{
  "id": 1387639,
  "title": "Former UNC center returning to ACC rival for fifth year",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/former-unc-center-returning-to-acc-rival-for-fifth-year",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T00:52:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-unc-center-returning-acc-005228512.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ven-Allen Lubin, a former UNC center, is returning to his ACC rival NC State for his fifth year of eligibility, according to a recent statement. Lubin, who stands at 6-9, averaged 13.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game during his senior season at UNC. Initially a Tar Heel, Lubin transferred to NC State after one season. An injunction against the NCAA allowed him to play for his former team. Despite a crushing 82-58 loss to NC State in February, the Wolfpack faltered after that, losing five of their next six games. Lubin, after the victory, mocked UNC's Caleb Wilson with a bedazzled belt. NC State will host UNC in a non-conference matchup this December, followed by a return game in the 2027 season.",
  "summary": "Ven-Allen Lubin transferred to NC State after the 2024-25 college basketball season. The former UNC center returns to Raleigh for one final dance.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former UNC center Ven-Allen Lubin joins NC State for fifth year.",
    "Lubin averaged 13.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game at UNC.",
    "NC State faces UNC in non-conference game December 2023."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ven-Allen Lubin's return to NC State bolsters the Wolfpack's lineup against a rival that could use his inside presence, especially after his strong showing against UNC last season.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}