Does NC State basketball have a Tez Walker case on its hands? Sort of

North Carolina wide receiver Tez Walker and his transfer waiver denial have brought national scorn to the NCAA. Now, N.C. State men’s basketball could have a similar situation on its hands.

The school’s administration plans to file a waiver on behalf of incoming junior guard Kam Woods, who is now at his fourth school.

When comparing the student-athletes, Woods’ situation differs from Walker’s in two key areas: playing time and the transfer timeline. Walker did not play at one of his previous schools, whereas Woods played at all three.

The Tar Heels’ football player also enrolled in school before the new waiver rules were made public. Woods did not enroll until this summer.

“Kam’s had a very unfortunate situation,” said N.C. State head coach Kevin Keatts, noting Woods’ familial circumstances and uncertainty about the transfer rules.

The two discussed potential scenarios, however, before Woods signed. Keatts said they knew there was an opportunity to file a waiver and plead Woods’ case to be immediately eligible. They also discussed the possibility that Woods’ appeal would be denied and he would have to sit out a season, like players in the past had to do.

Keatts set an expectation that reflected the potential for a positive or negative outcome. That allowed Woods to decide if he wanted to sign with the Pack or do something else.

Woods appreciated having those conversations before he ever got to campus, especially from a mental standpoint.

“Going without basketball (for) a year, yeah, that definitely would hurt, but I weighed the options,” Woods said.

To him, it was worth risking a waiver denial, he said, than going somewhere else or staying at his previous school.

Woods, from Alabama, started his career at Troy and played in 23 games in 2020-21. He attended Northwest Florida State Community College for his sophomore year, and then transferred to North Carolina A&T for the 2022-23 season. With the Aggies, he averaged 17.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.

“He’s good. I mean, you don’t average 17 points in Division I, no matter what level, unless you can really score the basketball,” Keatts said. “He’s gotten a lot stronger. He’s shooting the ball a little bit more consistently at this level. He will be a great addition to our roster. I don’t know if he’s gonna be eligible or not, but if he is, I think he can help us.”

Woods feels like he has a good case for the waiver, but the program intends to accept whichever ruling the NCAA hands down.

North Carolina has appealed the NCAA’s decision multiple times due to Walker enrolling before the new rules began.

No matter what happens, Woods said the move to Raleigh was worth the chance he won’t play this winter. It will be a positive experience, regardless.

“I’m getting better. I’m at a better place. I will work on my game each day and get better from this,” Woods said. “It don’t matter. I’m gonna take this year, if I don’t play, to get better.”