NC State Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Wolfpack

RALEIGH, NC - FEBRUARY 01: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image was created as an Equirectangular Panorama. Import image into a panoramic player to create an interactive 360 degree view.) A general view prior to the game between the Syracuse Orange and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena on February 1, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Syracuse won 100-93 in OT. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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Virginia Cavaliers guard Casey Morsell Michael Thomas Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Key reserves

Guard – Casey Morsell, Junior

Casey Morsell makes a jump from Virginia to the NC State basketball lineup after spending two seasons in Charlottesville. He averaged 4.4 ppg and 1.3 rpg across 23 contests for the Cavaliers in 2020-21. He’ll add some experience and depth in the Wolfpack’s backcourt as a defender with scoring potential as one of the first guards off the bench.

Forward – Greg Gantt, Junior

Greg Gantt is another import from the transfer portal out of Providence that should see a lot of minutes off the bench at the 3/4 spot. He played the past two seasons with the Friars where he posted 4.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, and 1.7 apg off the bench in 21.4 minutes per game primarily off the bench. He’s a 6-foot-8 prospect that should improve the Wolfpack’s frontcourt depth off the bench.

Forward – Ernest Ross, Freshman

Ernest Ross is set to boost the NC State basketball frontcourt with his length, mobility, and athleticism. He’s one of the highest-rated recruits to join the team since Dennis Smith Jr. (2016) became a face of the Wolfpack program alongside Markell Johnson and Markell Johnson. The 6-foot-9 big man should see time off the bench at the 4/5 spot behind Hellems and Bates. They’re also two prospects that will be good to learn from given their growth in the program.

Point Guard – Breon Pass, Freshman

Breon Pass is a dynamic prospect from the Wolfpack’s 2021 recruiting class with true point guard skills and the ability to take over games with his ability to lead by example. He was a two-sport athlete that also won three consecutive NCHSAA 2-A state titles. He’s an explosive 6-foot floor general that should push for minutes in the backcourt and improve alongside Cam Hayes at the 1 spot.

Guard/Wing – Terquavion Smith, Freshman

Terquavion Smith is one of the winningest players in the state of North Carolina out of Farmville Central High. He’s another dynamic prospect at 6-foot-4 with combo guard skills and a ton of potential as a defender He was named last year’s NC Gatorade Player of the Year after winning three straight state titles and leading his squad to a 76-2 record. He’ll look to bring a similar pedigree to the Wolfpack lineup in 2021-22.

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