Executive Summary
- NC State's basketball team is projected at No. 25 in On3's way-too-early rankings and No. 45 in Rothstein's ROTHSTEIN 45.
- Will Wade's first NC State roster consists of freshmen, transfers, and one returning scholarship player.
- Analyst Jamie Shaw's ranking potentially relies on NC State acquiring Memphis transfer PJ Haggerty.
Event Overview
Following the appointment of Will Wade as head coach, the NC State basketball team is generating buzz and appearing in way-too-early Top 25 rankings for the 2025-26 season. Jamie Shaw of On3 projects NC State at No. 25, while Jon Rothstein places them at No. 45 in his ROTHSTEIN 45. This newfound attention is fueled by a roster overhaul featuring a mix of incoming freshmen, transfers, and a returning player.
Media Coverage Comparison
| Source | Key Angle / Focus | Unique Details Mentioned | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC State Wolfpack On SI (Projected Starters) | Projected starting lineup for NC State under Will Wade. | Projects starters Tre Holloman, Terrance Arceneaux, Quadir Copeland, Jerry Deng, and Zymicah Wilkins. Forecasted bench includes Alyn Breed, Matt Able, Paul McNeil, Colt Langdon, and Paul Mbiya. | Informative and predictive |
| NC State Wolfpack On SI (Top 25) | NC State's surprising appearance in On3's projected Top 25. | NC State ranks No. 25 in On3's rankings and hasn't started a season in the AP Top 25 since 2012-13. | Surprised and analytical |
| Spartans Wire | Michigan State's exclusion from On3's way-too-early rankings. | Highlights that Michigan State was left off the list while NC State was included at No. 25. | Critical and comparative |
| Pack Insider | NC State's inclusion in On3's Top 25 and potential link to PJ Haggerty. | Suggests Jamie Shaw's ranking hinges on NC State acquiring Memphis transfer PJ Haggerty. | Speculative and optimistic |
Key Details & Data Points
- What: NC State's basketball team is appearing in way-too-early Top 25 rankings after the arrival of new coach Will Wade.
- Who: Key individuals include Will Wade (head coach), Jamie Shaw (On3 analyst), Jon Rothstein, and potential players like PJ Haggerty.
- When: Rankings and projections are for the 2025-26 college basketball season, with updates released in early May 2025.
- Where: NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina. National college basketball landscape.
Key Statistics:
- Key statistic 1: No. 25 (On3's ranking of NC State)
- Key statistic 2: No. 45 (Rothstein's ranking of NC State)
- Key statistic 3: No. 36 (Transfer haul ranking in the country)
Analysis & Context
NC State's inclusion in these early rankings indicates a significant shift in expectations for the program under Will Wade. The projections, however, vary widely, suggesting uncertainty around the team's final roster and performance. The potential addition of PJ Haggerty appears to be a key factor influencing at least one analyst's projection. The last time NC State began a season ranked in the AP Top 25 was in 2012, highlighting the potential significance of these early projections.
Conclusion
NC State's basketball team is garnering attention in preseason rankings following the hiring of Will Wade, signaling a potential resurgence for the program. While projections vary, the influx of new talent and coaching changes have raised expectations. The team's actual performance will depend on player integration and whether key transfers like PJ Haggerty commit to the program.
Disclaimer: This article was generated by an AI system that synthesizes information from multiple news sources. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and objectivity, reporting nuances, potential biases, or errors from original sources may be reflected. The information presented here is for informational purposes and should be verified with primary sources, especially for critical decisions.
