Five observations from NC State men’s basketball’s open practice, including standout performances, Paul McNeil’s expanded contributions, and the Wolfpack’s depth.
1. Kingston Whitty was one of the standouts
Whitty left one of the strongest impressions of the session with his shooting, speed, and defensive activity. He knocked down multiple 3-pointers, showed an ability to work through screens, and came up with a steal. He also made two late free throws during the ‘late-game situation’ drills. His athleticism was noticeable, but his contributions on both ends of the floor made him stand out throughout practice.
2. Preston Edmead and Shah Hall bring impressive athleticism
Edmead showed a good handle and shooting ability, pairing his smaller frame with quickness and shiftiness. He stole the ball from Eemeli Yalaho and went coast to coast for a basket, and his ability to reach the rim showed his leaping ability. My only concern for Edmead is his size disadvantage on defense.
Hall’s athleticism was even more striking around the basket. He had a nice-looking block during drills and was with the 1s, subbing in for Evans at times. With his frame and skill set, he has potential to have a solid role off the bench for Coach Gainey’s first team.
3. Paul McNeil showed more than his shooting
McNeil appeared to have added muscle, but the most encouraging part of his practice was his involvement beyond shooting. He moved around more, attacked the baseline for a layup, and made a good pass to Ven-Allen Lubin.
His passing stood out repeatedly, while a corner shot-block and hustle to the ball after Hall's block showed his defensive activity. Yalaho did score against him with a post spin move, but McNeil’s overall contributions were encouraging. My only concern is that he didn’t have a great practice from beyond the arc, making only one three, from what I could tell.
4. The defensive intensity was promising, though fouling needs work
NC State consistently contested 3-pointers and disrupted passing lanes. Coaches emphasized switching on screens at the top of the key, where Whitty showed an ability to get through screens. Darius Adams also flashed defensive potential, while Jurkovic tipped a pass from Adams intended for McNeil.
The team played with a scrappy approach, though avoiding fouls remains an area to improve. Much of the session centered on fundamentals, including transition defense, inbound plays, and late-game situations.
5. The depth stood out, even with uneven shooting
The practice suggested enough depth for a nine- or 10-man rotation. Lubin made a midrange jumper and two late free throws, though he missed both of his 3-point attempts.
Yalaho showed a good post spin move and made a corner 3-pointer, while RJ Keene finished a layup and displayed his passing during full-court drills. Brim and Jurkovic also connected from beyond the arc once or twice.
Christian Hammond appeared to have an off shooting day, missing a 3-pointer and two free throws, though he finished a left-handed layup. And he plays with a steady hand. He’ll still be a key contributor.
Evans had a quieter practice in terms of standing out, but several other players provided encouraging moments across the different lineup combinations.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there is a lot to like about this team. It has the right kind of depth you’d be looking for in a team that can make a run. As Coach Gainey told the crowd after practice, “We still have a few things to work on.” This team has a lot of potential and could have a great first season in the Gainey era if all goes well.
