Reflecting on NC State's 2025 NCAA Tournament Journey

The Wolfpack's season ended in the Spokane 1 Regional with an 80-73 loss to LSU, marking their third Sweet 16 appearance in four years. Despite being the higher seed, NC State faced a battle-tested Tigers squad featuring Aneesah Morrow's dominant 30-point, 19-rebound performance.

Key Factors in the Elimination:

• LSU's November victory provided psychological edge
• NC State's perimeter defense couldn't contain Morrow's interior dominance
• The Tigers' regained health (Flau'Jae Johnson's return) tipped the scales

Roster Transition: Outgoing and Returning Talent

Significant Departures:

• Aziaha James (leading scorer: 16.8 PPG)
• Saniya Rivers (primary playmaker: 4.9 APG)
• Madison Hayes (top rebounder: 7.2 RPG)

Core Returning Players:

• Zoe Brooks (Sophomore guard): Showed elite playmaking potential
• Zamareya Jones (Junior guard): Explosive scoring ability
• Frontcourt Depth:
  • Tilda Trygger (7'0" sophomore center)
  • Lorena Owou (6'5" sophomore forward)
  • Maddie Cox (junior forward coming off best performance)

Recruiting and Transfer Portal Strategy

2025 Incoming Talent:

• Destiny "Ky'She" Lunan (4-star combo guard, ESPN No. 60)

Portal Priorities:

1. Experienced ball-handlers to replace Rivers/James
2. Physical post player to complement developing bigs
3. Three-point specialists (shot just 33% from deep)

Program Trajectory Under Wes Moore

Recent Postseason Success:

• 6 Sweet 16 appearances in 7 seasons
• 2024 Final Four run
• Consistent overachievement in ACC play

2025-26 Projection: With proper portal additions, NC State could:

• Compete for top-3 ACC finish
• Extend Sweet 16 streak
• Develop into complete offensive/defensive unit

"The Wolfpack's culture under Moore ensures they'll rebuild rather than reload. Their developmental system makes them perennial ACC contenders." - Women's Hoops Analyst