Any Hope That NC State Got MJ Rice Just Disappeared

A couple months back, there were a handful of folks saying that State had the inside edge on MJ Rice, the SF out of Oak Hill Academy. Ranked #11 on ESPN’s 2022 Top 60, Rice has the ability to be an elite scorer (averaged almost 20 PPG last year). Things changed a bit on Tuesday, when Rice declared that he was heading to California to attend Prolific Prep.

GOD1ST! MY CIRCLE! WE NOT DONE! pic.twitter.com/jLTIAZICiz

— Marquise (MJ) Rice (@MJrice_1) June 1, 2021

Prolific Prep has a direct pipeline, it seems, to at least the G-League for Rice. This move all but screams “let the scouts check me and then get paid.” Could he still end up at State? Sure. But the feelings are awfully similar to recent NBA-jumpers, Jalen Lecque and Josh Hall.

You cant blame Keatts for going after guys like this, but it’s disappointing when they head elsewhere. We don’t wish this on him at all, but if anything, State becomes Plan B if injury or lackluster play comes into effect. The latter would be hard to imagine from Rice, who each and every year has added speed and strength. Until then, Keatts has to get back on the road to find some big additions to this team.has to get back on the road…