News Summary
NC State University has made significant strides in its sports programs, highlighted by the hiring of Will Wade as the new basketball head coach. With a strong focus on recruitment, especially in South Carolina, Wade aims to enhance the Wolfpack’s basketball profile. Additionally, the university’s football and cross country teams are gearing up for upcoming events, showcasing notable talent and recent successes. The athletic department is preparing for roster changes as the spring transfer portal approaches.
Raleigh, NC – NC State University announced significant developments in its sports programs, highlighted by the hiring of Will Wade as the new head coach for the basketball team and ongoing preparations for upcoming competitions in various sports. Wade’s appointment marks a transformative moment for the Wolfpack, particularly in strengthening recruitment efforts in South Carolina.
Wade previously served as head coach at LSU, where he successfully secured the commitment of promising player Julian Phillips from Blythewood, S.C. His established relationship with Curtis Wheeler, the coach of Upward Stars, is set to enhance NC State’s recruiting of top South Carolina prep players. Wade’s emphasis on player development and recruitment is expected to elevate NC State’s basketball profile moving forward.
In addition to the coaching change, Dallas Dickerson, a junior wide receiver from North Oconee High in Bogart, Ga., is emerging as a notable prospect in the recruiting scene. The football program also welcomes center Paul Mbiya, whose impressive highlight reel has garnered attention. Coaches are urging Mbiya to concentrate on developing a comprehensive skill set beyond just highlight-worthy plays.
Looking ahead, NC State’s cross country teams are preparing for the NCAA Southeast Regional on November 15, 2024, at Winthrop Farm Cross Country Course in Rock Hill, S.C. The women’s race, covering a distance of 6k, will kick off at 10:30 am, followed by the men’s race at 11:30 am. The cross country teams have recently seen successes, with Grace Hartman winning the individual championship at the ACC Championships for the sixth consecutive year, while Hannah Gapes secured third place, earning All-ACC honors. The women’s team finished fifth, scoring 160 points, while the men’s team placed seventh with a score of 210.
On the basketball front, NC Central University is gearing up for a series of matches in Rock Hill, S.C. from November 15-17, 2024, where they will face off against teams including Georgia Southern and William & Mary. With a roster featuring eight returners and eight newcomers, the team is undergoing considerable transformation from the previous season. The roster includes players with experience from institutions like the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore and Southeast Missouri State University, indicating a blend of veteran know-how and fresh talent.
NC Central has made strides in its performance metrics, notably improving their free throw percentage, currently ranking 29th nationally early in the season. The team also excelled defensively last season, boasting a remarkable second-place national ranking in three-point percentage defense, limiting opponents to just 28.1% shooting.
In football news, NC State running back Kendrick Raphael has announced his decision to enter the spring transfer portal after two seasons with the team. Raphael accumulated 871 total yards, including 734 rushing yards and four touchdowns, proving to be a valuable player with an average of 5.1 yards per carry. His departure is a significant loss, as he was expected to play a crucial role in the team’s upcoming season.
The spring transfer portal opens on April 25, 2025, raising expectations for ongoing roster management challenges due to the evolving transfer regulations across college sports. NC State’s football season is set to commence on August 28, 2025, against East Carolina at Carter-Finley Stadium. As athletes transition and new talents arrive, NC State aims to maintain its competitive edge across all sports programs.
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Additional Resources
- NC State Wolfpack Cross Country News
- Wikipedia: NCAA Intercollegiate Athletics
- NC Central Men’s Basketball News
- Google Search: NC Central University Basketball
- Herald Online Sports News
- Google Scholar: NC State Athletics
- Technician Online: NC State Athletics Week in Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA Cross Country
- Racers Men’s Cross Country News
- Google News: NC State Football
