Transfer Guard Jarkel Joiner: "This Right Here Is A Whole Different Level"

In this feature, NC State transfer guard Jarkel Joiner‍ discusses his decision to pick the Wolfpack, the Pack of Wolves Collective, the upcoming season, what he will adds to the roster, and much more!   

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On the major factors in his decision to transfer to NC State…
A coaching staff that believed in me. That’s the main part. They watched my film, they loved my game. Just somebody that believes in me and I’ll play as hard as I can for them. Coach [Kevin] Keatts and the coaching staff really believe in me, and that was the main factor.

On committing to NC State during his first visit…
I didn’t need to see a lot of facilities because it wasn’t about that. I know a lot of guys coming out of high school probably want to go see facilities and a lot of campuses, but I didn’t need to do that. I just felt like God put something in my spirit and I went with it.

On the coaching staff’s reaction when he committed…
It seemed like they were happy and excited. That was their reaction; they were ready to get to work.

On choosing the Pack of Wolves Collective for his NIL…
Mr. Haze [Lancaster] and the other people surrounding it, they are amazing. They handle business great; they’re businessmen, but they’re also just great people. Me and my dad talked to them on a Zoom call and we just got great vibes from them. It was a really easy decision.

 On his initial thoughts on NIL…
It’s a great opportunity, it’s a blessing. But I didn’t really even think about it, about trying to make money in college. I was looking at the bigger picture, I just wanted a chance to play college basketball.

On the impact of NIL on college athletics going forward…
It’s a big thing right here. NIL is new to everybody around the world right now, but it’s a big thing here, I can tell.

On if building NIL connections in his one year at NC State will be a priority…
Most definitely. I want to get my personality out there in the community, let them know who I am, the type of guy I am. That’s most definitely a priority.

On if he feels he’s bringing leadership to the team…
Yes sir, most definitely. I feel like being an older guy I have a lot of experience on and off the court I can bring to the younger guys at NC State. I really thrive on working hard and staying in the gym because that’s really all I know. I get it from my family, especially my dad who’s my role model. I really thrive on work ethic.

On how tough it was to leave Ole Miss…
It was really tough. I love coach [Kermit] Davis and the coaching staff, they’re great people and great guys. But God guided me in a different direction.

On the role Levi Watkins played in his transfer recruitment…
Levi Watkins, man, that’s my guy. I love him to death. He played a big role, he showed me around the city when I got here, we ate at a lot of great places and just talked about the history [of NC State basketball]. I want to try to get back to what that history is about.

On his favorite spots in Raleigh…
I haven’t found a spot yet, I’ve been trying to settle in and stuff until I really get out there and explore and get back to those places coach Levi was taking me. I’ll find those places again. I’ll really eat anything, I’m not picky.

On the transition to having a primary role in Keatts’ offense…
We watched film on my visit about how they play and I love their play style, they play fast. I like guys that like to push it in transition, and coach Keatts loves to push it in transition. It’s gonna be real easy, we’ve just got to bond together and play as a team.

On if his passing this year will surprise people…
Most definitely. I feel like taking the next step, taking my game to another level, my assists have to be higher. Before I got hurt last year, my assist to turnover ratio was three-to-one. They’re gonna see that in my game, that I’m a willing and unselfish passer.

On being a two-way player…
It’s just about being competitive. If you want to stop somebody, you’ve got to stop somebody; that’s on you. All about how bad you want it, how bad you want to win. I love to win, I’m a competitive dude. I fight on both ends of the court.

On the challenge of coming to NC State in a pivotal year for the program…
I put my faith in God and pray a lot, and my spirit is here. I feel like I can take on the challenge. With God in front of me, anything is possible.

On his health status after an injury last season…
I’m 100%, I’m good. Everything is fine.

On how quickly he hit the gym when he got to Raleigh…
The following day. I couldn’t work out the first day because I had to get cleared, but I got in the gym and worked out and shot. I lifted weights that day, I got cleared to lift weights that day.

On what he thinks he can work on…
My decision making. Coming off the pick-and-roll, really knowing my options and scanning the whole floor, not just zoning in on one option. Just look at the whole floor, being more of a point guard.

On how excited he is for the atmosphere during games…
I love the passion, that’s basketball country. That’s how y’all take the [NC State-UNC] rivalry. I’ve never been a part of that, how serious that is. This right here is a whole different level. I love the passion, it’s gonna be fun.

On if the pitch of an older, veteran team was one NC State made…
Coach Keatts did mention he wanted to be older, he wanted to have more experience and he did, he followed up with all the recruits; DJ Burns, Jack Clark, who’s gonna be my roommate. So yeah, there’s a lot of experience coming in.

On NC State’s transfer additions…
Oh man, I love them. DJ Burns is a great talent, man. He only played like 20 minutes and he was getting 15 points. That’s crazy. I’ve seen him play before, I knew he was good. And Jack Clark’s a talent, a great talent. I’m excited to play with them.

On his goals after basketball…
Probably train and coach. I always want to help the younger generation with recruitment and stuff like that. Just giving some tips and stuff like that, so probably coaching. Most definitely coaching.

On being away from home…
Of course I miss home, but if I have pro aspirations and want to go pro, there’s not a pro basketball team in Oxford, Mississippi, so I knew I’d have to get away from home. It doesn’t bother me. Of course I get homesick like everybody else, but I learn how to deal with it. Go get in the gym.

On what he’s looking forward to about the season…
Everything, man. I’ve already met the guys, but building a team bond with those guys, they’re really good guys. Just winning, I want to win.

On his hobbies off the court…
I play 2K, I play Madden. I love to watch movies, sometimes I go to the movies by myself and just go watch a movie, any type of movie.