Ven-Allen Lubin Is Proving Will Wade Right – and the ACC Is Taking Notice

When Ven-Allen Lubin transferred from North Carolina to NC State with one year of eligibility remaining, the move raised eyebrows across the ACC.

Tar Heel fans were quick to dismiss the decision, and many questioned whether Lubin could truly thrive in a larger role. Head coach Will Wade, however, never wavered in his belief – and he didn’t hesitate to say it publicly.

“They were too dumb to play him… I don’t know why the hell they didn’t play him. But we’re going to play him, so he’s going to average 15 and 8.”

Through 21 games, Wade’s projection has proven remarkably accurate.

Lubin is averaging 13.6 points and 7 rebounds per game, and his impact has only grown as conference play has progressed. More importantly, his efficiency has been nothing short of elite.

Elite Efficiency at a Historic Level

Lubin is currently shooting 68.5% from the field, which leads the ACC and ranks fourth nationally. On Tuesday night, he delivered one of the most efficient performances of the season, finishing 8-for-8 from the floor with 18 points and 9 rebounds.

Over his last five ACC games, Lubin is averaging:

• 17.6 points per game
• 75% shooting from the field

To put that into perspective, if the season ended today, Lubin would break NC State’s single-season field goal percentage record, currently held by Manny Bates (64.1% in 2020-21).

Doubts About Size, Answers on the Court

One of the biggest criticisms when Lubin arrived in Raleigh was his size. At 6-foot-9, many questioned whether he could hold up as a true five in the ACC.

So far, those doubts have been erased.

Lubin has been one of the most efficient interior scorers in the conference, thriving in pick-and-roll situations, finishing through contact, and consistently making the right read around the basket.

What was once labeled a gamble by Will Wade is quickly becoming one of the most impactful portal additions in the league.

And as the Wolfpack continues its push up the ACC standings, Lubin’s emergence has become a major reason why.