Trying to follow the madness with the five-in-five changes in college basketball isn't easy, but everyone is seeing some head-turning movement. On Friday alone, North Carolina and Michael Malone received the big news that Cameron Fens will be donning a Tar Heels jersey next campaign. Let's go ahead and check in on that team over in Raleigh.
Nope, not the same luck. Countless headlines are being made with standout playmaker Darrion Williams officially saying goodbye, deciding he's making the move back to Lubbock, where he previously spent two seasons. This transfer is allowed because Williams entered the portal earlier this year, meaning he wasn't forced to play for the Wolfpack next season.
Last campaign, Williams, at the time one of the best transfers in the country, helped NC State take down UNC 82-58. In that win, Williams posted 13 points, and ever since then, plenty of people have been chirping (still) at UNC. Following that victory, though, nothing but negative news has arrived for UNC's foe, and we're not going to complain about it.
NEWS: NC State transfer forward Darrion Williams has committed to return to Texas Tech, he told @On3.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) August 7, 2026
The 6-6 senior averaged 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this past season. Williams previously earned First Team All-Big 12 honors during his first stint with… https://t.co/7MUM87I7i8 pic.twitter.com/DxZcfvukzI
Darrion Williams leaving NC State was expected, but it still should sting for the Wolfpack
With Will Wade bailing on the program after just one season, it left NC State in a tough spot. Sure, bringing in alumnus and fan-favorite Justin Gainey helped put a band-aid on things, but no one can deny that losing Wade in the matter the program did has hurt a ton.
With Williams in particular, the door was open for him to return, yeah, but it was a longshot. That doesn't take away from the fact that he's also one-and-done in Raleigh, which adds to the suffering (just not for us). On the same day that North Carolina got its big news on Fens as well? Again, we're going to go ahead and celebrate that if you don't mind.
You know what makes things better, too? Part of NC State's rough offseason also included former 5-star signee Matt Able entering the portal and joining the real top team in the state: North Carolina. Michael Malone was aggressive in pursuing Able, and even he admitted the level of play between the two schools isn't close.
There was worry that Able was going to bolt on UNC, though, and stay in the NBA Draft, but he thankfully didn't and the expectations could not be higher for him next season. He'll be ready to stick it to his old team - in the matchup vs. Carolina last February, he scored 19 points for Wade and State. .
All this is to say that while NC State and Gainey have done a fantastic job of rebuilding the roster and making things work, Wade screwed over the team, and the hits seem to keep on coming. Williams likely saw what was in front of him, which is why he (assumedly) didn't entertain returning for his last season of college ball with NC State. Rather, he's left for greener pastures, leaving the ACC side behind.
That might have local fans a bit upset, but you know what, it's nothing for the Carolina faithful to worry about. Instead, it's something that should provide plenty of smiles, especially after Wolfpack supporters have been talking so much hardwood trash talk in recent months. Karma? Maybe, but it's fun to witness regardless.
Add us as a preferred source on Google