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NC State forward Ernest Ross returns to Wolfpack after committing to UTSA

image_6483441 (3)by:Noah Fleischman•05/15/24•

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Ernest Ross
Mar 16, 2024; Washington, D.C., USA; The North Carolina State Wolfpack bench reacts against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

NC State junior forward Ernest Ross is back. He entered the transfer portal in April, later committed to UTSA, but the 6-foot-9 big man announced he was returning to NC State on Wednesday morning via social media.

The Wolfpack has now filled all 13 scholarships for the 2024-25 season with Ross’ decision to rejoin NC State.

A former four-star recruit, Ross played in 13 games and scored 4 total points during the Wolfpack’s 2023-24 campaign. He finished the year 2-for-11 from the field, including 0-for-8 from three. Ross, a joyful presence in the locker room, provided key morale-boosting energy for the team during its run to the Final Four with his “three-point goggles” on the bench.

Ross logged 2 points on 1-for-2 shooting across eight minutes in the Pack’s win over Charleston Southern on Nov. 17.

Then, it took 34 games for Ross to score again. 

The 6-foot-9 forward scored 2 points in the Wolfpack’s ACC Tournament Championship win over North Carolina on March 16. 

That singular basket meant more than just the pair of points that it gave the Wolfpack in the first half against its arch-rival Tar Heels. 

“I’ve been working for it for so long,” Ross told TheWolfpacker.com afterward. “To get that opportunity, it just shows me that my hard work has paid off.”

Ross last appeared in the Wolfpack’s Sweet 16 win over Marquette for less than a minute in Dallas on March 29.

The reserve forward played a season-best 11 minutes in the team’s regular-season finale, a 81-73 loss at Pittsburgh on March 9. He missed a three-point attempt in the appearance.

Ross’ playing time this past season decreased from his sophomore campaign, where he appeared in 34 games. He averaged 3.5 points with 2.5 rebounds a game during that season with the Wolfpack. 

The Alachua, Fla., native was second on the team in blocks with 27 during the 2022-23 season. He led the team in that department in 11 games during the campaign.

During his NC State career, Ross has averaged 2.3 points with 1.8 rebounds and 35 total blocks. He scored a career-best 17 points in a double overtime win over Miami during his sophomore year.

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