PORTAL UPDATE: Here is how we believe NC State will fill our their final roster spots

If you’re looking for info on the current roster and how those pieces fit, make sure you tune into our latest podcast where we give our take on all of that.

For now, though, I want to focus on what we believe NC State will be targeting for their last 3/4 spots and where they’ll find those targets.

POINT GUARD:  Everyone knows Preston Edmead will be slotting in here, but after that, what does it look like? I think there’s a notion that NC State needs a true backup PG, but I don’t think so at all. I think this is where Darius Adams slots in. I know people want to look at Adams’ efficiency numbers as a reason it won’t work, but not me. I think Adams is a great change-of-pace option at the point and someone who gives you a different dimension. I’m of the belief that he’s going to be a version of Quadir Copeland. Not as efficient of a passer or scorer, but probably less ball-dominant with the same size, athleticism, and slipperiness that we saw from Q. If Adams doesn’t work out, you still have Christian Hammond who can move over from the 2. He played on the ball a good amount last season, but watching his tape, I think you lose more than you gain having Hammond at point. But the real wild card here is Kingston Whitty, the true freshman whom Gainey seemed to target quickly after his hire. This could be your 3rd option instead of Hammond (if he’s ready).
Status: Finished

SHOOTING GUARD: Christian Hammond, Darius Adams, RJ Keene and Paul McNeil are all options at the 2. Edmead can give you SG minutes as well.
Status: Finished

SMALL FORWARD: Paul McNeil Jr., RJ Keene. Both of these guys are going to warrant major minutes. McNeil will likely be locked in here, with Keense spelling him and
Status: Finished

POWER FORWARD: Eemeli Yalaho is locked in here for now, and I’m not sure if you want to put Mikey Wilkins as the backup here or at center. I guess that will depend on what his game looks like after last year’s big body transformation. Yalaho gives you an interesting option. He’s a floor spacer (40% 3pt shooter), he’s pretty well built, physical, and has a good motor. However, he’s not all that athletic. Neither is Wilkins, so I think you’ll see NC State shoot their shot on bringing in a more athletic guy at the 4. Note, they just brought in Ogi Vasilijevic, and from what I’m hearing, I wouldn’t be surprised if this position is filled by someone overseas.
Status: Still Building

CENTER:  Kyle Evans, the nation’s leading shot blocker, is going to slot in here, but in a perfect world you’d have a 7-footer to back him up (or you could go get a beefy/enforcer type at worst). There are a few guys that the staff is targeting, but we’ll hold those names for now, as recruiting is getting tricky at this point. Look for them to target a 7-footer, but I wouldn’t expect much offense at the pricepoint they’ll need to be at.
Status: Still Building

The Other Spots? NC State has a list of low-budget flyer options. Look for them to target some unproven size and potentially an undersized chaos creator. There are a few interesting targets out there, and soon we’ll be able to start sharing names and videos of those guys.