NC State head coach Will Wade took to the mic at his weekly radio show at The Pit in downtown Raleigh last night, and while he covered a wide range of topics, one question that's been floating around Wolfpack circles finally got an answer: What’s going on with Alyn Breed?
Breed played a key role for NC State back in December, stepping into the rotation when the Pack needed a steadying hand. At that point, the offense was struggling to find its rhythm, and Breed brought exactly what was missing-on-ball defensive toughness and a calming presence on the floor.
He didn’t light up the stat sheet, but his impact was undeniable. He helped stabilize a backcourt that was still trying to find its identity.
But lately? He’s been nowhere to be found in the rotation.
Wade addressed it directly, and his explanation gives us a clearer picture of where things stand-not just with Breed, but with the team’s overall guard rotation.
“I mean, look, we got a ninth that can play and a tenth,” Wade said. “And Scotty’s back.
He practiced today, so that was good to see him out there. And Alyn is ready to play.
It’s just that we’re winning, and you kind of stick with the nine-man rotation.”
That’s the crux of it. NC State is winning, and when a rotation is working, coaches tend to ride the hot hand-or in this case, the hot nine.
But Wade made it clear that Breed isn’t out of favor. In fact, his return to the lineup might be closer than it seems.
“There’s gonna be a time where we’re gonna need Alyn this year,” Wade continued. “Alyn’s gonna be back in the rotation, I believe, at some point.”
What Wade hinted at next was particularly telling. He talked about the natural ebb and flow that happens over the course of a season-how some players can get comfortable when they’re logging consistent minutes, and how that comfort can sometimes lead to complacency.
“The only thing that gives them some discomfort is sitting on that bench,” Wade said. “And so, you’ve gotta have that. When Alyn comes back, he’s gonna be much more appreciative of whatever he gets.”
Wade wasn’t calling out Breed-in fact, he went out of his way to say that Breed hasn’t acted entitled. But the message was clear: the rotation is fluid, and minutes are earned. Wade even said he had a conversation with Breed earlier that day, just before heading to the show.
“I said, hey, stay ready. I said, my antennas are up.
I got two guys that I think are relaxing right now. And you better be ready.
Your time is gonna come sooner rather than later.”
That’s vintage Wade-direct, honest, and always thinking one step ahead. He’s not just managing a rotation; he’s managing competitive tension, making sure no one gets too comfortable, and that everyone understands their role could shift at a moment’s notice.
As for Breed, his ability to defend, bring poise to the offense, and play within the team structure makes him a valuable piece-especially as the intensity ramps up heading into February and March. If NC State finds itself in a tight game where things start to unravel, don’t be surprised if Wade turns back to the veteran guard who’s already proven he can bring balance when the Pack needs it most.
So while Breed may be out of the rotation for now, the door is far from closed. In fact, it sounds like Wade is already reaching for the handle.