While NC State fans are looking forward to a much improved 2022-23 season, it might take place with a new-look roster as three players entered the NCAA transfer portal this week – opening up slots for possible return players on the other side of the portal.
Guards Thomas Allen, Cam Hayes, and forward Jaylor Gibson entered the portal this week with most of the moves not being a total shock to those who follow the program closely, but are still attention getters knowing the severity level next season holds for the men’s basketball program.
Allen closes out his storied Wolfpack career that was hampered by injuries, averaging 3.8 points per game this past season. When healthy, he showed why he was originally committed to then NC State coach Mark Gottfried, but just couldn’t stay on the healthy side to make an impact and will look to use his super senior year with a different program.
Hayes went from starter to reserve, averaging just over 7.0 points in just 20 mins of action. After a promising freshman campaign things were looking good heading into this season, but went south somewhere and a fresh start might be best for Hayes who can definitely start elsewhere. This move could also be a hint at the decision Robert Dillingham has made about his future.
Gibson was thrown into the fire this season after the avalanche of injuries the Wolfpack experienced in the post. While he averaged just 2.7 points per game, he had great showings against Syracuse in his first career start – tallying 14 points and 6 rebounds. He finished in double-figures later on in the season at Wake Forest with 10 points. Look for Gibson to land at a possible mid-major and slide into a more dominant role.
With three open scholarships, will Keatts hit the portal hard? After finishing with the most losses in a single season, most would say it would be wise.
