CBS’ Jon Rothstein Breaks Down His Thoughts from NC State’s Practice

CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein dropped by NC State’s Men’s Basketball practice today, and he shared his thoughts via a few tweets and a video.

The hype surrounding Sophomore sharpshooter Paul McNeil continues to build.

Paul McNeil is drilling shots here in NC State practice. An effortless sniper from long distance. Remember The Name.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 7, 2025

Rothstein thinks that Houston Transfer Guard Terrance Arceneaux could see some time as a small ball 4 this season, and to the surprise of no one, he complimented his defense.

The strength of NC State is its perimeter depth. 5 players — Holloman, McNeil, Arceneaux, Able, and Copeland — for three or even four spots. Keep an eye on Arceneaux as a potential small ball 4. Has been all over the place today on defense.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 7, 2025

Will Wade thought that the late addition of Musa Sagnia was the missing piece to the puzzle, and Rothstein sees the Gambian Forward as an underrated addition.

Underrated Addition for NC State: Musa Sagnia. 6-11 big man will add rim protection and interior defense. Going to be a factor in Will Wade’s rotation.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 7, 2025

Rothstein predicted NC State’s starting lineup with less than a month until the season opener, and it’s exactly how I’ve seen the starting 5 for quite some time.

Early prediction on NC State’s 2025-26 starting five:

Tre Holloman, Matt Able, Terrance Arceneaux, Darrion Williams, Ven-Allen Lubin

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 7, 2025

In the following one-minute video, Rothstein shares that he expected Texas Tech transfer Darrion Williams to look like an All-American, and he did. He also expected Michigan St. transfer Tre Holloman to look like a steadying presence at Point Guard, and he did. What he didn’t expect was for Paul McNeil and Musa Sagnia to be the two players that stood out the most.

ROTHSTEIN REACTION: NC STATE. pic.twitter.com/64SETHTyLr

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 7, 2025

Rothstein also said the Wolfpack looks like a team that will be in the middle of the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket come March.