The Wolfpack’s front court is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing units in the ACC, combining size, experience and a variety of skill sets.
A Mix of Veteran Talent
Three of the core big men — Evans, Yalaho and Jurkovic — each bring at least three years of collegiate experience, with Evans having been the nation’s top shot‑blocker and Yalaho logging time in both the B12 and the WCC. Their combined backgrounds suggest a depth that goes beyond raw minutes on the court.
Hall, who has navigated a JUCO pathway before arriving on campus, has already shown flashes of double‑digit rebounding, while Wilkins, despite a lack of Division I game experience, impressed during high‑school play and practice sessions. Both are viewed as players who could accelerate the team’s rotation if they develop quickly.
Analytics indicate the unit will be slightly taller than last season’s lineup, averaging about 78 inches, which should translate into stronger rebounding on the glass. Evans is projected to lead the team in boards thanks to his athleticism, while Jurkovic and Yalaho are expected to hover around eight rebounds per game.
Shooting Efficiency and Offensive Output
Jurkovic stands out as a sharpshooter, hitting 41.9 % from three‑point range and 75 % inside the arc, whereas Yalaho maintains a near‑80 % free‑throw clip and just under 40 % from beyond the perimeter. Evans and Hall, though often creating their own shots off the dribble, post high field‑goal percentages, contributing to an adjusted offensive efficiency that Bart Torvik ranks at 118.5, tied for 14th in the ACC.
Defensive Presence
On the other side of the ball, the group’s defensive efficiency sits at 100.1, placing it 71st nationally and 12th in the conference. Evans led the country with 115 total blocked shots, averaging 3.29 per game, underscoring his shot‑blocking impact. Jurkovic, meanwhile, draws the most fouls per 40 minutes, a testament to his physical style.
Looking Ahead
Rich Howell, in a recent podcast, expressed confidence that Hall could earn a starting role before the season’s end, a timeline that could unlock additional minutes for Wilkins as well. If both break out, the Wolfpack could comfortably field a ten‑player rotation, giving the coaching staff unprecedented flexibility.