In a span of six months, the perception of the NC State basketball program has undergone a 180-degree shift. That can happen when another four-star player commits like Jericole Hellems.
The hiring of Kevin Keatts has proven so far to be a great one. Not only has he brought in talented transfers in CJ Bryce and Devon Daniels for next season, but three players right around the top 100 will be coming to 2018.
We at Busting Brackets have already covered the commitments of Immanuel Bates and Ian Steere, and the future Wolf Pack frontcourt will make waves in the ACC. They still have scholarships yet to give and just had one accepted with Jericole Hellems.
The four-star small forward from St. Louis, Missouri was one of the biggest surprises in the summer AAU circuit. Originally, he was barely on the radar, only getting interest from the likes of Tulsa and Georgia Southern. 247 Sports had him ranked No. 389.
But after joining the Peach Jam circuit, his talents were on full display. Whether it was his improvement from the perimeter, to just his overall play on defense, heads were turned and interest from power five programs were coming around. NC State and Arkansas were the two teams who had an official visit with Hellems, ultimately choosing the Wolf Pack.
Next: NCAA message with Braxton Beverly decision
Now, at No. 115, the 6’6, 190-pound 2018 commit will now have a senior season at Chaminade High School to crack the top 100. The wing will likely backup Torin Dorn, who will be a senior at that time. Hellems is a rising player who still has a ton of development to go through. But if his summer is any indication, then NC State might have a rising star for the future.