PackWBB.com

RALEIGH, N.C. – With the 2025-26 campaign in the books and the transfer portal window open, NC State women’s basketball is already building toward an exciting, re-tooled roster for 2026-27. The biggest immediate shift in the frontcourt came this week when reserve post player Mallory Collier entered the transfer portal after three seasons in Raleigh.

The 6-3 junior center saw limited action off the bench (16 games, 2.6 points and 1.1 rebounds per game). While her departure reduces traditional interior depth, it accelerates the opportunity for a younger, longer, and far more athletic group of forwards and wings to step into bigger roles under head coach Wes Moore.

Here’s what the projected frontcourt rotation looks like heading into next season (assuming no further portal activity):

The Core Veterans

• Khamil Pierre (Senior, 6-2 F) – The heartbeat of the frontcourt and a proven All-ACC performer. Pierre returns as a senior captain after posting big numbers as a junior and will anchor the paint with her physicality and motor.
• Tilda Trygger (Junior, 6-6 C/F) – The tallest piece on the roster and a breakout star in the making. Trygger’s length, rim protection, and rebounding make her the ideal centerpiece.
• Maddie Cox (Senior, 6-2 F) – Veteran toughness and experience that provides reliable depth.

The Incoming and Developing Talent

• Annsley Trivette (Freshman, 6-3 F) – A four-star recruit who arrives with length, athleticism, and versatile skill.
• Kamora Pruitt (Freshman, 6-1 W/F) – Elite athleticism, perimeter scoring ability, and the versatility to stretch the floor or attack off the dribble.
• Favour Chinoye (F, 6-1) – Adds physicality and international flair to the mix.

How the Rotation Changes Athletically and Talent-Wise

Losing Collier trims some traditional back-to-the-basket depth, but the new frontcourt gains significantly in mobility, length, perimeter skill, and overall athleticism. Pierre’s dominance and Trygger’s 6-6 wingspan will still control the paint, while the freshmen add explosiveness, switchability, and the ability to create mismatches on both ends. It’s a modern, up-tempo frontcourt built for Wes Moore’s system, one that can run the floor, guard multiple positions, and punish opponents with size and skill.

Comparing to ACC Rivals: How Freshmen Can Help Flip the Script

Duke, UNC, Louisville, and Notre Dame all defeated NC State this past season, frequently exploiting advantages in rebounding battles, athleticism on the wings, interior physicality, and defensive versatility. The arrival of freshmen Annsley Trivette and Kamora Pruitt gives the Wolfpack exactly the dynamic, athletic pieces needed to counter those deficiencies head-on.

• Duke: The Blue Devils leveraged their superior speed to out-rebound NC State and dominate the glass, especially in transition. Kamora Pruitt’s elite athleticism and Annsley Trivette’s length and rebounding prowess should allow the Wolfpack to match Duke’s pace on the floor, compete more fiercely on the boards, and eliminate the second-chance opportunities that hurt State this season.
• UNC: North Carolina often controlled the glass and wore down State’s frontcourt with physical play. Trivette’s length, athleticism, and rebounding prowess, combined with Pruitt’s fresh energy and versatility, should help the Wolfpack compete more effectively on the boards and provide the sustained intensity needed in extended possessions.
• Louisville: The Cardinals relied on experienced, physical posts to control the paint and limit second-chance opportunities. With Tilda Trygger’s 6-6 presence anchoring the interior and both freshmen bringing added size, mobility, and multi-positional flexibility, NC State now has the depth and athleticism to challenge Louisville’s physical frontcourt more effectively throughout games.
• Notre Dame: The Irish utilized their speed and athletic length to out-rebound NC State and create extra possessions. The new freshmen duo, particularly Pruitt’s perimeter-oriented game and Trivette’s ability to stretch the floor while maintaining defensive presence, will give Wes Moore far more athleticism and tenacity on the glass, helping the Pack neutralize Notre Dame’s rebounding edge and keep games far more competitive on the boards.

This evolution makes the 2026-27 frontcourt not only deeper but significantly more equipped to compete with, and potentially surpass, these top ACC frontcourts next season. The loss of Collier stings in terms of immediate depth, but it clears the runway for a more dynamic, athletic unit that fits perfectly with Moore’s up-tempo, versatile style.NC State fans have plenty to be excited about as the Wolfpack builds toward another deep ACC and NCAA Tournament run. The 2026-27 frontcourt won’t just replace what was lost, it will evolve into something even more dangerous.

The future in Raleigh looks long, athletic, and loaded with talent.