**Fast-Rising PF Justin Caldwell Appreciates NC State Offer, ‘Genuine’ Approach During Visit**
RALEIGH, N.C. — NC State men’s basketball head coach Will Wade and his staff have finalized their 2025-26 roster, but their focus has already shifted to the future, with the 2026 recruiting class in their sights. One of their top targets, fast-rising power forward Justin Caldwell from Berean Baptist Academy in Fayetteville, N.C., made an unofficial visit to Raleigh this week, leaving a strong impression on both sides.
Caldwell, a 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward, has been generating significant buzz on the recruiting trail. Rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN and Rivals, he ranks as the No. 21 power forward in the 2026 class and the No. 5 overall player in North Carolina, according to ESPN. His dominant performances, including averaging 21.5 points per game while shooting 63% from the field last season at Berean Baptist, have attracted offers from high-major programs like Ohio State, Iowa, Arizona State, Villanova, Maryland, and now NC State, among others.
During his visit on June 11, Caldwell was extended a scholarship offer in person by Coach Wade, marking his first from an ACC program. The Fayetteville native described the experience as meaningful, particularly due to the Wolfpack’s genuine approach. “It meant a lot, especially because they’re in my home state and they’re my first ACC offer,” Caldwell shared. “The coaches were very genuine, and I really appreciated how they took the time to show me around and make me feel welcome.”[](https://x.com/RCorySmith/status/1933202790270025787)
Caldwell’s visit included a tour of NC State’s campus and basketball facilities, giving him a firsthand look at the program’s resources. “It was my first time seeing everything in person, and I was impressed with the setup,” he said. “The facilities are top-notch, and you can tell they’re serious about building something special here.”
The Wolfpack staff’s interest in Caldwell comes as part of their aggressive push to secure top talent for 2026. Under Wade’s leadership, NC State has already extended offers to other high-profile prospects in the class, including five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. and five-star guard King Gibson. However, Caldwell’s combination of size, physicality, and skill makes him a priority for a program looking to bolster its frontcourt. His recent performances with the Washington Warriors AAU team, where he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game at a recent Hoop Group event, have only elevated his stock.[](https://www.si.com/college/ncstate/basketball/promising-carolina-recruit-nc-state-basketball-offer-6-11-25)[](https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/surging_north_carolina_prospect_prepares_for_nc_state_basketball_visit/s1_17685_42295410)
For Caldwell, the connection to his home state adds extra weight to NC State’s offer. “Being from Fayetteville, it’s special to have a school like NC State believe in me,” he noted. “I’m definitely going to consider them strongly as I go through this process.” He also has an upcoming visit scheduled with South Carolina on June 17, indicating his recruitment is heating up as more programs take notice.[](https://x.com/HSTopRecruiting/status/1931102863507476801)
As NC State continues to build its 2026 class, Caldwell’s visit signals the program’s intent to compete for elite in-state talent. With Wade’s staff emphasizing a personal touch, the Wolfpack are positioning themselves as a serious contender in Caldwell’s recruitment, which could be a significant step toward building a powerhouse roster in Raleigh.
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