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sports1d ago
NC State Eying Two Centers to Solve Frontcourt Issues
- NC State, led by first-year coach Justin Gainey, is slow to land transfer additions, leaving the frontcourt thin as the 2026-27 season approaches and signaling a need for interior help beyond Christian Hammond.
- Gainey is targeting a two-center solution to stabilize the frontcourt and balance the lineup for ACC competition.
- Anton Bonke is on NC State’s radar and expected to visit the program over the weekend as a potential frontcourt upgrade.
- Bonke would bring size and two-way impact, averaging 10.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in 2025-26.
- Franck Kepnang is presented as a veteran option with extensive college experience, offering immediate defensive upside for NC State.
- Kepnang’s defense and size could anchor NC State’s interior, though age and durability remain concerns after seven years of college basketball.
- The move toward a traditional frontcourt mirrors ACC trends, emphasizing a power forward and center to counter the era of positionless basketball.
- Gainey aims to build the Pack around toughness from the low post outward, prioritizing interior strength to drive the offense.
- The pursuit of Bonke follows missing out on former recruit Bishop Boswell, signaling a pivot to frontcourt needs before backcourt pairing Hammond.
- The reference outlines Kepnang’s college experience and potential as a veteran interior option, reinforcing a strategic shift to experienced centers.
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