Storyline #2: NC State’s Three-Point Shooting in 2026-27
Here’s the revised version of the article with Audrey Ericksen added:
Three-Point Shooting: Can NC State Improve Over Last Season?
NC State’s offense showed plenty of promise last season, but one area consistently held the team back: three-point shooting. The Wolfpack finished the 2025-26 season shooting just 31.4% from beyond the arc (188-of-598). While the interior scoring and rebounding were strengths, the lack of consistent perimeter shooting limited spacing and made it easier for defenses to pack the paint.
Improving from the outside is now one of the clearest paths for NC State to take a step forward in 2026-27.
The Biggest Addition: Desiree Wooten
The most significant move to address this issue came through the transfer portal. NC State added Desiree Wooten, a guard who spent last season at Colorado after beginning her career at North Texas. Wooten averaged 13.4 points per game and shot 35.2% from three-point range as a junior, while also contributing 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals.
Her arrival is particularly notable because she is expected to fill the void left by Zam Jones, who transferred to Louisville. Jones was a key part of last year’s backcourt and provided scoring punch, but Wooten projects as a more efficient option, especially if she receives a larger role and extended minutes. With her ability to create her own shot and knock down threes at a higher clip than the team average last season, Wooten gives NC State a proven perimeter threat who can help stretch defenses.
Supporting Pieces and Development
Wooten will not be asked to carry the three-point load alone. Several returning players have room to grow from the perimeter, and the incoming freshmen class brings additional shooting potential. Walk-on senior Audrey Ericksen, a known three-point threat, could also provide valuable spacing and shooting off the bench. The new frontcourt, built around versatile forwards rather than a traditional center, should help create better spacing and lead to more open three-point opportunities.
If the Wolfpack can combine Wooten’s shooting with improved accuracy from players like Zoe Brooks, Qadence Samuels, and Ky’She Lunan, along with contributions from newcomers and Ericksen, the offense could look noticeably different. A more perimeter-oriented attack would complement the team’s shift toward positionless basketball and make it harder for opponents to load up on interior defenders.
The Stakes
Last season’s 31.4% three-point shooting was a clear limitation. Even with strong play from Khamil Pierre and others inside, the lack of consistent outside shooting prevented the offense from reaching a higher level of efficiency. In a league where many teams emphasize spacing and perimeter play, improving from deep could be the difference between another solid season and becoming a legitimate contender in the ACC.
The addition of Desiree Wooten gives NC State its best individual three-point shooter from last season’s roster. How well she transitions into a larger role, combined with development across the rest of the roster, will go a long way in determining whether the Wolfpack can meaningfully raise their three-point numbers in 2026-27.
Up next in the series: We will look at whether returning players took meaningful steps forward during the offseason.
Do you think adding Desiree Wooten is enough to fix NC State’s three-point shooting, or will the team need more widespread improvement across the roster? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!
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