National Expert Ranks NC State Basketball Above Rival UNC
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First-year NC State basketball head coach Will Wade added a centerpiece talent via the portal last week by reeling in former Texas Tech star forward Darrion Williams, marking the Wolfpack's seventh transfer prize to go along with four incoming freshmen from the recruiting trail.
ALSO READ: Five-Star NC State Transfer Target Commits to Big 12 School
"I think they're a top 25 preseason team after this addition," The Field of 68's Rob Dauster said on Tuesday morning about the Williams-related bump in NC State basketball stock.
Sure enough, Dauster backed up his praise for the Wolfpack by placing the 2025-26 NC State basketball squad in his top 25 just a few hours later, albeit as the last team in at No. 25.
🚨 @RobDauster’s latest Preseason Top 25 🚨
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) May 27, 2025
Who should be No. 1 overall? 👀
WATCH:https://t.co/mV8BgpZftI pic.twitter.com/xjntja2OJj
Meanwhile, it's worth noting that NC State's Tobacco Road rival, UNC, is absent from Dauster's top 25 entirely. And he's not alone in questioning the Tar Heels' roster strength for next season, as fifth-year head coach Hubert Davis lost most of his best players from last season and hasn't landed a transfer ranked higher than No. 36 this offseason.
In Dauster's eyes, the Wolfpack stacks up third in the ACC. He ranks Louisville at No. 5 and Duke at No. 8.
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Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of NC State Wolfpack on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining NC State Wolfpack on SI in 2024, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.
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