6’9 Zymicah ‘Mikey’ Wilkins expected back to NC State, giving the Pack more front court depth + upside

With the portal now closed and Zymicah Wilkins’ name not in it, the 6’9 redshirt freshman will be back with the Wolfpack next season.

Originally, Wilkins signed with Kevin Keatts and was one of the most highly touted recruits he brought in during his tenure. ESPN ranked Wilkins as the #56 overall player nationally in the 2025 recruiting class, the #7 power forward, and the #2 player in North Carolina.

Wilkins led Christ School (26-2) to their three consecutive NCISAA 4A state titles and averaged 15.6 points and 8 rebounds per game as a senior.Wilkins was named Mr. Basketball in North Carolina that year.

Before got on campus, however, Keatts was fired and Wade was brought in.

6’8” 4⭐️ Zymicah Wilkins is ALL IN with Will Wade & NC State 🚨🤩

The top-60 senior is still rocking with NC State despite the recent coaching change 🔥🔥🔥@zymicah_wilkins @slam_university @PackMensBball pic.twitter.com/8BVPehIisV

— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) March 26, 2025

That didn’t change Wilkins mind. He stuck it out, deciding to redshirt, change his body and compete for minute the following year.

But once again an offseason coaching change has complicated things.

There was some early rumors that Mikey would head to the portal, but after Gainey was hired, he was one of the only players to show up at introductory press conference. And now that the portal is closed, we are being told that Wilkins will be back next season.

This is actually great news for NC State. Remember, in a world where front court talent is costing over $2M in most cases, Gainey is holding onto a very skilled 6’9 forward who, only a year ago. was a consensus 4-star prospect and the jewel of Keatts final recruiting class.