NC State Basketball Mid-Season Report

NC State Wolfpack Basketball Midseason Report

RALEIGH, N.C. – After an up-and-down start to the season, the NC State men’s basketball program has emerged as one of the more intriguing teams in the ACC this year.

Under new head coach Will Wade, the Wolfpack have shown marked improvement and consistency in league play, with a current strong record in conference competition and several signature wins. State’s balanced attack and defensive intensity have helped the Pack compete in one of college basketball’s toughest leagues.

One of the season’s biggest highlights came in a dominant rivalry win over No. 16 North Carolina, 82-58, where Quadir Copeland led the charge with 20 points, six rebounds, seven assists and four steals — part of a strong all-around showing that helped snap a long drought at the expense of their in-state rivals and boost their NCAA Tournament profile.

Earlier in the ACC slate, NC State equaled its best start in conference play in 20 years with a solid victory over Syracuse, improving the Pack’s league standing at a stretch of the season.

Consistent production from guards like Paul McNeil Jr. — who has been lethal from long range — and contributors such as Darrion Williams and Quadir Copeland have given State multiple scoring threats, while strong defensive metrics (including high steal rates and positive turnover margins) have kept the Wolfpack competitive against top competition.

Next up for the Wolfpack is arguably it's toughest road test of the season when they travel to 14th ranked Virginia.