Ven-Allen Lubin wasn’t the headline name when he hit the transfer portal. At the time, most of the buzz around NC State centered on the potential addition of 7-foot Congolese center Paul Mbiya. But while Mbiya ended up heading to Kansas, Lubin quietly made his way to Raleigh-and he's been anything but quiet since.
Let’s be real: when Lubin committed, the move raised some eyebrows. Not because he lacked talent-he averaged 9 points and 5.5 rebounds in just 20 minutes per game last season-but because at 6'8", he was joining a frontcourt that already featured a 6'6" power forward. For a program looking to make noise in the ACC, concerns about interior size and rim protection were valid.
But Lubin hasn’t just answered those questions-he’s erased them.
He’s not only held his own in the paint; he’s been NC State’s most consistent performer all season. While Mbiya is logging just four minutes per game at Kansas and averaging under a point and two rebounds, Lubin has stepped into a major role and thrived.
He’s now averaging nearly 14 points and 7 boards in close to 28 minutes per contest. That’s not just steady production-it’s difference-making impact.
What’s made Lubin so effective? It starts with his efficiency.
He’s leading the ACC in field goal percentage, shooting a blistering 68.2% from the floor-good for fifth in the nation. That’s elite company.
And it’s not a fluke. Lubin’s game is built on physicality, smart positioning, and a motor that doesn’t quit.
He’s got soft hands, sharp footwork, and rarely forces the issue. When he gets the ball in scoring position, he finishes.
Simple as that.
Will Wade, NC State’s head coach, has taken notice-and he’s not holding back his praise.
“Lubin has been our most reliable and dependable guy all year,” Wade said. “He kind of gets lost in the shuffle, and I don’t think he’s appreciated nearly enough in terms of everything he does for our team. He’s been phenomenal.”
Wade also pointed to the challenges ahead, particularly against physical matchups, but made it clear he trusts Lubin to rise to the occasion.
“Obviously, a big #24 will be a big, big challenge,” Wade added. “24 is physical and huge and ducks in, and he does a lot of things that help him win, so it’ll be a big challenge for Vin, but Vin’s answered every challenge.”
And that’s the story here-Lubin has answered every challenge. In a season where consistency is often hard to come by, especially in the frontcourt, Lubin has been a rock for the Wolfpack. He’s not just outperforming expectations-he’s outperforming players who were once seen as bigger gets.
UNC passed on him. NC State didn’t. And now, the Wolfpack are reaping the rewards.
Ven-Allen Lubin might not have made the loudest entrance, but he’s making plenty of noise now.