Will Wade is getting set for his first season with NC State, and he’s already making waves. Since Wade was appointed in March, the Wolfpack added seven players via the transfer portal, including Darrion Williams.
Williams, a 6’8 forward, averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game last season for Texas Tech, as they reached the Elite Eight of the 2025 NCAA tournament. Analysts believe Williams’ commitment makes NC State a preseason top-25 team.
College Basketball Analyst Calls NC State “A Top 25 Team” After Darrion Williams Commitment
In a recent episode of “Field of 68,” analysts released their “way-too-early” preseason 2025-26 men’s basketball top 25 rankings, with NC State ranked number 25. One of the analysts explains his reason for having the Wolfpack at that slot.
“I have NC State as my number 25 team in the preseason top 25 with the addition of Darrion Williams; I think he’s going to be terrific,” host Rob Dauster said. “Again, another All-American deciding to come back to school and go play for Will Wade at NC State.”
NC State is trying to rebound from a 12-19 record, and Williams is one of the players tasked with leading the Wolfpack into the new era. He’s going to join three incoming freshmen and sophomore returner Paul McNeil.
“I’m really excited to add Darrion to our roster. He’s a nightmare matchup for opponents and he can take advantage of whatever a defense might throw at him. He’s got incredible strength for a wing player, but also is an extremely intelligent basketball player, Wad explained recently in a statement from NC State.
“He plays the game at a high level both offensively and defensively”. Wade continued. “You look at his career and you see where he has improved at his craft every year, so there is no questioning the work he’s willing to put in. We’re getting a hard-working veteran player who has played in numerous big games during his career.
“He will be a great addition to our locker room and a fantastic leader for his teammates,” he concluded.
KEEP READING: Will Wade Opens Up About Time Away From Coaching
Williams had offers from Kansas and Ohio State before committing to NC State. He went through the NBA Draft Combine before withdrawing his name to maintain his college eligibility.
With the addition of Williams to Michigan State’s Tre Holloman, McNeese State’s Quadir Copeland and Houston’s Terrance Arceneaux, NC State are expected to be one of the top teams in the ACC and also projected to make a deep run in next year’s NCAA tournament.
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