NC State Adds Hungry Backcourt Duo to Rebuild Under New Coach

Transfers Christian Hammond and Preston Edmead bring mid-major success to the Wolfpack's new era.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:04pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring abstract geometric shapes and planes of vibrant blue, red, and yellow colors, conceptually representing the dynamic new backcourt duo at NC State.A cubist interpretation of the new-look NC State backcourt, with mid-major transfers Christian Hammond and Preston Edmead ready to prove themselves against high-major competition.Today in Raleigh

NC State has added two key transfers to its backcourt under new head coach Justin Gainey, bringing in Santa Clara's Christian Hammond and Hofstra's Preston Edmead. Both players had success at the mid-major level and are looking to prove themselves against high-major competition in the ACC. Gainey is emphasizing toughness as he rebuilds the Wolfpack program.

Why it matters

After a disappointing 2025-26 season, NC State is undergoing a roster overhaul under new coach Justin Gainey. The additions of Hammond and Edmead represent Gainey's vision for building the team around tough, hungry players who can compete in the ACC. If the duo can translate their mid-major success to the high-major level, NC State could emerge as a surprise contender in the conference, similar to how Virginia did a few years ago.

The details

Hammond and Edmead both had standout seasons at the mid-major level. Hammond, a combo guard, improved in each of his three games against Gonzaga, culminating in a 24-point performance in the WCC Tournament title game. He also scored 20+ points against Power Conference foes Arizona State and Minnesota. Edmead, a point guard, became one of the best offensive players in the CAA as a freshman, and he scored 24 points against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament. Both players are looking to prove they can compete at the high-major level under Gainey's guidance.

  • In the 2025-26 season, Edmead scored 15 points per game against high-major competition.
  • In March 2026, Edmead scored 24 points against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament.
  • In the 2025-26 season, Hammond scored 20+ points against Arizona State and Minnesota.

The players

Christian Hammond

A combo guard who played at Santa Clara, Hammond improved in each of his three games against Gonzaga, culminating in a 24-point performance in the WCC Tournament title game. He also scored 20+ points against Power Conference foes Arizona State and Minnesota.

Preston Edmead

A point guard who played at Hofstra, Edmead became one of the best offensive players in the CAA as a freshman. In the NCAA Tournament, he stood up to Alabama's larger SEC defenders and scored 24 points.

Justin Gainey

The new head coach at NC State, Gainey is emphasizing toughness as he rebuilds the Wolfpack program. As an undersized guard himself, he'll try to instill that mentality in his new backcourt duo of Hammond and Edmead.

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What’s next

The new-look NC State roster will be tested early in the 2026-27 season as they face high-major competition in the non-conference schedule. If Hammond and Edmead can translate their mid-major success to the ACC, the Wolfpack could emerge as a surprise contender in the conference.

The takeaway

By adding hungry, tough players like Hammond and Edmead to the backcourt, new NC State coach Justin Gainey is taking a different approach than his predecessor. If this mid-major duo can prove they belong at the high-major level, the Wolfpack could be poised for a turnaround season and challenge the ACC's elite.