North Carolina State Wolfpack
The Wolfpack has experienced a strong tenure under 4th-year head coach Kevin Keatts, with 3-consecutive 20-win seasons, but has struggled to get the job done in conference play. Last year’s squad featured a talented frontcourt duo in DJ Funderburk and Manny Bates, who will look to improve on their 2019 production.
However, the team may be on the verge of thinning frontcourt options with the former entering the final year of his eligibility and potential for a breakout from Jericole Hellems leaving Bates as the sole big on the roster.
Aidoo has the ability to fill a lot of holes on the Wolfpack’s roster heading into 2021. He’s a more dynamic offensive weapon for Keatts to utilize, with longer range than Funderburk, and his mobility makes him an ideal benefactor of incoming guards Cam Hayes and Shakeel Moore.
Aidoo’s ability to track shots at a high rate also makes him a prime candidate to a much more prominent interior defender than Funderburk demonstrated on the floor last season. Paired with Manny Bates, the Wolfpack could have one of the better frontcourt duos in the nation.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Heading into his 9th year coaching the Gamecock program, Frank Martin has consistently relied upon a productive big man to buoy and balance his team’s output. Maik Kostar and Chris Silva were big offensive weapons for South Carolina to rely on over the last 3-4 seasons. Silva featured a similar skillset to Aidoo, but wasn’t able to develop a consistent perimeter shot until his final season with the program.
Aidoo on the other hand is already a strong outside shooting threat and has a nearly open door towards early playing time. His versatility on the offensive end could quickly lead to a very productive career and presence with the South Carolina program.
Particularly the Gamecocks were a very susceptible team to opposing blocks last season and fouled at a high rate, both of which are areas Aidoo can significantly help the program. Coach Martin doesn’t have strong options at this time to continue filling the ‘productive center’ role on his roster unless Aidoo decided to join the team in 2021.