NC State Lands Massive Transfer Portal Addition

NC State Lands Massive Transfer Portal Addition Darrion Williams

What Darrion Williams Brings to NC State

Williams is the star that Will Wade desperately needed in this class. Williams began his career at Nevada before joining the Red Raiders. He stepped into a bigger role this year, doing everything for Texas Tech on their way to an Elite Eight loss to Florida. Williams averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He struggled more from three this season, only shooting 34.0%, but he shot 45.8% as a sophomore. Even though his efficiency dipped, there is a strong belief that he will be able to find that stroke again.

However, he does many things well. He stuffs the stat sheet in all categories and plays strong defense. They lacked a bona fide scorer who can take over in the clutch, but Williams brings that and more to NC State. If he can find his three-point shot again, he will contend for ACC Player of the Year. He ranked as the sixth-best transfer in the class.

Can NC State Compete in the ACC?

Everything comes back to whether or not NC State can grab PJ Haggerty in the portal. However, Wade has put together a strong transfer portal class despite missing out on several key transfers. For now, they have finally picked up a star player. They’ve filled in with several role players who needed that one great player to pull them together. Williams can be the best player for NC State in a run to the NCAA Tournament. However, they won’t be able to win the ACC without another elite player.

If they were to get Haggerty, that would be another story. Williams is good enough to be the number one option, but as the second-best option, they would have an incredible chance to make noise for an ACC title. They would have an elite combination of scoring and defense with their other options. Wade is a coach who can change game plans and run lineups to create favorable matchups. They might not win in pretty ways, but they will find ways to win many games.

With their current roster, I would have them finish in the top half, with a chance to finish in the top third and pick up one of the six NCAA Tournament bids the ACC could get. There is no guarantee they will stay healthy, but Will Wade has put together a great lineup for his first season at NC State.