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1. N.C. State’s going to be tested with its schedule

Will Wade isn’t shy. He spoke openly about coaching at N.C. State while he was still at McNeese. And once he got to Raleigh, it didn’t take long for him to take a jab at North Carolina.

He’s not shy about scheduling, either.

N.C. State dropped its full non-conference schedule on Wednesday, which is a healthy mix of high-profile matchups (Kansas, Auburn, the Maui Invitational), buy games, and a dose of NCAA Tournament-caliber teams, such as VCU, and Liberty. It’s not a back-breaking schedule, but it’s a massive upgrade from the last few seasons — KenPom ranked N.C. State’s non-con slate in the 300s the last three seasons — and one that should test a fully revamped roster.

And how good is that roster? No one really knows. Yet. There’s certainly talent.

He brought two players with him from McNeese, senior guard Alyn Breed (6-3) and senior wing Quadir Copeland (6-6), both of whom will vie for starting spots. Houston transfer Terrance Arceneaux (6-6) is perhaps the best NBA prospect, while Michigan State transfer Tre Holloman (6-2) will spearhead the defense. Big man Ven-Allen Lubin (6-8) was good in spurts for UNC and Wyoming transfer Scottie Ebube (6-10) is a dunking machine.

It’s enough talent that 4-star freshman Matt Able (6-5) may not see the floor that often, and Florida State transfer Jerry Deng (6-9) may not be needed if his offensive game doesn’t materialize.

Then there’s Texas Tech transfer Darrion Williams, a 6-6 senior who ranked as the top available player this offseason because of his ability to score inside and outside. He’ll be the key to unlocking N.C. State’s ultimate upside and should lead the team in scoring.

If there’s a downside, it’s that N.C. State has good, but not overwhelming size up front. As Terrence Oglesby and Rob Dauster note, there isn’t a rim protector or a guy to play through in the post.

Whether that lack of size becomes an issue — the defense is switchable and athletic — remains to be seen, and probably will only matter against a handful of teams.

Most projections have Duke and Louisville as the ACC’s top teams, followed by some order of North Carolina, Virginia N.C. State, Clemson and SMU. Given the roster makeup, a top 6 league finish and an NCAA Tournament should be the goal in Wade’s first season.

If he exceeds that expectation, the Triangle might end up as the center of the college basketball universe. Again.

2. A welcome sight in Chapel Hill

North Carolina revamped its roster this offseason with a couple notable transfers and an incredibly important international addition — who hadn’t arrived on campus until Wednesday.

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