NC State Final Four Star Enters Transfer Portal

NC State made a Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2024.

People expected positive momentum, but that didnt happen.

NC State was eliminated before the ACC Tournament, firing coach Kevin Keatts shortly after the conclusion of the season.

That left a void to be filled by one of the best coaching candidates: Will Wade .

However, Will Wade will have to start next season without one of the key contributors to NC States Final Four run.

Ben Middlebrooks hit the transfer portal on Monday along with hundreds of other players.

While he struggled this season at times with fouls, Middlebrooks proved he can be an important player on a Final Four team.

So whats next for NC State and Middlebrooks? NC State Final Four Star Ben Middlebrooks Enters Transfer Portal What Ben Middlebrooks Brings as a Transfer Middlebrooks brings experience that few players can offer.

He made a Final Four run only one season ago and will be a fifth-year senior.

He spent most of his career coming off the bench, but his rebounding and defensive hustle energized the Wolkpack every time he stepped on the floor.

Middlebrooks is the ultimate team player who hustles after every single loose ball.

His only issue is fouling, as he is an intense player who averaged a foul every seven minutes this season.

That doesnt translate to playing starter minutes without fouling out.

However, teams who need an experienced center to provide them with quality minutes off the bench will look to sign him.

If your center is in foul trouble, why not bring in an energizing backup who can take pressure off the paint? Middlebrooks is an ideal transfer center for teams who have a bona fide starter.

He averaged one steal and one block per game last season in only 20 minutes.

He will take fouls and probably get into foul trouble himself.

But he is not a liability when he is on the floor and serves as a perfect backup center.

Will Wade Has a Need at Center Centers dont necessarily rule the basketball world in college, but dominant centers can be critical to deep runs in March Madness (just ask Purdue and UConn).

Guards win in March, but a great paint presence dominates the game.

NC State made the Final Four run with Middlebrooks, DJ Burns , and others controlling the paint.

Wade doesnt have a center on the roster right now that can compete with some of the top centers in the ACC.

The transfer portal opens the door for great centers to find a new home.

Just look at Santa Clara Center Cristoph Tilly , who announced he was transferring Monday morning.

Tilly averaged 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.

He also shot 31% from three.

He can expand the court and be a presence down low at seven feet tall.

The German center will have plenty of interest, but the Wolfpack will certainly approach him after Middlebrooks transfers.

The Last Word Middlebrooks was a glue guy for NC State.

He hustled and did everything he could to help them make a deep NCAA Tournament.

Middlebrooks should be a strong candidate for better schools.

Will Wade will need to find an elite center to replace him, but the story is still beautiful.

NC State gave Middlebrooks a chance after his low playing time at Clemson.

He helped lead them to a Final Four.

It may end a year early, but they both needed each other and made each other better because of it.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..

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