The college basketball transfer portal is still buzzing with high-stakes moves, and one of the biggest storylines involves former Memphis guard PJ Haggerty, the top unsigned men’s player still available. While many players are testing the NBA Draft process, Haggerty has made it clear—he’s staying in college, and he’s looking for the right fit.
Now, a new leader has emerged in the race to land him: NC State.
PJ Haggerty’s Breakout Season at Memphis
PJ Haggerty lit up the scoreboard for the Memphis Tigers last season. The 6’3″ guard averaged an eye-popping 21.7 points per game, good for third in the nation across Division I. Among players expected to return for the 2025–26 college basketball season, no one scored more.
His ability to put up numbers in clutch moments made him one of the most sought-after names in the college basketball transfer portal. In the AAC Tournament, Haggerty scored a career-high 42 points against Wichita State and followed that up with 23 points against UAB in the championship game.
A Big Price Tag and Limited Options
When Haggerty entered the portal, reports circulated that he was seeking a $4 million NIL deal—a massive figure that made waves across the college hoops landscape. While some teams were interested, many top programs had already filled their rosters or exhausted their NIL budgets.
That made Haggerty’s next move even more intriguing. Which school could offer the right mix of opportunity, exposure, and NIL resources?
NC State: The Unexpected Contender
According to college basketball insider Jeff Goodman, the NC State Wolfpack have taken the lead in the race to land Haggerty. The Wolfpack, who were just in the Final Four in 2024 as a Cinderella No. 11 seed, had a disappointing 12–19 season last year. They’ve since made big changes—starting with the hiring of Will Wade as head coach.
Wade, known for his recruiting savvy and fiery coaching style, made noise this past season by leading McNeese to an NCAA Tournament win. Now at NC State, he’s rebuilding quickly—and Haggerty could be the centerpiece.
Other Suitors Backing Off
While Chris Beard’s Ole Miss squad was once considered a serious suitor, reports now indicate they’re no longer in the running. That clears the way for NC State to close the deal—if they can meet Haggerty’s expectations.
The timing also works in NC State’s favor. With fewer viable options left, and Haggerty still unsigned, the Wolfpack appear to have the flexibility—and the incentive—to make a big play.
NC State’s Portal Rebuild Underway
So far, Wade has done solid work in the college basketball transfer portal, bringing in some key names:
- Terrance Arceneaux: A long, athletic wing from Houston known for his perimeter defense.
- Tre Holland: A seasoned combo guard from Michigan State with solid two-way upside.
- Jerry Deng: A 6’9” forward from Florida State and a former top-100 high school prospect with stretch potential.
What the team is missing, however, is a true lead guard—someone who can create, score, and command the offense. That’s where Haggerty fits perfectly.
A Tournament Push in the Making?
With Haggerty leading the offense, NC State could flip the script from last season’s disaster to a possible NCAA Tournament bid in the ACC. That’s no small task—the expanded 18-team ACC only sent four teams to the Big Dance last year, the fewest in recent memory.
But with Wade on the sidelines, new talent pouring in, and Haggerty potentially running the show, the Wolfpack would become one of the most compelling turnaround stories in college basketball.
What’s Next for Haggerty?
As of now, Haggerty remains unsigned, but with the portal window closing and rosters being finalized, a decision could come soon. All signs point to NC State being in the driver’s seat.
Landing a player of Haggerty’s caliber this late in the offseason would be a massive win for Wade and the Wolfpack—and it would reshape the balance of power in the college basketball transfer portal for 2025–26.
Final Thoughts
The college basketball transfer portal continues to change the game in ways fans are still getting used to. With big-name players like PJ Haggerty making moves—and schools like NC State ready to capitalize—it’s a new era of roster-building in college hoops.
And as always, the biggest deals don’t happen in March—they happen in May.
This is a fascinating analysis of Haggerty’s potential move and its impact on NC State. The timing seems perfect for the Wolfpack to make a significant play. With Wade’s influence and new talent coming in, this could be a game-changer for the team. The mention of May being the key month for big deals adds an interesting perspective. What specific factors make NC State the most appealing option for Haggerty?
That’s a really intriguing analysis of Haggerty’s situation and how it could shape NC State’s future. The timing does seem almost too perfect for the Wolfpack to make a bold move, especially with Wade’s presence and the influx of new talent. It makes me wonder how much of a role personality and style fit into this decision for Haggerty. If NC State does pull this off, it could totally redefine their position in college basketball. But I’m curious—what do you think sets NC State apart from other potential schools for him? Is it purely the resources, or is there something more intangible that makes them the best fit? This could be a defining moment for both Haggerty and the Wolfpack. Do you think this move could actually turn them into a serious contender?