Thursday marked a pivotal day in college basketball recruiting—one that brought jubilation to Duke fans and frustration to Kansas supporters.
The Blue Devils landed a commitment from Italian wing Dame Sarr, a prospect many believed was leaning toward Kansas. Duke’s willingness to let portal addition Cedric Coward test the NBA Draft waters may have opened the door for Sarr’s pledge.
But the hits didn’t stop there for the Jayhawks.
Later in the day, NC State secured a commitment from Darrion Williams, a 6-foot-6 junior out of Texas Tech. Williams, like Sarr, was once viewed as a Kansas target and now heads to the ACC instead.
That makes two major recruiting losses in one day for the Jayhawks—both to ACC programs.
Beyond Kansas’ struggles, the Williams pickup significantly alters the landscape in North Carolina. With his addition, NC State’s roster is starting to look formidable—arguably stronger than UNC’s on paper.
Here’s how the Wolfpack shapes up:
Returning:
Paul McNeil (6-5, SOPH)
Transfers:
Jerry Deng (6-7, SOPH, Florida State)
Colt Langdon (6-6, SOPH, Butler)
Terrence Arceneaux (6-6, SOPH, Houston)
Tre Holloman (6-2, JR, Michigan State)
Quadir Copeland (6-6, JR, McNeese)
Alyn Breed (6-3, SR, McNeese)
Incoming Freshmen:
Paul Mbiya (6-11)
Mikey Wilkins (6-9)
Matthew Able (6-5)
It’s an impressive group—and one that raises eyebrows when compared to UNC’s current situation. If Will Wade’s squad can outperform the Tar Heels this season, the pressure on Hubert Davis will intensify dramatically.
Aside from Matt Doherty’s collapse in 2002, UNC has rarely trailed NC State in basketball stature since Dean Smith’s dominance began in the 1960s. State had its moments, particularly with David Thompson in the 1970s and a national title in 1983, but UNC has long maintained the upper hand.
That may be changing. And if NC State firmly overtakes Carolina this season, Hubert Davis may not survive the fallout.
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