Tar Heel to Wolfpack? Ven-Allen Lubin Projected to Join In-State Rival NC State in Stunning Portal Twist
UNC’s breakout big man could be switching shades of red and blue and the ACC might never be the same.
The college basketball offseason has been full of surprises, but few moves would pack the emotional punch of this one: North Carolina center Ven-Allen Lubin is now projected to transfer to in-state rival NC State, according to multiple reports.
Lubin, a 6-foot-8 forward who played a key role for the Tar Heels last season, originally entered the transfer portal with the possibility of returning to Chapel Hill. But now it looks like the versatile big man is preparing for a major twist swapping baby blue for Wolfpack red.
A Rising Star in Chapel Hill
Lubin’s numbers from last season don’t tell the full story, but they hint at it: 8.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game across 37 appearances, including 20 starts. What truly stood out, though, was his finish.
In the closing stretch of the season, Lubin scored in double figures in 11 straight games, emerging as a key inside presence for Hubert Davis’ squad. His high motor, soft touch around the rim, and rebounding toughness helped solidify UNC’s frontcourt late in the year.
247Sports currently ranks Lubin as the No. 144 overall player in the transfer portal, though his late-season surge may have understated his true impact and potential.
Why NC State?
For NC State, the potential addition of Lubin is massive. Kevin Keatts’ program is looking to reload after its thrilling run to the 2024 Final Four, and landing a seasoned ACC center with proven production and familiarity with league opponents is a major win.
While it’s still a projection at this point, the buzz is building and it makes sense. Lubin could slide into a starting role immediately in Raleigh and bring an edge to the post that the Wolfpack needs, especially if other frontcourt pieces depart for the pros or elsewhere.
Portal Politics and Tobacco Road Drama
Transfers happen. But when a former Tar Heel crosses the border into enemy territory, it hits differently.
UNC vs. NC State is one of the fiercest rivalries in college sports, and while it may lack the national spotlight of UNC-Duke, the regional tension is just as real. If Lubin indeed joins the Wolfpack, you can bet the Dean Dome will be rocking with energy and a fair bit of hostility when he returns.
What’s more, Lubin’s switch would be a symbolic victory for NC State in the transfer portal era. Not just poaching a productive player but taking him directly from Chapel Hill.
UNC Moves On, But Will Fans Forget?
As for North Carolina, Hubert Davis and his staff have already begun reshaping their roster through the portal, bringing in some high-level talent to fill key roles. The Tar Heels are expected to remain contenders next season, but Lubin’s departure especially if it’s to Raleigh will sting.
Sometimes in college basketball, the offseason battles matter just as much as what happens in March. If Lubin joins NC State, you can pencil in that first matchup against UNC as must-watch television.
The Portal Strikes Again
Ven-Allen Lubin to NC State? It’s not official yet but the momentum is real, and the fallout would be seismic.
Stay tuned, because if this portal prediction comes true, the next chapter in the Tobacco Road rivalry might just be its spiciest yet.
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