To think, just a month ago we were hearing a lot of questions about Mark Gottfried. After the Martin twins transferred and news spread that Abu was contemplating leaving, some wondered if the Pack would even put a competitive team on the floor in 2016. They wondered if Gottfried really had what it takes to turn this team around for good.
Today there is a much different tone. Over the past month NC State went from questionable to serious contender. It all started when Abu made it known that he would be returning for his junior year. The bouncy forward was always going to be a key piece for State if they were to make a serious run in the ACC this season, but even with Abu NC State was going to need more pieces. That is when Gottfried somehow pulled off adding Omer Yurtseven. The Turkish big man is a 5 star talent who many think is going to be one and done. He immediately slots in at a high end scoring option and NC State’s starting center.
Those two moves has NC State’s starting 5 looking very dangerous. Dennis Smith Jr, Terry Henderson, Torin Dorn (or Mav Rowan), Abu and Yurtseven. But five or 6 players is not going to win you the ACC. Gottfried was still lacking a backup PG and a backup forward and it looked like they may not be able to land high caliber players at those positions for 2016-17. However, things might be changing on that front.
PG Markell Johnson from Cleveland who was originally slated to be a 2017 recruit has reclassified and rumor is that he’s favoring NC State. With the NBPA going on, news on Johnson will likely be easy to come by over the next day or two. We’ll keep you updated.
Markell Johnson Crystal Ball: 42% – NC State 33% – Louisville 8% – Xavier 8% – Virginia Tech 8% – Texas A&M
If State were to land Johnson it would be huge. This is a kid who is probably not ready to lead a team at this point in his development, but he’s very close. The tools are all there in abundance and a year as a backup behind Dennis Smith Jr will be very beneficial and likely have him ready by his sophomore season.
If the Pack could have a backup PG committed, it would then come down to finding a backup at forward. Normally Lenard Freeman would be your man, but Nard might be looking at a red shirt year with his leg injury. This leave the Pack in a spot where they need to get some depth. Enter Ted Kapita.
Ted Kapita is a beastly body that could fill in nicely as a backup to Abu. He’s a 6’9, 245 machine. He recently decommitted from SMU and is on NC State’s campus today for an official visit.
4???? Ted Kapita is currently on an official visit to N.C. State, per source. Malik Newman & Markell Johnson visited NCSU recently #wolfpack
He might not be the most athletic big you’ve ever seen, and his footwork and touch aren’t super polished, but he’s a guy who given a season or two could be a major factor in the paint for NC State. We’ll keep tabs on the situation as it is currently unfolding.
Holy crap we just landed Markell Johnson. That PG position was the only one we weren’t 2 deep at and we just got one hell of a backup PG. This kid starts year 2 at PG after DSJ goes pro. This is how recruiting is done people. Lineup this season: PG – DSJ/Johnson SG – Dorn/Hendo SF – Rowan/Kirk PF – Abu/Hicks C – Yurt7/Anya I don’t recall the last time State was 2 deep at every position? OMG! Only area of concern is that both our PGs are Freshmen. But outside of that we have upperclassmen at SG, PF,… Read more »
Wolfer96
6 years ago
Who knew the twins were doing us a favor by transferring? That’s 2 scholly’s that opened up just in time for new coaching staff to go on a recruiting buffet. If only one of the new coaches can teach defense this could be a season to remember.
4-Star 2024 Small Forward Jahki Howard (6’7″/180) took an Unofficial Visit to NC State yesterday alongside 4-Star Shooting Guard Paul McNeil, who verbally committed to run with the Wolfpack yesterday.
Howard is ranked as the #51 overall player nationally in the 2024 class by Rivals, and the #4 player in the state of Georgia according to ESPN. Howard plays for Overtime Elite in Atlanta, where 2023 NC State signee Trey Parker plays.
He also holds offers from Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Providence, Auburn, Rutgers, Illinois, Texas A&M, Mississippi St, Wake Forest, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Arizona St, Kansas, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, and others.
As far as I can tell, Howard doesn’t hold an offer from NC State at this point.
Jahki Howard earns Player of the Week honors after a big performance vs. Hillcrest dropping 25 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST 🚀 @showtime_kipic.twitter.com/yPD5psrm2m
What a day! 4-Star 2024 Shooting Guard Paul McNeil (6’6″/185) wrapped up his Official Visit to NC State today by committing to run with the Wolfpack, after watching them defeat their rival UNC in PNC Arena.
McNeil is the #17 overall player nationally in the 2024 recruiting class according to ESPN, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina.
In 2022-23, McNeil is averaging 23.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals per game for Richmond High School. Last year, he became the first ever Sophomore to win the Gatorade Player of the Year Award in the state of North Carolina.
McNeil also held offers from Clemson, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Miami, Georgetown, St. John’s, LSU, Virginia Tech, Missouri, and others.
2024 4-Star Shooting Guard Paul McNeil (6’6″/185) will be taking an Official Visit to NC State next weekend.
I’m grateful to announce I will be taking an official visit to North Carolina State University this upcoming weekend. This is a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to spending time with Coach Keatts and the program. @PackMensBball@NCStateRivals
ESPN ranks McNeil as the #17 overall player nationally in the 2024 recruiting class, and the #2 player in the state of North Carolina. I don’t understand how recruiting databases work, but at some point this year he will be a 5-star player according to ESPN as long as he stays in the Top-25.
McNeil plays for Richmond Senior in Rockingham, North Carolina.
This is huge for NC State to get a player of McNeil’s caliber to come in for an Official Visit this early in the process.
Swartz plays for Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina. ON3 ranks him as the #65 overall player nationally in the 2024 recruiting class, and the #7 player in the state of North Carolina.
He already holds offers from Virginia Tech, Clemson, Georgia, Illinois, Houston and others.
Holy crap we just landed Markell Johnson. That PG position was the only one we weren’t 2 deep at and we just got one hell of a backup PG. This kid starts year 2 at PG after DSJ goes pro. This is how recruiting is done people. Lineup this season: PG – DSJ/Johnson SG – Dorn/Hendo SF – Rowan/Kirk PF – Abu/Hicks C – Yurt7/Anya I don’t recall the last time State was 2 deep at every position? OMG! Only area of concern is that both our PGs are Freshmen. But outside of that we have upperclassmen at SG, PF,… Read more »
Who knew the twins were doing us a favor by transferring? That’s 2 scholly’s that opened up just in time for new coaching staff to go on a recruiting buffet. If only one of the new coaches can teach defense this could be a season to remember.