PORTAL VISIT: NC State hosting Herb Sendek’s PG Christian Hammond who averaged over 15ppg

The title probably should have read “NC State hosting Santa Clara PG Christian Hammond, who averaged over 15ppg,” but then we’d be burying the ironic lede.

NC State ran Herb out of town after 10 seasons, half of which ended in NCAA Tournament appearances. He didn’t do everything right during his tenure in Raleigh, but there was one thing he almost always got right. Point guard.

In fact, Justin Gainey was Sendek’s first PG when he arrived in Raleigh from Miami (OH). Next came Anthony Grundy, who averaged 14ppg. Then Archie Miller, who led them to Sendek’s first NCAA Tournament in Raleigh. Next were Julius Hodge (16ppg) and Engin Atsur (10ppg), who both went to the tournament in each of their 4 years.

This year at Santa Clara, Herb had another good one.

6’4 sophomore, Christian Hammond.

Hammond emerged as the Broncos’ clear leader last season,  averaging 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He shot an efficient 48.4% from the field, 39.3% from three, and 78.7% from the free-throw line, leading the team in scoring (fifth in the WCC) with 27 double-figure games and 10 outings of 20+ points, including a career-high 27 against Nevada.

Hammond earned First Team All-WCC and helped Santa Clara reach the WCC Tournament final (where he scored 24 vs. Gonzaga) before a first-round NCAA loss to Kentucky. He finished with 532 points (24th-most in program history) in only 2 seasons.

He entered the transfer portal on Tuesday, and NC State jumped on a Zoom call with him. Apparently, that call went well, and now he’ll be heading to Raleigh this weekend for a visit.

Santa Clara transfer Christian Hammond tells me that he plans to visit NC State.

Also receiving interest from Missouri.

Averaged 15.6 PPG.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 9, 2026

He’ll have 2 years of eligibility left.