News Summary
Dontrez Styles has made history as the first college basketball player to transfer from UNC to NC State, adding a new chapter to the rivalry. After two seasons with limited playing time at UNC, Styles played at Georgetown before joining NC State. He has shown impressive stats during his journey and is set to face his former teammates, with hopes of contributing to NC State’s success in the ACC championship and NCAA Tournament.
Raleigh, North Carolina – Dontrez Styles has made history by becoming the first college basketball player to transfer from the University of North Carolina (UNC) to North Carolina State University (NC State). This significant move comes after Styles had a notable high school career, followed by a journey through collegiate basketball that has seen him play for several prestigious programs.
Styles, a two-time all-state selection from Kinston High School, initially accepted a scholarship to UNC, fulfilling a lifelong dream for many North Carolina prospects. However, after two seasons with the Tar Heels, where his playing time was limited due to injuries, Styles transitioned to Georgetown University, before finally landing at NC State for the current basketball season.
This transfer from UNC to NC State is particularly noteworthy, as it hasn’t been previously documented in college basketball history, adding an interesting chapter to the rivalry between these two dominant North Carolina teams.
During his stellar high school career at Kinston High, Styles was a four-year starter and twice named the Eastern Conference Player of the Year. In his junior year, he displayed his talent by averaging a double-double, recording an impressive 19.7 points and 11 rebounds per game. Despite facing adversity in his senior year due to an injury that sidelined him for three weeks, he bounced back powerfully, averaging 30 points and 10.3 rebounds in his final three games.
Following high school, Styles fulfilled expectations when he signed with UNC, where he appeared in 45 games over two seasons. Unfortunately, as a freshman, he averaged just six minutes on the court, accumulating 80 points and 57 rebounds. However, he did make a memorable impact in an NCAA Tournament game, hitting a crucial three-pointer in overtime against Baylor, which led UNC to a Sweet Sixteen appearance.
After two seasons at UNC, Styles entered the transfer portal, choosing to play for Georgetown. At Georgetown, he immediately became a starter, playing in all 32 games and contributing solidly with averages of 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds, alongside a three-point shooting percentage of 36.8%. This experience provided him with greater confidence and preparation for the rigorous expectations of playing at NC State, a transition he initially considered earlier after leaving UNC but opted against at the time due to concerns over scrutiny.
As a member of NC State, Styles currently averages 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He ranks third on the team for total points and second for rebounds and blocks. Now older and more experienced, he feels better equipped to handle the pressure that comes with being a player at NC State and is grateful for the mentor support he has received throughout his basketball journey, particularly from coaches and teammates at prior schools.
Looking ahead, Styles is set to face his former teammates from UNC in a highly anticipated rivalry game, a matchup that adds an extra layer of excitement to the season. His former high school coach, Perry Tyndall, has continued to express strong support for Styles, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his players over school loyalties.
Fans of Styles, including former UNC player Armando Bacot, have shown support for his contributions to the Heels as well as his current efforts at NC State. Styles is focused on leveraging his skills to help NC State compete for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship and is eyeing a potential deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
As the season progresses, the basketball community is eager to see how Styles’ remarkable athletic journey unfolds, with expectations riding high, and his determination to make an impact throughout the year heightened.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated
- Wikipedia: College Basketball
- News & Observer
- Google Search: Dontrez Styles
- Fayetteville Observer
- Google Scholar: Dontrez Styles
- High School OT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
- Slam Online
- Google News: Dontrez Styles NCAA
