International C Paul Mbiya commits to NC State
NC State coach Will Wade continues to add to his first-ever roster with the Wolfpack. His latest addition? International center Paul Mbiya, sources told On3.
Mbiya, a native of the Congo that most recently played in France, was courted by Kansas, Kansas State and Oregon among others during his recruitment process.
The 6-foot-11, 260-pound post player dominated with ASVEL in the France-ProA U21 league this past season. He averaged 15.5 points with 11.6 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 1.1 steals in 32.5 minutes a game across 23 contests.
“Paul has a presence about him when you watch him that really jumps out at you,” Wade said in a statement on Friday evening. “He’s nearly seven feet tall, but his wingspan and length makes him appear even taller. He has the potential to be one of the best rim protectors and rebounders in college basketball, but also has a great offensive skill set. The sky is the limit for what he can become.”
Mbiya, who boasts a 7-foot-8 wingspan, started playing basketball just three years ago. He has developed at a quick pace as he started at the NBA Academy in Senegal before joining ASVEL, a club owned by former NBA legend Tony Parker, in France.
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Mbiya, 20, projects to slot in as the Wolfpack’s starting center, at the moment, bringing his high-level scoring and rebounding prowess to the post.
NC State has three scholarships available for the 2025-26 campaign. Mbiya joins Houston guard Terrance Arceneaux, McNeese guards Alyn Breed and Quadir Copeland, Michigan State guard Tre Holloman, Florida State forward Jerry Deng and Butler forward Colt Langdon as the Wolfpack’s portal pickups of the offseason.
The Pack also garnered a commitment from Tampa (Fla.) Sagemont Prep four-star guard Matt Able, while he also retained Arden (N.C.) Christ School four-star forward Mikey Wilkins‘ commitment. Sophomore guard Paul McNeil Jr. is the only returning scholarship player from last year’s squad.
