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N.C. State’s Musa Sagnia drives against Wake Forest’s Cooper Schwieger during the first half of the Wolfpack’s 70-57 win on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
The News & Observer
RALEIGH
Quadir Copeland and Ven-Allen Lubin were in a celebratory mood, cheering and clapping, as they entered the media room at Lenovo Center. Not for themselves, though they finished with solid performances in the 70-57 win over Wake Forest, but teammate Musa Sagnia.
Sagnia, a 6-foot-10 freshman from The Gambia in West Africa, put together one of his best all-around performances. It was his second in as many games. Copeland told Sagnia to sit in the middle of the podium as the player of honor, who made his first appearance in a postgame press conference. (He didn’t. He opted to sit on the left. Copeland relented and took the middle spot.)
“Ask him some questions, please,” Copeland told media members. “At least two. [It’s] my man’s first time.”
Sagnia expressed shyness at Copeland’s request, to which the senior whispered that his answers could be “one word, two words, as long as something comes out of your mouth.”
The rookie finished with six points, tying his career high, and pulled down eight rebounds, including four on the offensive end.
In the first half, when the game was dictated by defense, he and Darrion Williams made back-to-back baskets that gave N.C. State a six-point lead. At the time, it was the largest Wolfpack lead of the day. He missed a couple of high-efficiency shots but went a perfect 2-2 from the line.
“It was good. The crowd was electric, like always,” Sagnia said of his first ACC game. “The team, we didn’t get up to a great start, but later on, we came together and just finished up.”
Head coach Will Wade said Sagnia, who was a late addition to the roster this summer, needed time to adjust to the collegiate game. The freshman played professionally in Spain prior to joining the Wolfpack, where more physicality is accepted. He needed reps and game experience to acclimatize to the style of play. It’s starting to show.
“There’s just some major differences,” Wade said, alluding to FIBA rules. “It has taken him some time, and I’m proud of him. Did a good job at the free throw line, staying poised at the free throw line. There’s still certainly some things we can clean up — with the turnovers — but he’s played back-to-back really good games against solid teams. Very pleased with this growth.”
Copeland said the team knew what skills Sagnia possessed when he arrived on campus, but it’s been waiting to see him settle into his role and find out where he can make the biggest impact.
He’s finally found it as a backup, and, at times, frontcourt partner with Ven-Allen Lubin. They often play separately in the rotation, but Wade isn’t afraid to go big and use them at the same time.
“Even in the last game with Ole Miss, he showed his intensity, his aggressiveness, his offensive rebounding,” Copeland said. “Ven, with them two in together, they make it work every single time.”
Sagnia averages just 2.5 points per game but is pulling down 3.9 rebounds in a little more than 15 minutes per game. He ranks fourth on the team in total rebounds (54) and second behind only Lubin in offensive rebounding (21). He averages 1.5 offensive boards in his 14 appearances.
According to KenPom, Sagnia is relatively efficient on offense. He holds an offensive rating of 121.8, an area in which he’s shown more consistency, and a field goal rate of 64%. Sagnia’s ball handling and defense are still works in progress, but there’s been a lot of improvement.
“It’s been great since I got here,” Sagnia said, appreciative of those who helped him get to this point. “Everybody’s been really nice. I love it out here, my teammates, the coaching staff, everybody, it’s been great. Just since I got here, they’ve been trying to help me all the way through even some bad days. They’ll pick me up and help.”
Sagnia adds spark
The Gambian freshman quickly became known for his big smile and appreciation. He’s often sporting a grin even when Wade yells critiques from the bench. Copeland said, however, the youngster has begun to bring extra juice, too. His gratitude, positivity and overall excitement is infectious.
Wade previously lamented he had guys who were too casual. They didn’t have fire. Copeland said they’re starting to see more passion, in addition to positive production, from the young forward.
“We’re just feeding off each other now, feeding off of Musa’s energy,” Copeland said. “He’s hyping me up when I’m down. It’s just amazing seeing him get comfortable and accept everything. It’s a great feeling.”
The Wolfpack, which has won two straight games against Power Four opponents, heads into the heart of its ACC schedule. It had three games in the span of seven days to start the conference slate, starting with its opener against Wake Forest. It plays Virginia at home on Saturday and on the road against Boston College on Tuesday.
It’s a long season, and N.C. State will look to Sagnia — who Wade said in September would likely be a difference maker in at least a few games this year — to continue his upward trend.
The team would like for him to be in a couple more press conferences.
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Jadyn Watson-Fisher
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