With Zam Jones gone and the Wolfpack’s three-point percentage plunging without her, Lauren Hurst’s elite shooting could be the exact fix Wes Moore’s offense needs.
When Lauren Hurst entered the transfer portal, it didn’t take long for a familiar storyline to resurface, one that could bring the former high school recruit full circle back to NC State and head coach Wes Moore’s Wolfpack program.
The 6’1″ Hurst originally visited Raleigh before committing to Tennessee. Now, as a portal entrant after one season with the Lady Volunteers, she fits the exact profile Moore has targeted successfully in the past: a previously recruited prospect with proven upside and immediate translatable skills.
Small Sample Size, Loud Shooting Numbers
Hurst’s freshman minutes at Tennessee were limited, but her efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, stood out immediately.
In 23 games (one start), she averaged 9.9 minutes per game, 2.3 points per game, and shot a scorching 41.4% from three point range, going 12 of 29. She also converted at a 48.8% clip from the field overall.
The numbers were even more impressive in SEC play. In a smaller sample, she went 10 of 18 from deep for 55.6%. While the volume was modest, elite shooters rarely post those percentages against that level of competition by accident. The efficiency suggests a skill set ready to scale with opportunity.
The High School Resume Backs It Up
Hurst’s college shooting wasn’t an outlier, it was a direct extension of her reputation before college. Scouts and evaluators praised her as a pure perimeter shooter with a high basketball IQ, elite off ball movement, and comfort in catch and shoot situations within spacing heavy systems. According to ESPN’s recruiting analysis, “Hurst is a fundamentally sound big guard with flashes of versatility. She can both hunt shots from deep and be that glue that helps the flow of the offense.” Sounds like Maddie Hayes!
Multiple recruiting profiles highlighted her quick release, deep range, and shot consistency, traits that project cleanly across systems and roles.
In short, the 41.4% (and 55.6% in conference) three point shooting at Tennessee simply confirmed what evaluators already knew about her identity as a shooter.
NC State’s Clear Need for Perimeter Shooting
The timing couldn’t be better for NC State. The Wolfpack’s 2025-26 season underscored a persistent area for improvement: three point shooting. The team finished the year at just 31.4% from beyond the arc (188 of 598), a mark that lagged behind what championship caliber offenses typically require. With opponents holding them to below a championship percentage, the Wolfpack’s perimeter efficiency became a noticeable drag despite an otherwise competitive 21-11 campaign.
The Pack was already short on three point specialists, and the loss of their best shooter Zam Jones to the transfer portal only heightens the urgency. Jones led the team with 68 made threes at 36.6% (68 of 186) and was the only consistent scoring threat from beyond the arc all season. Take away her production, and NC State’s team three point percentage dips significantly to 29.1% (120 of 412).Wes Moore’s system has long relied on floor spacing, ball movement, and perimeter threats to create easy looks inside. Adding a proven sharpshooter like Hurst directly addresses that need. Elite three point shooting doesn’t just stretch the floor, it forces defenses to respect the arc, opening driving lanes for Zoe Brooks and second chance opportunities that NC State’s roster has historically thrived on.
Why NC State Makes Sense, Again
Moore has built a reputation for circling back to former high school targets who hit the portal. The Wolfpack consistently re engage familiar recruits, prioritize players who already grasp the culture and system, and aggressively pursue shooting and spacing pieces to elevate their offense.
Hurst checks every box. She was already on NC State’s radar out of high school. She understands the style of play. And her skill set aligns perfectly with a program that values instant impact shooters.
Roster Fit: Shooting Is Always at a Premium
Regardless of exact roster turnover, one constant in Raleigh is the premium placed on perimeter efficiency. Hurst could immediately contribute as a bench spark, a situational floor spacer, or a developmental piece with significant long term upside. In Moore’s offense, minutes for shooters who can knock down open threes tend to materialize quickly, and production often scales once those minutes arrive.
The Bottom Line
Lauren Hurst may not have posted gaudy counting stats in her lone season at Tennessee, but the underlying numbers and pedigree tell a far more compelling story: 41.4% from three point range as a freshman, 55.6% in SEC play, and a high school profile built entirely around elite shooting.
For NC State, this isn’t just another name in the portal. It’s a known commodity they already evaluated, already liked, and now have a second chance to acquire, precisely when the roster data shows a clear need for perimeter reinforcement.
Given Wes Moore’s track record with portal reunions and the Wolfpack’s demonstrated need for sharpshooting, don’t be surprised if Raleigh emerges as a serious destination once again.
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