference.

Forbes said some national writers have come in to watch practice and have liked what theyve seen.

Oh sure, that will help, Forbes said about perception.

Weve got some more people coming in to see us nationally, so I dont think that stuff hurts.

In the end, its your body of work....

Wed rather be in the conversation than not being in the conversation.

Demon Deacons have shown they can win a home in Forbes' time in Winston-Salem What excites Forbes in terms of looking at his entire team are the storylines.

Sallis could have gone into the NBA Draft but decided against it.

And he didnt even consider going into the portal.

Any time you can talk about Hutner Sallis, thats a great story, Forbes said.

Hes one of the best returning seniors in the country and a potential All-America.

He also said Hildreth is a rarity these days in college basketball.

Camerons a four-year guy, I mean how many of those are out there anymore? Forbes said.

Efton Reid, who didnt get to play the first seven games (last season), and then got eligible and played really well and none of those guys went into the portal.

Forbes also speculated on the bulked-up Friedrichsen.

I think hes going to have a breakout season, Forbes said.

PHOTOS: Wake Forest men's basketball media day Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes looks over his notes before a press conference during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes speaks during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes speaks during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest forward Marqus Marion (11) shoots during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Parker Friedrichsen (7) is interviewed during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis (23) is interviewed during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Juke Harris (2) looks on during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest forward Efton Reid III (4) jokes with a teammate during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest forward Tre'Von Spillers (25) is interviewed during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Cameron Hildreth (6) is interviewed during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Ty-Laur Johnson (8) is interviewed during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest center Churchill Abass (55) uses a Wake Forest Creative Content photographers camera during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest forward Marqus Marion (11) is interviewed during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Davin Cosby (1) is interviewed during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest forward Omaha Biliew (0) is interviewed during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest center Churchill Abass (55) is interviewed during media day for Wake Forest mens basketball on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes looks on during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Parker Friedrichsen (7) leans against the ball cart during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest center Churchill Abass (55) shoots during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis (23) shoots during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes speaks with his team before watching film during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes speaks with his team before watching film during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest basketball players stretch during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest basketball players stretch during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest basketball players stretch during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest Director of Sports Performance Mike Starke leads the team through stretches and warm-ups during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest Sports Performance Intern Aaron Muse looks on during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes speaks with his team during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest basketball players come together for a huddle during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes oversees practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Parker Friedrichsen (7) shoots during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Cameron Hildreth (6) shoots during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Davin Cosby (1) shoots during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Juke Harris (2) shoots while pressured by Wake Forest guard Ty-Laur Johnson (8) during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wake Forest guard Ty-Laur Johnson (8) moves around the defense of Wake Forest guard Parker Friedrichsen (7) during practice on Monday, Sept.

30, 2024, at the Sutton Sports Performance Complex in Winston-Salem, N.C.

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