NC State Men’s Basketball: Handing Out Midseason Flowers to the Wolfpack’s Standouts
Valentine’s Day is here, and while NC State men’s basketball is coming off a tough blowout loss at No. 24 Louisville, there’s still a lot to love about where this team is headed. The Wolfpack has picked up three Quad 1 wins - including a gritty road victory at SMU and a dominant home performance against Virginia Tech - and they’re firmly in the NCAA Tournament picture.
With the regular season heating up and March creeping closer, it’s time to show some love to the players driving this team forward. Not every player blooms the same way, but each has played a role in the Pack’s postseason push. So, in the spirit of the holiday, let’s hand out some well-earned flowers.
Quadir Copeland - The Rose
Let’s start with the biggest bloom in the bunch. Senior guard Quadir Copeland has been the heartbeat of this team - a vocal leader, a relentless competitor, and the guy who wants the ball when the game is on the line.
He’s not just talking the talk (though he does plenty of that, and then some). He’s walking it too - and doing it with confidence.
Copeland has elevated his game across the board. He’s orchestrating the offense with poise, creating for his teammates, and taking over when it matters most.
His impact goes beyond the box score. He’s the emotional engine of this team, and if he keeps this up, there’s a real shot he plays his way into the ACC Player of the Year conversation.
Yes, he’s one of the most notorious trash talkers in the conference, but when you’re backing it up like this, that edge becomes part of the package.
This rose has thorns, sure - but that’s what makes it stand out.
Paul McNeil Jr. - The Sunflower
Sophomore guard Paul McNeil Jr. is the kind of player every team needs: steady, efficient, and quietly dangerous. He’s the only returning scholarship player from last year’s roster, and he’s made that continuity count. Think of him like a sunflower - always facing the light, always bringing energy.
McNeil is shooting a scorching 43% from beyond the arc and averaging 13.6 points per game. He’s not flashy, but he’s incredibly effective.
His floor spacing and shot selection have been critical to NC State’s offensive rhythm. He plays with maturity, makes smart decisions, and rarely forces the issue.
For a team that’s had to bring in a lot of new faces, McNeil’s presence has been a stabilizing force.
Darrion Williams - The Orchid
Darrion Williams’ season has been a slow burn - but now that he’s found his form, it’s clear why he was one of the most coveted transfers in the portal last year. Like an orchid, he took some time to bloom, but the patience is paying off.
The senior forward is averaging 14.4 points and three assists per game while shooting 41% from deep. His versatility has started to shine through - he’s spacing the floor, making plays off the dribble, and showing more confidence with each outing.
Early-season questions about his value are fading fast. Williams is proving he can be a difference-maker, especially when the lights are brightest.
Ven-Allen Lubin - The Daffodil
Ven-Allen Lubin is the kind of player who just keeps showing up and doing the work. A daffodil might not be the flashiest flower in the garden, but it’s dependable and brightens the landscape when it’s needed most - and that’s exactly what Lubin has brought to this Wolfpack frontcourt.
He’s played at four different schools in four years, but he’s found a home in Raleigh. As the starting center, he’s averaging 13.6 points and seven rebounds while shooting over 50% from the field.
Lubin brings toughness inside, finishes well around the rim, and holds his own on the boards. He’s not the focal point of the offense, but his consistency has been huge for NC State’s balance.
Matt Able - The Dandelion
Freshman guard Matt Able is still figuring things out, but the potential is impossible to ignore. He’s raw, he’s energetic, and he’s already carving out a meaningful role off the bench. Like a dandelion, there’s something whimsical and promising about his game - and if you’re patient, you might just see it turn into something special.
Able has become a reliable sixth man, averaging 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in just under 21 minutes per game. He brings a spark when he checks in - whether it’s a timely steal, a tough finish in transition, or a momentum-shifting play.
He’s still growing, but the foundation is strong. NC State fans should be excited about what’s to come.
Final Thought
This NC State team isn’t perfect, and the loss at Louisville was a reminder that there’s still work to do. But there’s no denying the progress, the chemistry, and the individual growth we’ve seen so far. With a core of players stepping up in key roles - from veterans like Copeland and Williams to young talent like Able - the Wolfpack is building something that could make noise come March.
So yes, hand out the flowers. This team has earned them.