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247 Sports is predicting that Former 5-Star MJ Rice, from Kansas, will head to NC State

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MJ Rice, a former 5-star who was heavily considering NC State prior to his Kansas commitment, was on campus this past weekend.

Today, 247 Sports, updated their Crystal Ball prediction to show Rice likely heading to NC State.

The 6’5 swing forward would be a great get for Kevin Keatts, who likes to play small ball at times. Kansas used Rice at the 4 from time to time, and with his physicality and athleticism, he could do the same for NC State. However, it’s likely Rice will see most of his time split between the 2, 3 and 4 positions, giving him a lot of opportunity to get minutes.

Rice didn’t do much for Kansas in his freshman season, averaging 2 points and 1 rebound, but he only played 7.5 minutes per game and never really got going. He did score 19 against Texas Southern early in the season for Kansas.

We’ll have to wait for an official announcement, but 247’s Crystal Ball predictions don’t usually get updated unless there is solid intel.

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Rev
Rev
1 month ago

To wolfpack74 and Papajohn…… I have no idea if we will lose anyone to the portal but, I see Rice as a great addition and possibly insurance in case Morsell goes pro. I don’t remember the NCAA being very kind to the Pack, so I am doubtful about Dusan getting another year of eligibility. But this has to be the most on paper talent we have ever had.

Afterglow
Afterglow
1 month ago
Reply to  Rev

So good! I somehow thought we landed him or maybe I’m just unable to keep up. I’m greedy! Who’s next?!?

Papajohn
Papajohn
1 month ago

MJ Rice signed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dof87
Dof87
1 month ago
Reply to  Papajohn

Awesome! KK is cooking!. Rice was a key ingredient.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
1 month ago
Reply to  Dof87

Glad I was wrong about Rice. Now what about Bradley?

Dof87
Dof87
1 month ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

This time last year we still hadn’t had any portal commitments and the fanbase was in a panic.

I think Bradley will keep his activity very low key given the stuff that happenned last year, no need to draw attention.. Probably won’t hear anything until he commits somewhere. Still a lot of time to find someone else, and that’s assuming KK will use Dusan’s scholly for another transfer.

wolfpack74
wolfpack74
1 month ago
Reply to  Dof87

Do you think we will have some players now enter the Transfer portal after Rice committed to State. However, three of these commitments have not as of now signed on the dotted line.

Papajohn
Papajohn
1 month ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

Rice is going to play the 4 position, the position our starters Clark and Gantt left wide open. Seems unlikely anyone would transfer out because of that. Ross would be the possibility, but there’s been no rumors of that.
Just guessing, but if we actually do sign a PG, that might trigger a transfer. We’d be getting pretty full at that position.

Dof87
Dof87
1 month ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

You never know how other players will re-assess their situation, but I’m hoping everyone stays. I like all our players and you don’t have to be a starter or play big minutes to help the team win.

I doubt any are suprised that KK is bringing in the best talent he can get.

Last edited 1 month ago by Dof87
wolfpack74
wolfpack74
1 month ago

Maybe premature prediction. Only one local analyst called it for State. Wait to see, but I doubt he comes.

Papajohn
Papajohn
1 month ago
Reply to  wolfpack74

My guess is, HE’S COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lol

Last edited 1 month ago by Papajohn
Dof87
Dof87
1 month ago
Reply to  Papajohn

classic

Rev
Rev
1 month ago

Back troubles are a bitch. He’s young. Hope he recovers. But if he only play 50% of the time, this guy is a good get.

Afterglow
Afterglow
1 month ago
Reply to  Rev

I too like him quite a bit. He’s well built, as well. I think he can withstand a good deal of pushing around and may even be the one who pushes people out of the way. As for the back problems, yeah, that’s not great but hopefully at his young age, it’s the type of thing he’ll recover from. Plus, in this day and age, our medical science is so advanced that if you have the resources, there are few ailments that can keep you down if under the right regime and guidance.

Papajohn
Papajohn
1 month ago

He had back troubles all last season. Hopefully that is BEHIND HIM. (sorry)

NC State Basketball

D.J. Burns is OFFICIALLY BACK!

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Well, it’s OFFICIAL. D.J Burns will be returning to NC State for his final year of collegiate eligibility!

 

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A post shared by DJ Burns / BIG 30♨️ (@dj.b30)

This confirms everything I’d been hearing about the return of Burns. Burns was the key to the Wolfpack offense running effectively this past year. He averaged 12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 2022-23, but he elevated his game in ACC play, averaging 16.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in conference games.

Burns is celebrating his return to run with the Wolfpack by dropping his own Big 30 merch. Go over and snag something.

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NC State Basketball

Isaiah Miranda is an Early Entry Candidate for the 2023 NBA Draft

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The NBA released the names of the 242 players that have filed as early entry candidates for NBA Draft 2023 last night, and NC State’s Isaiah Miranda’s name was on the list.

Miranda (7’1″/225) joined the Wolfpack back in December, deciding to forgo the remainder of his prep season. Miranda didn’t see the court for NC State, resulting in a redshirt season.

ON3 ranked Miranda as the #16 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class.

It makes perfect sense for a player like Miranda, with his height and athleticism, to go through the draft process to be evaluated on what he needs to continue to work on. As an early entrant, Miranda has the ability to pull his name out of the draft and remain a collegiate athlete.

I don’t expect Miranda to keep his name in the hat when the time comes. From what I hear his game has tons of potential, but he still needs to fine tune his craft. Also, Miranda shared this on social media, implying he will be back in the Red and White next year.

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NC State Basketball

Missouri Transfer Mohamed Diarra Commits to NC State

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NC State picked up their 5th transfer today. Mohamed Diarra (6’10″/215) committed to run with the Wolfpack today while in Raleigh on an Official Visit.

Diarra originally spent his first two seasons at Garden City Community College, averaging 17.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game in his second season. He landed at Missouri last year, after being rated as the #1 JUCO prospect in the 2022 class according to JucoRecruiting.com.

In his only season at Missouri, Diarra averaged 11.7 minutes per game in 25 games played (6 starts), averaging 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. Because of the extra year due to Covid, Diarra has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

With news breaking today that Dusan Mahorcic entered the Transfer Portal, the Wolfpack found his replacement. NC State’s frontcourt in 2023-24 currently will be made up of D.J. Burns, Ben Middlebrooks, Mohamed Diarra and Ernest Ross.

Check out these highlights of Diarra.

There is a lot to like in Diarra’s game. He is athletic, can hit a jump shot, put the ball on the floor, can play defense on the perimeter, block shots, and is an aggressive rebounder.

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NC State Basketball

Missouri Transfer Mohamed Diarra is On an Official Visit to NC State Today

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Missouri Transfer Mohamed Diarra (6’10″/215) is on an Official Visit to NC State today. Diarra originally spent his first two seasons at Garden City Community College, averaging 17.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game in his second season. He landed at Missouri last year, after being rated as the #1 JUCO prospect in the 2022 class according to JucoRecruiting.com.

In his only season at Missouri, Diarra averaged 11.7 minutes per game in 25 games played (6 starts), averaging 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. Because of the extra year due to Covid, Diarra has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

Diarra entered the Transfer Portal on March 28th.

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