Ven-Allen Lubin is set to don the red and white for one final collegiate campaign, returning to North Carolina State for the 2026‑27 season after a Colorado district court granted him an extra year of eligibility.
Eligibility Extension Provides Fifth Year
The ruling, which the NCAA is currently appealing, allows the 2022 recruiting class to extend their college careers, and Lubin’s case became the centerpiece of that decision.
During his lone season with the Wolfpack under former coach Will Wade, Lubin emerged as the team’s most efficient interior scorer, shooting 66.8 percent from the field and 74.3 percent at the free‑throw line, while ranking 38th nationally in two‑point percentage.
A Revamped Roster Under Coach Gainey
First‑year head coach Justin Gainey inherits a squad bolstered by six big men, including transfers Kyle Evans and Emeli Yalaho, JUCO prospect Shah Hall, and sophomore Zymicah Wilkins, creating depth that was absent in previous seasons.
Lubin’s blend of size, shooting efficiency and rebounding will give Gainey flexibility in rotating lineups, allowing the team to maintain a strong interior presence while spreading the floor for perimeter play.
The added experience also brings a veteran voice to a group that includes returning guard Paul McNeil Jr., whose own extra year of eligibility mirrors Lubin’s, promising continuity and chemistry as the Wolfpack aim to climb the ACC standings.
Fans can expect a more polished offensive scheme that leverages Lubin’s high‑percentage scoring inside the arc, while his defensive instincts should tighten the team’s overall performance.