In Raleigh, the spotlight was on UNC basketball freshman Caleb Wilson and his signature bedazzled belt, a symbol of triumph after big wins. But it was NC State's Ven-Allen Lubin who took center stage following a decisive 82-58 victory over the 16th-ranked Tar Heels.
As the Wolfpack celebrated their impressive performance at Lenovo Center, Lubin, a former Tar Heel himself, made a memorable entrance into the media room. Draped with a red-and-white bedazzled belt, he exuded confidence and pride in his team's achievement.
“It’s for the way we performed with what we left on the court out there,” Lubin explained, acknowledging his 12 points and six rebounds contribution. “Shout out to the guys who made this belt for me, for the team. It just represents what we’re gonna continue to do to the rest of the teams this season.”
Quadir Copeland, who delivered a standout performance with 20 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, emphasized the unity within the Wolfpack. “It was a Ven day and everybody had Ven’s back,” he said, capturing the spirit of the team.
Reflecting on the rivalry, Copeland added, “They was talking a lot of, ‘North Carolina schools this, North Carolina schools that.’ It’s crazy how fast them tables turn. We bedazzled our belt, too, for ‘em.”
Under the guidance of first-year coach Will Wade, the Wolfpack approached the game with renewed intensity, shaking off recent losses to Louisville and Miami. Wade praised his team’s resilience, noting, "Guys got off the mat.
You're always going to do your best work in tough circumstances, and our guys certainly did that. We played with way more bite (against UNC)."
As Lubin left the media room, he glanced down at the belt, savoring the moment. His transfer from UNC to NC State marked a significant chapter in his career, and this victory was particularly sweet.
“It’s something to remember,” Lubin remarked. “This is definitely one in the memory books for me.”