NC State C signee Paul Mbiya requests release from NLI
NC State’s roster dominos continue to fall. Shortly after adding a commitment from Wyoming transfer center Scottie Ebube, incoming Congolese freshman Paul Mbiya release from his national letter of intent Wednesday afternoon.
The 6-foot-11, 260-pound post player committed and signed with the Wolfpack last month after he dominated with ASVEL in the France-ProA U21 league this past season. He averaged 15.5 points with 11.6 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 1.1 steals in 32.5 minutes a game across 23 contests.
Mbiya, who boasts a 7-foot-8 wingspan, started playing basketball just three years ago. He has developed at a quick pace as he started at the NBA Academy in Senegal before joining ASVEL, a club owned by former NBA legend Tony Parker, in France.
“I chose NC State because it’s a program that develops big guys well,” Mbiya told TheWolfpacker.com via direct message after he committed. “It’s a winning program.”
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Mbiya is likely to have a long line of suitors after he opted out of the NBA Draft. He was projected to have a significant role on the Wolfpack’s roster, possibly pushing for a starting role at the center spot this season.
“Paul has a presence about him when you watch him that really jumps out at you,” NC State coach Will Wade said after Mbiya signed with the Pack. “He’s nearly seven feet tall, but his wingspan and length makes him appear even taller. He has the potential to be one of the best rim protectors and rebounders in college basketball, but also has a great offensive skill set. The sky is the limit for what he can become.”
Now, NC State will rely upon North Carolina transfer Ven-Allen Lubin, former four-star freshman Mikey Wilkins and Ebube in the front court for Wade’s first season.
