NC State Basketball Guard Announces Return for Sophomore Year
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While the hire of Will Wade should help the NC State basketball program trend upward, the one thing that the Wolfpack will not have a lot of next season is continuity from last season.
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A majority of last year’s NC State roster will not be back in Raleigh. But Wade and his staff have at least one confirmed player who has worn the Wolfpack jersey.
On Saturday, NC State freshman guard Paul McNeil Jr. announced on social media that he's returning to Raleigh for his sophomore campaign, silencing any speculation about him entering the transfer portal.
#WolfPackNationLetsRidee🐺🐺 pic.twitter.com/WsH5xgTEQI
— P2⚡️ (@PaulMcneilJr) April 5, 2025
As a freshman, McNeil operated primarily as a reserve. Down the stretch, though, his role expanded a bit.
In 24 appearances, he posted averages of 4.2 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 8.6 minutes per game.
The 6-foot-5, 180-pound McNeil showed flashes of potential, including his best game of the season in NC State’s 85-73 victory over Wake Forest in late February. In that contest, he was inserted into the starting lineup and delivered career-high stats of 24 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
McNeil now becomes the fourth player to officially confirm his plans to be at NC State next season, joining transfer additions Alyn Breed and Quadir Copeland plus incoming freshman Zymicah Wilkins. Trey Parker is also expected to return, but he has not formally stated his plans yet.
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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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