In 2012 NC State signed arguably its best class in over twenty years, but just two years later the Wolfpack roster shows no sign of the class featuring Tyler Lewis, Rodney Purvis and TJ Warren. ACC player of the year TJ Warren’s decision to leave was a no brainer as he will be a first round draft pick and possibly rise into the lottery. However with two of the three players voluntarily leaving the program for another team is there cause for concern in Raleigh? In my opinion transfers are just part of the game and the days of waiting your turn are over. Cat Barber is a very good player and most college players make the most growth between freshmen and sophomore seasons. Tyler Lewis is a good basketball player however late in the game versus Saint Louis he looked more like Stillman White than Archie Miller.
North Carolina adds three talented freshmen to the mix next season however with the graduation of Leslie McDonald the question remains who will be the other outside threat besides Marcus Paige? Theo Pinson has a reputation for being a good defender who needs to improve his range. Justin Jackson has displayed some three point potential, but most of his damage is dome in the mid range area. Joel Berry has the best offensive package and it will be interesting to watch how quickly he learns the system at UNC. As smart as Marcus Paige is it took him most of his freshman season to become comfortable in the offense.
This is going to make UNC fans upset however even if Jabari Parker leaves the Blue Devils may be in better shape next season with Tyus Jones at point guard and center Jahlil Okafor. Every team that Coach K has made a deep run in the NCAA tournament begins and ends with a big man. Laetner, Boozer, and even Brian Zoubek gave the Blue Devils a much needed inside presence. Okafor is the real deal and will have an immediate impact in the ACC.
Wake Forest after four dismal seasons is looking to make a splash in the coaching world this spring. Wake Forest is one of the better jobs in the ACC with established tradition. The issue is the road back to respectability will take time and will any bigger name proven coach want to deal with the lumps that will come in the next two years?
