Countdown to Practice #3: Paul McNeil

Welcome to the Preseason – Basketball practice officially starts in 3 days, September 21st.

Before last season, BTP posters were saying, “I can’t remember who’s on the team this season.” We’re here to help!

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We’re counting down the 10 days to the beginning of practice ’26-’27 by taking another look at this season’s roster, focusing on the 10 players most likely to make an impact. This article is about Coach Gainey’s biggest win of the offseason; despite being outbid by other schools, Paul McNeil has returned to the NC State Wolfpack.

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Generally the weight gains reflect what we have already been told – EXCEPT WILKINS

Finally we have Jurkovic’s weight, and he’s a little taller than we thought

Smartly, McNeil added an inch to boost his NBA resume

Predicted breakdown of minutes per player:

#2 Paul McNeil

This will be Paul’s third season on the Wolfpack team, and his third (and most expensive!) coaching staff. Paul will be forever loved by fans for sticking with the program through the coaching changes, just as much as for setting the program record for most made 3PT shots in a season and having a 47/10 double-double in last season’s Heritage game. It’s becoming less common that players of his ability stick around 3 seasons, so we probably won’t get another.

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PPG / RPG / APG:13.8 ppg / 3.6 rpg / 0.8 apg

Shooting: 43.3% / 42.7% (105-246) / 82.4%

’25-’26 season Highs:

Points: 47 points, double digits 23 games, 20+ 8 games

%tle – percentile of all D1 players

Strength

Usage – Probably exactly what you want for his role as designated marksman

True Shooting % – Excellent

Assist % / A/TO – A designated catch & shoot guy is not expected to pass much, but when he does, he’s very good at getting it to the right guy.

%tle – percentile of all D1 players

Weakness

No surprise, overall Paul is not a strong defender

Block % – He ranks in the 59th percentile, but if you compare only to other guards he ranks very well, the 83rd percentile.

%tle – percentile of all D1 players

Strength

Three-point percentage – obviously

Weakness

Doesn’t take a lot of shots inside the arc, and doesn’t pick up shooting…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/countdown-practice-3-paul-mcneil-100000001.html

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Publish date : 2026-09-18 10:00:00

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