NC State Roster & Lineup Projection Update After Paul McNeil Jr. Return

After Paul McNeil Jr. announced he was returning to NC State, the Wolfpack now has nine players in place for the 2026-27 men’s basketball season.

The current roster breakdown:

2 returning players
6 transfers (Currently ranks 27th nationally)
1 prep commitment

The foundation continues to take shape under Justin Gainey — but there are still key additions needed.

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: Paul McNeil Jr. 
Backup: RJ Keeene

Power Forward

Starter: Emeli Yalaho
Backup: Zymicah Wilkins

Center

Starter: Kyle Evans
Backup: ?

Our Take

McNeil Jr.’s return fills a major hole in the starting lineup. Sliding him into the 3 spot gives NC State an elite perimeter threat and stabilizes the wing. Expect Boise State transfer RJ Keene to provide depth behind him.

Meanwhile, you have Preston Edmead and Christian Hammond at guard, two guys who can shoot it and score is a very good rate. Behind them is Darius Adams who is your rim-pressure artist. He’s going to be used to create, get to the basket, and make plays when shots aren’t falling. If he can improve his shooting and shot selection, he’ll have a chance of moving into a starting role, but early on I’d assume he’s going to be asked to keep it simple and stick to his strengths after a tough year at Maryland last season.

But while the perimeter picture is sharpening, the frontcourt still needs work.

NC State must add a backup for Evans at the 5, and realistically, more than one big. While Wilkins is expected to back up Yalaho, he’ll be entering his first season of college basketball, making experienced frontcourt depth a priority.

Speaking of Yalaho, he’s a great piece that sort of mimics what they were trying to do with Darrion Williams. EY is a guy who can stop out and knock down the 3 at a great clip and has a great motor and in-game IQ. However, NC State, to be complete, will need a backup here with length who can provide some extra rim protection. State’s biggest priority now will be size.

The backcourt could also use another piece. Kingston Whitty is a strong developmental addition, but Edmead would benefit from an experienced backup who can step in immediately if needed.

Transfer Portal Movement (Departures)

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

Nine players in.

But the final pieces, especially in the frontcourt, will determine just how high this roster can climb.