Quadir Copeland made sure everyone knew exactly where he was-and where he came from.
Late in NC State’s 88-68 win over Syracuse, Copeland flexed, stared straight into the TV camera, and pointed to the “NC State” across his chest. Moments later, he walked past the Syracuse bench, locked eyes with no one in particular, and let out a roar that echoed through the arena. He wasn’t just celebrating a big play-he was making a statement.
This was Copeland’s first game against his former team, and he made it count. The senior guard poured in 19 points, dished out nine assists, and added four steals in a performance that was as personal as it was dominant.
NC State improved to 15-6 (6-2 ACC), while Syracuse dropped its fourth straight to fall to 12-9 (3-5 ACC). And for Copeland, this one clearly meant more.
“The plan was to go in there and win,” he said after the game. “And my teammates helped me every way possible.”
Copeland didn’t need to say much more. He let his play do the talking-and it spoke volumes.
Just a few days earlier, he’d said this matchup would be personal. It showed.
Since transferring from Syracuse after his sophomore season, Copeland has found his stride. He spent last year at McNeese State with head coach Will Wade before following him to NC State.
That decision has paid off in a big way. Copeland has gone from a role player to one of the most impactful guards in the ACC.
In fact, according to EvanMiya’s advanced metrics, he’s rated as the top guard in the conference.
That’s not just analytics hype. It’s backed up by the eye test.
He’s running the show with poise, attacking with purpose, and defending with intensity. Against Syracuse, he looked every bit the all-conference player.
“He’s probably playing at an all-conference level right now,” said Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry. “He’s a lot to handle.”
Autry would know. His team has struggled to get consistent production out of the point guard spot over the past two seasons.
Jaquan Carlos and Naithan George have had flashes, but nothing close to what Copeland delivered on this night. That contrast was impossible to ignore.
Copeland’s journey hasn’t been linear. At Syracuse, he barely played as a freshman.
He showed flashes as a sophomore but never quite broke through. Then came the transfer, the leap of faith, and the grind.
Wade, who’s seen Copeland grow firsthand, said the guard is a different player-and person-than he was during his Syracuse days. Back then, Wade noted, Copeland was dealing with academic issues and missing time. At one point last summer, Wade even suspended him from the program for 10 days.
That break became a turning point. Copeland credits that stretch for helping him mature-not just as a player, but as a person.
He learned how to be coachable. How to handle adversity.
How to lead.
“Today showed my growth, to be honest,” Copeland said. “I didn’t let this game get to my head. All the stuff I’ve been working on-my maturity, trying to let things go, just be a better player so I can be a better person-I think it all showed up today.”
It did. He played with control, aggression, and purpose.
He didn’t force things. He let the game come to him, and when the moment called for it, he took over.
Now, with NC State trending upward and March looming, Copeland is firmly in the spotlight-and he’s earned it. Meanwhile, Syracuse is sliding in the opposite direction. The Orange have now lost four straight, and their NCAA Tournament hopes are fading fast.
There’s no sugarcoating it: this was a gut punch for Syracuse. And for Copeland, it was a full-circle moment.
He found the opportunity he was looking for. He bet on himself.
And on this night, he cashed in.