Two NC State Basketball Commits Make ESPN’s Top-100 Transfers List

ESPN just released its Top-100 Transfers list, and two Wolfpack players made the list.

First up at #57 is Christian Hammond, the 6-4 guard from Santa Clara.

Here is what ESPN had to say…

“Pre-commitment analysis: Hammond emerged as a breakout performer on a Santa Clara team that surprised and made the NCAA tournament. He averaged 15.6 points and shot better than 39% from 3, having some of his biggest games against the Broncos’ toughest opponents, including 24 points against Gonzaga and 25 against Saint Mary’s. First-team All-WCC.

Outlook with new team: Justin Gainey’s first portal addition since taking over in Raleigh was a good one. Hammond will combine in the backcourt with Hofstra transfer Preston Edmead; both are capable scorers and 3-point shooters who should work well alongside one another.”

Next up at #80 is Preston Edmead, the 6’1 PG from Hofstra.

Here is what ESPN had to say…

“Pre-commitment analysis: The other half of one of the most electric mid-major backcourts in the country, Edmead combined with Cruz Davis to lead the Pride to the NCAA tournament. The Long Island native was fantastic down the stretch, scoring 26 points in the CAA title game and 24 against Alabama in the NCAA tournament. He averaged 16.1 points and 4.4 assists.

Outlook with new team: Justin Gainey will rely on Edmead to run the show in the NC State alum’s first year at the helm. Like some of the other rising sophomore point guards featured in these rankings, it will be interesting to monitor how Edmead translates to a higher level, but he has the shooting and late-season production to make an impact.”

At the end of the article is the ‘next in line’ group, which has Kyle Evans in it. Evans is the 6’11 big man from UC Irvine who committed and signed with State over a week ago.

I honestly don’t know how Evans, the nation’s leading shot blocker, isn’t in the Top-100, nor is Eemeli Yalaho, the 6’8 Washington State commit, who has better counting stats and deep metrics than a good deal of that bottom-25.

Either way, these lists don’t mean much to us, but it’s worth noting nonetheless.