North Carolina State Basketball 2026-27 Preview

The North Carolina State Wolfpack basketball team, under new head coach Justin Gainey, is set to embark on a new season during the 2026-27 campaign. Gainey, who previously served as an assistant coach at Texas, took over the reins following Will Wade's departure following an upset in the First Four game of the NCAA Tournament. Gainey, known for his defensive expertise, has emphasized toughness, defense, rebounding, and ball security while building the Wolfpack roster.

The team boasts 11 returning players, including consensus No. 53 recruit Paul McNeil Jr. and Ven-Allen Lubin, both of whom were the team's top offensive players last season. McNeil, who led the team in three-point shooting with 105 (3.1 per game) and 42.7% from the 3-point line, is projected to be the offensive engine. Lubin, an elite finisher at the rim and physical offensive rebounder, will be counted on to control the paint.

Additionally, the Wolfpack secured the return of Zymichal Wilkins, a no. 78-ranked high school recruit who redshirted. Wilkins is expected to be a rotational player due to his high motor and physicality. The team's nine-man transfer portal was ranked 11th in the nation, featuring several high-leverage players, including Christian Hammond, Preston Edmead, Darius Adams, Eemeli Yalaho, and Kyle Evans.

Hammond, a three-level scorer who can create his own shot, will likely start in the backcourt alongside McNeil. Edmead, a CAA Tournament MVP, averages 16.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. Evans, an NCAA-best 3.3 blocks per game, will anchor the defense with his shot-blocking and defensive rebounding abilities.