The freshman year for Paul McNeil Jr. at NC State brought a mixture of growth, adjustment, and flashes of the scoring talent that a very interesting prospect to watch this upcoming season. Certainly, being a familiar face around the state of North Carolina, he will have plenty of fans supporting him and are excited to see what he can show. With a year of college basketball under his belt, the 6-foot-6 guard will be one of the familiar faces from last year in hopes of having a breakout-type season, one that could elevate both his stock and be a huge piece to the Wolfpack’s success.
Remember, McNeil came in as a highly-touted prospect from Richmond High School, where he was a former NC Gatorade Player of the Year and was ranked as a Top 100 prospect. McNeil’s game was able to capture your attention with not only his length and size, but also his scoring capabilities from all levels. Time after time, he showed his confidence from behind the arc and how much of a threat he could be, but also was one that had a strong overall feel for the game, created off the bounce well for himself, and understood how to fill it up as an offensive force.
So, when he committed to NC State, fans around the region were certainly excited to keep an in-state talent like McNeil home. And though he had some adjustments to make his freshman season, one could see he progressed and gave you those glimpses of what he is capable of providing.
Now, the Wolfpack will certainly be looking a lot different this season under head coach Will Wade and company, and there are plenty of new names to learn about. But McNeil will be one of the familiar faces for fans, as he hopes to leave his mark on the program this season.
McNeil played 24 games and started three of them last year, and though he didn’t get much time last season early on, he stayed with it, and his minutes started to increase. That opportunity certainly provided him with important experience and knowledge that he could use in his sophomore season. Since February 12 vs. Louisville, McNeil was able to record four double-digit scoring outings (4 out of 6 of those games he played double-digit minutes). That included strong showings against North Carolina (14 points, 5-for-8 from the floor, 2-5 from 3) and Wake Forest (24 points, 8-for-13 from the floor, 4-7 from 3), giving fans a glimpse of what the future may have for this talented prospect from North Carolina.
Again, though, McNeil will have to adapt to the coaching changes and schemes that Coach Wade will have in place, but Coach Wade has proven time after time that he understands winning and how to get the most out of his players. Will McNeil have a breakout-type season in Raleigh? Time will tell, but the opportunity will certainly be there, and Wolfpack Nation will be by his side with support.