NC State’s 2026-27 Roster and Projected Starting Lineup After Darius Adams Commitment

After the commitment of Maryland transfer guard Darius Adams, NC State now has eight players in place for the 2026-27 men’s basketball season.

The current roster breakdown:

• 1 returning player
• 6 transfers (Currently ranks 26th nationally)
• 1 prep commitment

The foundation is clearly forming under Justin Gainey, but there are still key pieces to be added.

Current 2026-27 Roster

Projected Starting Lineup (As It Stands Today)

Point Guard

Starter: Preston Edmead
Backup: Kingston Whitty

Shooting Guard

Starter: Christian Hammond
Backup: Darius Adams

Small Forward

Starter: ?
Backup: RJ Keeene

Power Forward

Starter: Emeli Yalaho
Backup: Zymicah Wilkins

Center

Starter: Kyle Evans
Backup: ?

Call me crazy, but I’m still leaving the starting Small Forward open for a possible Paul McNeil Jr. return. Even if he doesn’t, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the staff go find a starter at the 3.

Obviously, NC State needs another Center, and they are hosting one today. While we are talking about the need for adding height, Musa Sagnia hasn’t landed anywhere in the Portal as of yet.

Transfer Portal Movement (Departures)

As a reminder, here are the players from last year’s roster who entered the portal, with several already landing at new programs: