NC State's remarkable journey in March Madness has been significantly influenced by Michael O'Connell, whose performance has been pivotal to the team's success. His coach had predicted his crucial role, a prophecy that has come to fruition as O'Connell has become a hero of the tournament. Despite a challenging fit into the team's dynamic initially, O'Connell's vision as a point guard has materialized, aligning with his coach's expectations. However, his participation was jeopardized during a recent game when he suffered a left hamstring injury. After tripping while running down the floor and briefly returning to the court, O'Connell had to be escorted away by trainers due to what appeared to be a hamstring pull or cramp, casting uncertainty on his continued contribution to NC State's campaign.
N.C. State Michael O'Connell getting his hamstring looked at. He tripped running down the floor earlier and returned briefly. Trainers just escorted him from the bench area.
Michael O'Connell headed back to the locker room for NC State
Looks like a left hamstring pull or cramp for O'Connell, who's limping down the tunnel.
Michael O'Connell went down in a heap and appeared to grab his hamstring
It took a lot of pieces to build NC State’s puzzle. Michael O’Connell took longer to fit. “Everything that I envision of him being a point guard is what’s happening.” https://t.co/7iJ8BIdLyP
NC State’s Michael O’Connell has been a March Madness hero. His coach called it https://t.co/YuTjGbl9aE
“The fact that it’s come true — and we’ve even exceeded it — is kind of unbelievable. He called it.” There is no miracle NC State run without Michael O’Connell. One phone call helped get him to Raleigh. https://t.co/ZACailmIbq https://t.co/dcpMNlPFLm