NC State has secured a commitment from 3-star power forward Darius Hicks of 22 Feet Academy. Hicks, who checks in at 6’7" and 10 pounds over 200, picked the Pack over Cincinnati. The Quitman, Mississippi native was once committed to his home state Mississippi State Bulldogs, but backed off of that pledge and reopened his recruitment last March.

Hicks is obviously lacking in the "being super tall’ department, but his athleticism and strength help make up for what he gives up in height. The forward has a good deal of potential, as if often the case with guys that have Hicks’ level of athleticism. He has seen his game expand to more than just slamming the ball home of a pass or rebound as he begins to unlock some of that potential

Hicks is the first domino to fall in what will hopefully be a big finish to the 2016 recruiting class. Next up is Gibson Johnson. The stretch four from Salt Lake Community College will be officially visiting the Pack next week and a decision should follow shortly after. After Johnson, State will hope to reschedule the official visit for scoring wing Tyrell Gumbs-Frater and big fish Omer Yurtseven remains at the top of board. Hicks gives State possibly four big men for next season, but given the uncertainty surrounding Abdul Malik-Abu and Lennard Freeman’s leg injury, the Pack needs to continue to add frontcourt players.