ACC Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2020-21 season
Just real bad luck for Kevin Keatts and NC State Basketball. After losing top recruit Jalen Lecque the year prior, the Wolfpack just recently saw top-50 wing commit Josh Hall elected to enter the NBA Draft and go pro. It’s a huge blow to the team for next year, as he was the ideal replacement for the outgoing CJ Bryce. They also are going to have to replace Markell Johnson, the two-time ACC leader in assists.
Incoming four-star point guards Shakeel Moore and Cam Hayes will be given the opportunity to be the new lead ball-handler alongside rising senior Braxton Beverly. Nebraska transfer guard Thomas Allen will be eligible and they’re a finalist for DePaul grad transfer guard Jalen Coleman-Lands.
Forward Derek Funderburk is still in the NBA Draft process but he likely will come back, joining fellow frontcourt players Jericole Hellems and center Manny Bates. and a trio of freshman forwards. If Devon Daniels can have a big senior season (12.7 ppg) then the Wolfpack should still have enough overall depth to be in the NCAA Tournament conversation. Point guard will be the biggest question for NC State to answer and could be their downfall if not answered.