NC State basketball guard Jayden Taylor / Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

As the NC State Wolfpack prepares for its regular-season opener at home against USC Upstate on November 4, eighth-year head coach Kevin Keatts faces a wealth of options for the starting lineup. This season, the team boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, a blend that reflects both continuity and fresh potential.

Among the possible starters are key returnees who played pivotal roles in last year’s historic run, which saw NC State clinch its first ACC Tournament title and advance to the Final Four for the first time since the 1980s. Their experience and chemistry will be invaluable as the Wolfpack aims to build on that success.

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CBS Sports analyst Jon Rothstein recently provided insight into the Wolfpack’s prospects after observing an official NC State practice. He projected a starting lineup featuring four seniors and one graduate student, highlighting the team’s seasoned core. Notably, Rothstein’s forecast includes three significant additions via the transfer portal: Marcus Hill from Bowling Green, Dontrez Styles from Georgetown (previously UNC), and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield from Louisville. These transfers bring not only talent but also versatility and depth to the roster.

In his preseason ROTHSTEIN 45 rankings, prior to his visit with NC State, Rothstein placed the Wolfpack at No. 43 nationally. This ranking underscores the program’s goal of reaching the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive seasons, a milestone that would mark a significant achievement in the Keatts era.

This season’s squad is poised for another strong campaign, blending experienced leadership with new talent in pursuit of sustained success.