Desmond Lee, a transfer from New Mexico Junior College, will look to make an instant impact for N.C. State this season. Lee averaged 20.3 points per game last season, fifth-best in the nation for junior college play. He was also selected as a junior college all-American.

Technician: What has the transition to State been like?

Lee: “The biggest difference when coming from junior college is that everyone on the floor is a great athlete and came from a program where they were ‘the man’. Everything is quicker. You have to think quicker, move quicker and make better moves. You can’t waste moves.“

Q: How did you ultimately make your decision to come to State?

A: “I decided to come to N.C. State because I felt like the team really needed another combo guard that can score on the perimeter and create off the dribble. There were a couple holes in the roster, and there’s a good group of young guys coming in, as well. I really wanted to play with [sophomore forward] T.J. Warren. [State is] also on the East coast, which was another key thing; it’s closer to home.”

Q: How is the chemistry building between you and T.J.?

A: “It’s still a work in progress. He’s still trying to feel me out, and I’m trying to feel him out. Other than that, the chemistry is coming along well. We’ll be a good one-two punch once we get things rolling along. We can put a lot of pieces together, and we can be a good team.”

Q: What’s your opinion of the coaching staff? How are you working with them so far?

A: “They’re a real good group of guys. They’re understandable. They’ll work with you, and they take time out to help you get the system down. They’re real patient and are always there.”

Q: How excited are you for the upcoming season?

A: “I’m really excited. It will be first game out here in Division I coming up soon. We got a good group of guys, and I’m excited to get after it. I’m excited to be a part of Wolfpack Nation. They come out and show so much love. I can’t wait to get out there and play for them.“

Q: What are your expectations for this season? How far do you guys think that you can take this team?

A: “I believe that we are really going to shock some people. Some people think that we aren’t going to be that good, or that we might not make the NCAA tournament. I really believe that we are an [NCAA-tournament caliber] team, but we still got a little more work to do first. We got a lot of new faces, and we’re pretty young. We’re going to play as hard as we can and do whatever we can to win games.”

Q: What players have inspired you?

A: “I would have to say Dwyane Wade because he’s been through a lot to get to where he’s at. He went to Marquette, but people don’t know that he had to sit out the first few games with grade issues, but he stuck with it and kept playing. He’s just my type of player. He inspires me a lot.”

Q: So does that make you a [Miami] Heat fan?

A: No. I don’t really have a team. I just like players. I like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade as well as Stephen Curry, but I’m not really a Heat fan.

Q: One last question. Have you thought of a Halloween costume for this year?

A: “I’ve been thinking about it, but I don’t know what I want in a Halloween costume. So I can’t really say right now.”