Rapper J.Cole and former NC State star teaming up to play pro ball in Africa

Headlining the “news you weren’t expecting on a Monday” is this story of one of the most prominent rappers today, J.Cole, teaming up with former NC State star Brandon Costner to play for the Rwanda Patriots in what seems to be called the ‘Basketball Africa League.’

J. Cole is one of two import signings by Rwanda’s Patriots B.B.C. team in Basketball Africa League, joining former NC State star Brandon Costner.

Album drops on Friday. First pro basketball game in FIBA/NBA league on Sunday. https://t.co/gXytKIDQvN

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 10, 2021

J.Cole, while known for rapping, is obviously no scrub on the court. You can verify that by the fact that Detroit Pistons gave him an extended tryout in August of 2020, or you could take our word for it, since a few of our writers have played alongside him at Lifetime Sports in Raleigh.

J.Cole is also no stranger to NC State. The Fayetteville native used to hang around and play pickup with the team during the Dennis Smith years.

@JColeNC and @Jhooper_3 working out at NC State pic.twitter.com/TjMPmZSrO3

— 🚀Lucas🚀 (@Lucasjbarnes) March 4, 2016

He also repped the Pack in one of his music videos…

This NC State jersey @JColeNC wore in his “Under the Sun” video is 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ykLAo1G7ck

— Pack Pride (@PackPride) September 17, 2019

And now it seems he’s back in NC State’s practice gym hanging with Cam Hayes and working out with Brandon Costner (pictured in the background) as they prep for their pro-season.

Cam Hayes appreciation tweet. pic.twitter.com/w7TvNpDj6P

— Barstool Pack (@BarstoolPack) February 25, 2021

We’ll keep you updated on how Costner and J.Cole do over in Africa. And for those of you who are saying “who the heck cares about this!?” Well, it’s May 10th and content is slow, people. So take what you cant get!