NC State’s ACC Nightmare: Will Top Recruits Turn the Wolfpack Around?

Posted By MGrass

Raleigh, NC – NC State Basketball’s Recruiting Battles, Struggles, and Future Outlook

NC State Basketball’s Recruiting Momentum

Despite some tough losses on the court, NC State basketball remains active in the recruiting scene. Head coach Kevin Keatts continues to build a promising 2025 class, with several key commitments and high-profile targets still on the board.

The Wolfpack recently landed Zymicah Wilkins, a four-star power forward from Christ School (NC). Standing 6’8” and 240 pounds, Wilkins brings size, physicality, and versatility to NC State’s frontcourt. Alongside Wilkins, three-star guard RJ Greer from Archbishop Alter (OH) adds depth to the backcourt. With these additions, NC State’s 2025 recruiting class currently ranks No. 49 nationally.

The One That Got Away: Joshua Lewis Commits to Iowa

One of NC State’s biggest targets, four-star forward Joshua Lewis, recently committed to Iowa, choosing the Hawkeyes over the Wolfpack, Auburn, Michigan State, and Marquette. The 6’7” wing was a priority recruit due to his blend of athleticism and perimeter shooting. Missing out on Lewis was a setback, but NC State remains in pursuit of other top talents to round out its class.

Top Remaining Targets

NC State remains in the running for several uncommitted recruits, including Kaden Magwood, a four-star combo guard who has the Wolfpack in his final three. Additionally, five-star shooting guard Darius Adams, ranked No. 16 nationally, recently visited NC State, sparking speculation that the Wolfpack could land a major commitment.

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On the Court: Can NC State Break Its Losing Streak?

Recruiting success is one thing, but NC State’s performance on the court has been a major concern. The Wolfpack has struggled in ACC play, most recently suffering a 68-58 loss to Clemson—their sixth consecutive conference defeat.

What’s Going Wrong?

Lack of Secondary Scoring – While D.J. Styles had a standout game against Clemson with six three-pointers and 24 points, no other player has consistently stepped up offensively.
Defensive Inconsistencies – NC State has struggled to string together crucial stops, often allowing teams to dictate the tempo.
Mental Toughness Issues – The Wolfpack has developed a pattern of losing momentum late in games, raising questions about leadership and accountability.

Kevin Keatts Under Pressure

Head coach Kevin Keatts has been vocal about the team’s struggles, emphasizing the need for consistency and effort. While Keatts’ recruiting success has kept faith in his long-term vision, fans and analysts are growing impatient as losses pile up.

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Looking Ahead: Future of NC State Basketball

Despite the challenges, NC State has opportunities to turn things around. The ACC tournament remains a goal, and a late-season surge could still put them in contention for postseason play.

What Needs to Happen?

✅ More balanced scoring – The Wolfpack needs multiple offensive threats stepping up to avoid over-reliance on a single player.
✅ Defensive adjustments – Tighter rotations and better perimeter defense will be crucial.
✅ Mental toughness – Finding a way to close out games rather than letting opponents seize momentum.

🔗 Related: ACC Basketball News

Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Stretch for the Wolfpack

NC State basketball is at a crossroads. While recruiting remains a bright spot, on-court struggles have raised concerns about the program’s direction.