Around Raleigh With Coach Wade: Musa Sagnia (with transcript)

NC State Men’s Basketball released an episode of Around Raleigh With Coach Wade recently. Coach Wade sat down with Forward Musa Sagnia, who was an international prep player from Gambia in the Wolfpack’s 2025 recruiting class.

You can read the transcript below, and watch the video underneath.

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WW: Welcome to our next episode of Around Raleigh. We’re here in the WB (Weisiger-Brown Athletic Training Facility) interviewing Musa Sagnia. Let’s start back in the Gambia, where you’re from and you left there at age 17 to go play in Spain.

Talk about growing up in the Gambia, and then the move to Spain.

MS: Growing up in Gambia was good. It was hard too, a little bit. Seven siblings, but it was good.

Then coming to Spain, it was hard too. Leaving them there, but coming with my brother helped me a lot.

WW: In Spain, you lived with your brother for a while. Then eventually, after you were able to get on your own, you guys were able to split up and you were pretty independent in Spain, as I found out.

Talk about your brother’s influence on you and being able to live with him for a couple years to get you started with your career.

MS: When I first got to Spain, I wasn’t used to it. I’ve never been, and leaving my mom, dad, sisters and brothers, like, it was hard. Sometimes I would want to say, ‘I want to go back home,’ but he’s the one who was keeping me there, keeping me motivated to go. I really appreciate it.

He did a lot for me, when I was in Spain. We were living together. He was helping me a lot.

WW: You’ve been through the NBA draft process. Most people don’t know, but you declared early for the draft. You had five NBA draft workouts this year. What have you learned through that process and what’s that process been like?

I know you were really nervous at the first one, because some of the, some of your favorite players were there watching the workout. What have those workouts been like and what have you learned from them that you think you can use in college basketball here?

MS: It’s been good. It was my first time in America. I didn’t know what to expect. After my first workout, I was nervous, like you said, but later on, I got used to it. It taught me a lot about how basketball is in the States.

It’s different from Europe. It taught me a lot. When I was there, I couldn’t believe it. I was calling my brother, telling him what I was working on. I never thought this would happen.

WW: What does NC State mean to you? What’s it mean to be here at NC State? I know you’ve only been here a month, but how exciting has it been for you to be in Raleigh at NC State?

MS: It means a lot. I love this. Coming to college was my was my dream, and now them giving me the opportunity, it means a lot to me and my family. I haven’t been here for a long time, but it’s different, the culture, even outside of basketball. The other day, I went to watch football, they were saying, Go Pack, Go Pack, and in Spain, you don’t see that, so that’s really cool. Overall, NC State means a lot. They’re giving me the opportunity to experience college basketball, and I really appreciate that.

WW: Our fans are going to absolutely love him. Musa’s somebody who absolutely never has a bad day, loves being here at NC State, loves the college experience, is unbelievably appreciative of everything about the college experience.

He’s going to make a big impact for us on the court this season, especially on the defensive end, and he’s going to be able to do some things offensively. He’s one of our best offensive rebounders. His three-point shot is coming along. It’s getting better.

He’s showed some playmaking ability as well. We’ve let him bring the ball up the court some, and he showed some playmaking ability there, so we’re really, really excited.

I know he can’t wait till November 3rd when the Lenovo’s sold out for the game against North Carolina Central. It’ll be the largest crowd he’s ever played in front of, and he’s going to be excited, and he’s going to make sure he shows out for all the Pack fans in attendance. This wraps up this episode of Around Raleigh, until next time, Go Pack!

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Get to know Musa Sagnia in Episode 14 of Around Raleigh with Coach Wade! pic.twitter.com/EDobFFDEQH

— NC State Men's Basketball (@PackMensBball) October 10, 2025