This is Part 3 in the series of “Culture of Development”.
Zoe Brooks’ Steady Rise: From Freshman Contributor to All-ACC Star Under Wes Moore’s Development System at NC State
Zoe Brooks arrived at NC State as one of the most decorated guards in the 2023 class. A 5-10 combo guard from Plainfield, New Jersey, she ranked as the No. 4 guard and No. 9 overall prospect by ESPN with a 97 scout grade. She earned McDonald’s All-American honors, was named National Player of the Year by SB Live, and averaged 22.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.5 steals, and 4.1 assists as a high school senior.
Three seasons later, Brooks has evolved from a dynamic freshman who contributed off the bench into a full-time starter, All-ACC First Team selection, and the engine of the Wolfpack offense. Her journey exemplifies the patient, high-standard player development that defines head coach Wes Moore’s program.
Moore has described Brooks as a combo guard who can run the point, break down defenses, and score at all levels while making teammates better. Her growth in scoring efficiency, leadership, and consistency shows exactly how Moore’s system rewards talent that buys in and works.
Freshman Year (2023-24): Immediate Impact with Room to Grow
Brooks played in a program-record 38 games as a freshman, starting seven times and averaging 26.4 minutes per game. She posted 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game with shooting splits of 41.5% FG, 18.5% 3PT, and 71.4% FT.
She led the team in total assists (130) and delivered one of the most memorable moments in recent program history with a triple-double (14 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) against Liberty. She also earned ACC All-Freshman Team honors and played meaningful minutes in the NCAA Tournament run, including strong showings against top competition.
The year focused on adjustment to college pace and physicality while learning Moore’s system. Limited starts meant she contributed in bursts, showing flashes of the playmaking and scoring ability that would define her later success.
Sophomore Year (2024-25): The Breakthrough and Most Improved Honor
Brooks took a major leap in her second season. She started all 34 games, increased her minutes to 31.8 per game, and boosted her production to 14.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Her shooting improved significantly to 46.2% FG, 28.2% 3PT, and 75.6% FT.
She earned All-ACC First Team honors and became the first NC State women’s player to win ACC Most Improved Player. Standout performances included a career-high 33 points (with 14 made free throws) and 10 rebounds in a double-overtime win over No. 1 Notre Dame. She posted multiple 20-plus point games and double-doubles while helping the team reach the NCAA Sweet 16.
This season marked her transition to a full-time starter and primary offensive option. The efficiency gains and increased workload showed the benefits of another year in Moore’s program.
Junior Year (2025-26): Leadership, Efficiency, and All-ACC Repeat
Brooks continued her ascent as a junior. She started all 31 games, averaged 32.9 minutes, and posted career highs of 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Shooting splits were 43.7% FG and a standout 86.8% FT.
She repeated as All-ACC First Team and delivered several signature performances, including a career-high 37 points (with a school-record 19 made free throws) at Virginia. She surpassed 1,000 career points, recorded multiple double-doubles, and led the team in several key categories while stepping into a larger leadership role on a young roster.
Her improved free-throw shooting and playmaking stood out, along with her ability to score in the paint and create for others. Advanced metrics continued to climb, reflecting greater efficiency and impact.
What the Numbers Reveal About Her Development
Here is a year-over-year comparison (per-game averages):
| Season | GP/GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 (Fr) | 38/7 | 26.4 | 9.0 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 1.4 | .415 | .185 | .714 |
| 2024-25 (So) | 34/34 | 31.8 | 14.2 | 4.7 | 3.7 | 1.3 | .462 | .282 | .756 |
| 2025-26 (Jr) | 31/31 | 32.9 | 16.0 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 1.7 | .437 | .230 | .868 |
| Career | 103/72 | 30.2 | 12.8 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 1.5 | .440 | .234 | .790 |
The progression is striking. Minutes and starts increased dramatically. Scoring rose steadily while efficiency improved, especially at the free-throw line (from the low 70s to nearly 87%). Assists climbed as she took on more playmaking responsibility. She went from a talented freshman contributor to a complete, high-usage guard who impacts every facet of the game.
Wes Moore’s Development Blueprint in Action
Moore’s program emphasizes fundamentals, accountability, and long-term growth. Brooks has benefited from consistent coaching that pushes players to refine their games year after year. Moore has noted that Brooks leads more by example than through vocal leadership at times, but she has grown into that role on a young team.
Her improvements in decision-making, free-throw shooting, and overall consistency reflect the staff’s focus on skill development and mental toughness. Like other players in the program, Brooks has shown what happens when elite talent stays committed and works through the system. Moore has highlighted her ability to make teammates better, a trait that has only strengthened as her role has expanded.
Looking Ahead
Entering her senior year in 2026-27, Brooks is positioned as the unquestioned leader and cornerstone of the Wolfpack backcourt. With back-to-back All-ACC First Team selections, over 1,300 career points, and nearly 400 assists already in the NC State record book, she has established herself as one of the top guards in the conference.
Zoe Brooks’ story highlights the value of patience and development in Moore’s program. From highly touted freshman to All-ACC star who leads by example and elevates those around her, she has grown into exactly the type of player Moore’s system produces best: someone who gets better every season, embraces larger responsibilities, and delivers when it matters most.
For NC State fans, Brooks represents the future of the program. Her continued growth promises even more impact in her possible final year and beyond.
Leave a Reply