RALEIGH — As NC State head coach Justin Gainey begins making noise in the transfer portal, one major retention question looms large over the program: What will Paul McNeil do? The sharpshooter reportedly intends to enter the transfer portal, although he hasn’t made things official yet. However, he left things open for a return to the Pack after spending the first two seasons of his career there.

McNeil could be a key bridge player for Gainey as he tries to rebuild NC State following a mass exodus in the final days of the Will Wade era, which lasted just one season. The sophomore guard established a close relationship with Wade during their lone year together and also potentially played himself into the NBA Draft conversation. Still, he might benefit most from sticking it out in Raleigh.

Gainey could add another element to McNeil

NC State’s new coach established a reputation over his 20 years as an assistant as one of the best defensive coaches in the country. Most recently at Tennessee, Gainey helped the Volunteers become one of the most consistent and stingy defenses in the country in all five seasons he spent there, something many around Raleigh hope travels with Gainey.

At 6-foot-5, McNeil has the athleticism and wingspan to develop into a much stronger defender. He had several chase-down blocks and incredibly bouncy defensive highlights during the 2025-26 season under Wade. Gainey might see the potential in the talented guard and tap into it even further if he can convince him to stay, turning McNeil into a 3-and-D weapon.

An opportunity to leave a legacy

McNeil, like Gainey, is a native of North Carolina, hailing from nearby Rockingham. As a high schooler, the guard made a name for himself when he shattered the state record for most points in a game, scoring 71 points. He ultimately decided to stay close to home and chose NC State, joining then-coach Kevin Keatts. He stuck it out through one coaching change.

When he earned a starting role under Wade with his work ethic and incredible 3-point shooting, McNeil became a fan favorite at NC State. His confident personality and love for the area and school only helped with that. Now, he has a chance to take that love to another level if he chooses to stay in Raleigh for one more season.

Buying time for the pros

There are completely reasonable financial reasons for McNeil to make a move, as some of the reported offers for other high-profile transfers are truly life-changing numbers for college athletes. However, if the decision comes down to NC State and the NBA Draft process, it’s probably in McNeil’s best interest to stay put for one more season.

After averaging 13.8 points on 42.7% from 3-point range in his sophomore year, McNeil’s usage and role would be even bigger should he choose to return to NC State. Another season with even gaudier numbers, coupled with potential defensive improvements under Gainey’s watch, could vault the guard from second-round pick into first-round conversations.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — More than 100 breweries and retailers across North Carolina are pulling up chairs to celebrate the third annual North Carolina Pint Day on Sunday, April 12.

Pint Day is an initiative to help promote, prepare and protect independent craft breweries in North Carolina.

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Each year, the North Carolina Brewers Guild celebrates with a limited edition collectible pint glass. This year’s glass was designed by Asheville-based artist Sadie Tynch.

According to the North Carolina Brewers Guild website, the design illustrates a blend of North Carolina’s native wildlife, botanical life, music, agriculture and community.

“Three years in, NC Pint Day has become something bigger than the glass itself,” said Lisa Parker, Executive Director of the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild, in a news release. “ North Carolina’s independent craft breweries have long doubled as third spaces and community anchors, the kind of places where a neighborhood fundraiser gets organized, a local band plays their first show, or two strangers end up talking for hours. This glass is a celebration of that!”

According to a news release, with every glass bought, $1 will be sold directly to the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild’s work for advocating, educating, and promoting the state’s craft brewing industry.

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NC Pint Day is part of the Guild’s Hop into Spring campaign that encourages North Carolinians and visitors to explore, enjoy, and support local breweries across the state.

For a full list of participating breweries, visit here.

Last season, the North Carolina Tar Heels massively underwhelmed in Bill Belichick’s first season as the head coach. In the 73-year-old head coach’s inaugural campaign, North Carolina went 4-8 and finished 14th in the ACC.

While the Tar Heels were one of the most disappointing teams in 2025, they have multiple players expected to be selected at some point in the 2026 NFL Draft. In the upcoming draft, defensive backs Thaddeus Dixon and Marcus Allen are the most notable Tar Heels in this year’s class. Here is a look at how North Carolina has developed its players who have entered the 2026 NFL Draft.

Belichick’s Influence

Throughout Belichick’s career, he has developed elite defensive players, and while that wasn’t evident last season, his influence has extended to the coaching staff, with Steve Belichick as the defensive coordinator.

Dixon, who is projected as a Day 3 pick, spoke on Belichick’s impact and how his ideologies and practices on the defensive side of the ball are more advanced than those typically seen in college.

• “Being around a dude like that, with so much football knowledge, who could coach all 22 positions on the field – it was really a blessing,” Dixon said. “Coach Bill Belichick does a lot. He cares a lot about the game and about his players. I learned so much – stuff that can never be taken away from me, stuff I can take into the league.”

• “He runs his program like an NFL team,” Dixon continued. “He treats us like men – not really as college athletes, but as grown men. He gives us the freedom to do what we need to do to take care of our business. Obviously, that freedom can be taken away at any time, but it’s about being a professional each and every day – the way he goes about his days, with afternoon practices and meetings and stuff like that. It really sets us up to be in position for stuff like this.”

Increased Opportunities

With a slew of injuries to the secondary, including Dixon, who missed seven games last season, North Carolina was forced to deploy multiple defensive backs out of position. In turn, Dixon also filled several roles in the depleted secondary.

As for Allen, he proved to be a sticky defender in man-to-man coverage, which is monumental at the next level. Defenses have shifted to operating more often in zone defenses, but in key situations and pivotal moments, defensive coordinators lean on cornerbacks to lock down their assignments in blitz packages.