What's Happening?
North Carolina State University is actively working to strengthen its men's basketball team under the leadership of first-year coach Justin Gainey. Following the departure of former coach Will Wade, Gainey is focused on rebuilding the team, particularly
the backcourt. The team has already secured two guards, Christian Hammond from Santa Clara and Preston Edmead from Hofstra, through the transfer portal. Now, NC State is hosting De'Shayne Montgomery, a former guard from Dayton, for an on-campus visit. Montgomery, known for his scoring ability and defensive skills, averaged 13.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in the 2025-26 season. His performance earned him Third-Team All-Atlantic-10 honors. Montgomery's visit to NC State is significant as the team looks to fill several roster spots left vacant by a mass exodus of talent through the transfer portal.
Why It's Important?
The recruitment of De'Shayne Montgomery is crucial for NC State as it seeks to rebuild its basketball program after a tumultuous period. Montgomery's potential addition could enhance the team's defensive capabilities and scoring options, providing a much-needed boost to the backcourt. His experience and skills align with Coach Gainey's vision of building a team characterized by toughness and resilience. This move is part of a broader strategy to stabilize and strengthen the team, which has faced challenges due to the departure of key players. Successfully integrating Montgomery could set a positive precedent for future recruitment efforts and help NC State regain its competitive edge in the ACC.
What's Next?
If De'Shayne Montgomery's visit to NC State goes well, he could become a key player in the team's backcourt, joining Hammond and Edmead. The decision to add Montgomery will depend on how well he fits into Coach Gainey's system and the team's overall strategy. Should Montgomery join NC State, the team will continue to focus on filling remaining roster spots to ensure a well-rounded and competitive lineup for the upcoming season. The outcome of this recruitment effort will likely influence the team's performance and standing in the ACC, as well as its ability to attract other talented players in the future.
