NC State's Zoe Brooks Uncertain for NCAA Second Round vs. Michigan

Star point guard's status unclear after suffering foot injury in opening round win over Tennessee.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:25pm

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NC State junior guard Zoe Brooks suffered a right foot injury in the team's opening round NCAA Tournament win over Tennessee and will not practice ahead of the Wolfpack's second round matchup against Michigan. Brooks' status for the game against the 2-seeded Wolverines is uncertain, with coach Wes Moore saying the priority is Brooks' health and future. If Brooks is unable to play, NC State is expected to rely on sophomore guard Zam Jones and freshman guard Ky'She Lunan to handle the ball.

Why it matters

Brooks is NC State's second-leading scorer and a key facilitator for the Wolfpack offense. Her potential absence would be a major blow as the team tries to advance past the second round of the NCAA Tournament against a tough Michigan squad.

The details

Brooks appeared to slip and suffer the injury while driving to the basket in the third quarter against Tennessee. She was helped to the locker room and did not return to the game. The Wolfpack won 72-68, but now face uncertainty around their star player's status for the second round.

  • Brooks was injured in the third quarter of NC State's opening round NCAA Tournament win over Tennessee on March 17, 2026.
  • NC State is scheduled to play Michigan in the second round on March 19, 2026.

The players

Zoe Brooks

A junior guard and second-leading scorer for the NC State Wolfpack women's basketball team.

Wes Moore

The 13th-year head coach of the NC State Wolfpack women's basketball team.

Zam Jones

A sophomore guard for the NC State Wolfpack who scored a career-high 30 points in the opening round win over Tennessee.

Ky'She Lunan

A freshman guard for the NC State Wolfpack who has served as the backup point guard this season and played well in the closing minutes against Tennessee.

Michigan Wolverines

The 2-seeded opponent that NC State is scheduled to face in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to say at this point. The first priority is going to be her health and making sure she's not as risk as far as her future goes. Some of it may come down to how she feels tomorrow.”

— Wes Moore, Head Coach, NC State Wolfpack

“She probably doesn't realize it a lot of times because I'm hard on them. Ky'She's a very talented player. It's a big adjustment from the mental standpoint and all the things that are thrown at them. She's handled that very well. … I've got a lot of confidence in her, and I think the other players do as well.”

— Wes Moore, Head Coach, NC State Wolfpack

“She did a great job. I'm ready for her to step up and do it again against Michigan.”

— Zam Jones, Sophomore Guard, NC State Wolfpack

What’s next

The NCAA's initial availability report for the second round matchup between NC State and Michigan is scheduled to release on Friday, March 18, 2026 at 9 p.m., which could provide more clarity on Zoe Brooks' status for the game.

The takeaway

NC State's hopes of advancing in the NCAA Tournament hinge on the health of star point guard Zoe Brooks. If she is unable to play or is limited against Michigan, the Wolfpack will need strong performances from their supporting cast to pull off the upset against the 2-seeded Wolverines.