NC State lands surprising commitment from 6’8 F Eemeli Yalaho from WSU

Not sure anyone had 6’8 F Eemeli Yalaho on their NC State ‘portal watch list’ but Gainey and company just landed a commitment from him.

NEWS: Washington State transfer forward Eemeli Yalaho has committed to NC State, his agent Teddy Archer told @On3.

The 6-8 junior averaged 10.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this season. Began his career at Texas Tech.https://t.co/P2CLLLO2iq pic.twitter.com/OSHQTuIBVG

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 23, 2026

Yalaho is a Finnish player currently playing for the Washington State Cougars. He’s 6’8″, 235-pounds and moved to the United States for high school, where he starred at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, averaging 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as a senior.

After beginning his collegiate career at Texas Tech, Yalaho transferred to Washington State ahead of the 2025-26 season. As a junior, he has emerged as a key contributor, posting a solid 10.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field. His versatile skill set as a forward who is capable of scoring inside and stretching the floor makes him an intriguing pickup for Gainey and company.

This is an interesting get for the Wolfpack as Yalaho isn’t super athletic, nor does he play above the rim, but he is very physical, has a thick frame and shot 40% from 3 this past season. He also averaged 1.7 assists per game. Funny enough, Yalaho profiles a little bit like Darrion Williams with more height and little less offensive polish.

As with Williams, Yalaho is likely to slot into the 4 spot for NC State, maybe as a starter.