Promising NC State Basketball Transfer Target Now Trending Elsewhere
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By landing a pledge from Congolese center Paul Mbiya on Friday, the NC State basketball program may have fallen out of contention for another of its offseason targets in former Louisville big man James Scott. The 6-foot-11, 220-pound native of Fayetteville, N.C., is now on an official visit with the Auburn Tigers, the newly presumed favorite in the eyes of a few national college basketball insiders.
ALSO READ: Prime NC State Target PJ Haggerty Secures Combine Invite
Scott, who spent a season at College of Charleston before becoming a full-time starter for the Cardinals last season, entered the transfer portal just ahead of the deadline almost two weeks ago. First-year NC State basketball head coach Will Wade and his crew were among the productive post presence's first suitors in his latest recruitment as a transfer.
🪐 Transfer Portal Prediction 🪐
— ➠ Transfer & Recruiting News (@Joe_Knows_News) May 2, 2025
James Scott > Auburn
The 6'11 220 lb sophomore forward for Louisville averaged 7.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, and 0.9 BPG this season, shooting 75.5% FG. Led the team with 30 blocks and 79 dunks. Started at CofC with Pat Kelsey.
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As a sophomore last season, Scott averaged 7.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 23.6 minutes per game, shooting 75.5 percent from the field for a Louisville squad that finished 27-8 overall and No. 2 in the ACC standings.
He arrived at College of Charleston in 2023 as a three-star prep ranking No. 38 among centers in the class, per 247Sports. Now, Scott checks in as a four-star portal prospect ranking No. 109 overall and No. 12 at his position.
Meanwhile, although the Wolfpack now looks like a longshot to add James Scott to its deep cast of newcomers, the coaches in Raleigh are the perceived frontrunner for the No. 1 point guard in the portal in former Memphis standout PJ Haggerty. And they're still pursuing a few more talents.
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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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