Will Wade’s NBA Factory 2.0? Which NC State Prospect Could Get Drafted Next
Inside Pack Sports Breakdown: Which NC State Players Could Be Drafted Next?
Hosts: Jake McSwain and James Henderson
Topic: A deep dive into NC State’s current basketball roster and predictions for which players might be selected in future NBA Drafts. With Will Wade now at the helm, can NC State replicate the NBA pipeline he built at LSU?
Will Wade’s NBA Development Resume
- At LSU, Wade coached and developed multiple NBA players:
- Tari Eason (Houston Rockets)
- Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets)
- Naz Reid (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Now at NC State, he’s aiming to create a similar pipeline using a mix of top high school talent and transfers.
Most Likely to Be Drafted: Darion Williams
- Veteran wing who transferred in from Texas Tech
- Likely would’ve been a second-round pick this year had he stayed in the draft
- Strong all-around skillset, leadership, and high-level production
- Could be a late first or early second-rounder if NC State wins and he plays a lead role
Highest NBA Upside: Matthew Able
- Former top-25 recruit with elite physical tools and upside
- Has the potential to develop into a lottery pick
- Compared to recent lottery selections like Carter Bryant due to similar frame and skill set
- Could be NC State’s highest-drafted player next year if he breaks out as a freshman
Breakout Candidate: Terrance Arceneaux
- Transfer from Houston with a defensive-first reputation
- Long, athletic wing who fits the 3-and-D NBA mold
- Needs to show more offensively but could rise quickly with increased usage
- Mentioned in the same breath as recent lottery picks like Cedric Howard due to defensive versatility
Other NBA-Caliber Prospects
Jerry Deng
- 6'10" with shooting ability
- Worked out with the Milwaukee Bucks this year
- Could fill a Jeff Green-type role if his minutes and efficiency increase
Paul McNeil Jr.
- Sophomore with a proven scoring pedigree
- Needs to improve defensively but has pro-level scoring instincts
- May follow a similar developmental arc as Able
Recruiting and Long-Term Vision
- Wade and assistant Andrew Slater are aggressively targeting elite recruits
- Focus is on top-10 to top-25 high school players
- Not interested in just being competitive—they're building a pro-producing program
- Wade’s LSU model included surrounding future pros with complementary veterans
- Expect a similar formula at NC State
Final Predictions from the Hosts
- Most likely draft pick: Darion Williams
- Most likely lottery pick: Matthew Able
- Top breakout candidates: Jerry Deng, Paul McNeil Jr., Terrance Arceneaux
Takeaway
Will Wade is building a foundation at NC State that could produce multiple NBA draft picks in the near future. While 2025 might only see one or two players selected, the long-term pipeline is being set up for sustained success and national recognition.