We know, we know, “How convenient that NOW (36 hours removed from “the steal”) that you would claim this.”
Well folks, because regardless of recency bias, it’s a fact; Raina Perez is the greatest transfer in NC State athletics’ history.
Short Time, Lasting Impact
Here’s the first thing that is kind of sneaky crazy; Perez has only be at State for two seasons. Think about the number of times that you’ve seen her make shots, give 1000% effort on defense, or showed that golden smile into a camera. It feels like she’s been in Raleigh for her entire career. Would even bet there’s some underclassmen that think she’s always been at State.
Finalist for National Point Guard of the Year, multiple All-ACC nods, and program record for assists in game. Short time, lasting impact.
Just from the simple fact that she’s come in and immediately entrenched herself in the program gives her bonus points. Sure, she’ll always love her Cal State-Fullerton days, but she’ll ALWAYS be welcomed back to Reynolds.
History Making Plays
This is where the argument goes next level. Each year, thousands upon thousands of student athletes go through the grind of their seasons.
But how many “Forever Highlight Reel Inclusions” are made? Furthermore, how many of those moments happen in Conference or NCAA Tournaments a year (i.e. on the biggest stage(s))? Maybe three dozen? It’s not an everyday or frequent occurrence.
Yet Perez has at least TWO of these “OMG, did you see that?!” situations.
The game winner against Louisville for the ACC Championship last year, forever would keep her name in State fans minds until the end of time. In was cold-blooded and allowed State to become the #1 seed in the NCAAT for the first time ever.
Then a year later, in a game which State had a 95% chance to lose, she did it again. The steal was a thing of beauty. Crazier still, the 5′ 4″ guard got the subsequent REBOUND and knocked down two free throws to seal the game. For just the second time in program history, State WBB is in the Elite Eight. The steal, the rebound, the free throws, the curse being broken…build the statue already.
From Here on Out
Maybe State continues onto the Final Four. Maybe, just maybe, Perez somehow has one more trick up her sleeve for a program who has never had this much postseason success.
There are plenty of transfers that have stepped foot on campus and done big things. But there is no doubt, Perez is the tallest of them all.
The NC State Women’s Basketball (16-5) team moved up 5 spots in the Week 13 AP Poll, after defeating Notre Dame 69-65 yesterday, who was ranked 7th then, and ranked 9th now.
Signed with: NC State | 2023 ESPNW 100 ranking: 9
St. John Vianney HS (New Jersey)
Brooks is a gifted scorer who can flat out put the ball in the basket. Over the past 18 months, she has really gone to work on her conditioning and it brought her game to another level. She is a true three-level scorer. Defenses must be there on the close out, but containing Brooks is no easy feat as she attacks angles, changes speeds, and has the footwork and handle to counter. Her strength allows her to finish with contact at the rim and her touch provides an array of floaters and usage of the glass for buckets. Brooks sees the floor well and zips passes to teammates for open looks. Defensively, she has fantastic instincts and is good in passing lanes and in the press. Brooks is averaging 24 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season. (ESPN)
#20 NC State picked up a much needed win last night against Miami, defeating the Hurricanes 71-61 in PNC Arena, avoiding a 3-game skid.
Sophomore Guard Saniya Rivers led the pack with 14 points, 6 steals, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
As long as she keeps working, @PackWomensBball Saniya Rivers ( @Ihoop___22 ) is going to be a really fun @wnba player to cover in a few years. (Until then, I’ll enjoy watching her, @haileyvanlith , NC State & @LouisvilleWBB on ABC Sunday at 1pm et.)
That first video. Wow! The way she created space was amazing!!!