'The city breathes basketball': Why Congolese C Paul Mbiya committed to NC State

There’s something about an NC State big man, especially one with a fun style of basketball. DJ Burns took the fan base — and eventually the world — by storm with his old-school style in the paint and his outgoing attitude to pace the Wolfpack to the 2024 Final Four in Phoenix.  As the legend of Burns ended in Raleigh, although he’s been welcomed back with open arms by nearly everyone in the city, another post player could be ready to carve out his own role at NC State: Congolese center Paul Mbiya. The 6-foot-11, 260-pound incoming freshman committed to NC State last Friday, quickly becoming a key part of the Wolfpack’s front court moving into Will Wade’s first season.