2025 four-star commits to NC State. she chose NC State over Michigan and Kentucky.
The No. 55 overall prospect in the class of 2025, is staying home by committing to the NC State Wolfpack.
The 5-foot-11 shooting guard from Kernersville, North Carolina chose the Wolfpack over Michigan and Kentucky. During a conversation with 247Sports, Jernigan explained her decision.
“Staying home is the best,” she said. “I really love being close to my family and friends, it means a lot. It’s a hour and a half drive from home and that’s always something I wanted deep down in my heart.”
NC State also made history last season with a Final Four appearance in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Jernigan also cited winning as a major role in this upcoming decision.
“I want to be on the biggest stage and they were in the Final Four last year — you can beat that,” she said. “Coach Wes Moore wins and I want to be apart of a program that wins and help contribute. It felt so right to stay home, have so much support and win.”
Head coach Moore was crucial in landing Jernigan’s commitment. Moore made Jernigan a priority throughout her process and he made a strong impression on her during her official visit.
“It was a very difficult decision, but the way Wes (Moore) is able to win was huge,” she said. “Being around the team, I got to see how they really buy into him and they all love working together. They’re not a selfish team, and I loved being there. I could see how close they were, and I wanted a family atmosphere. I felt that the most at NC State.”
Moore also broke down Jernigan’s potential role within the program and how she’ll be able to thrive within their system.
“I’ll be mainly shooting guard because they have such good point guards like Zamareya (Jones) and Zoe (Brooks),” she explained. “They’ll be able to kick it out to me, and I’ll be able to attack as well. They’ll also use me as a lengthy defender who’s able to guard other guards and get tips and steals.”
Playing into Jernigan’s potential role is NC State’s player development. Moore told Jernigan that she has a chance to make an immediate impact while still growing as a player.
“They really want to start with me as soon as I get there in the summer,” she said. “They want to work with me on continuing to expand my range and being used in all different spots on the court.”
Director of Scouting Brandon Clay provided this expert opinion of Jernigan’s game:
“Adelaide Jernigan is an ideal fit as NC State looks to continue building on their 2024 Final Four appearance. She can make plays with her athleticism or by making the open jump shot. Jernigan, who has added 12 pounds of muscle over the last year, has legitimate range out past the 3-point line. It’s not far-fetched to project Jernigan as mid to high 30 percent plus shot maker from beyond the arc. In that aspect of her game, she shoots the basketball with real confidence. Though she’s been invited to two USA Basketball Trials in the last three calendar years, Jernigan’s game is still flying somewhat under the radar to the national public. That’s exactly the type of guard Wolfpack coach Wes Moore has been successful with dating back to his days at Chattanooga in the early 2000s.”
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