When NC State women’s basketball lost its veterans, it didn’t just lose points and minutes — it lost its voice.
In the wake of the Wolfpack’s Sweet 16 run last year, it lost its key leaders who got them there in the first place — guards Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers and Madison Hayes. To combat the losses, head coach Wes Moore responded by bringing in four players from both the transfer portal and the recruitment class.
Moore brought in all the talent needed to replace the Wolfpack’s iconic trio, but he left out one key detail — veteran leadership. For the first time in program history, the team has zero seniors. Furthermore, it has just three players who have been in the program for longer than two years, members of the 2024 Final Four roster.
“I still think that we’re a very young team,” said junior guard Zoe Brooks after an 88-80 loss to No. 9 Louisville. “We don’t have any seniors, so I feel like in moments like that [at the end of the game], that’s when seniors take over and lead, not just by example but vocally. I feel like we’re gonna continue to grow as a team and we’re gonna get better during crunch time.”
Criticisms for the loss have fallen on Brooks after she forced up a missed putback instead of dribbling the ball out with just seconds left, a decision that played a massive part in the Wolfpack’s choke of an 11-point lead. It wasn’t the first time this had happened, as Brooks turned over the ball twice with an opportunity to win the game in NC State’s loss to then-No. 18 USC.
Now, Brooks is one of the most talented players on the team, but hasn’t risen up to be the leader this team needs her to be. Sure, she can get you a bucket when needed, but in crunch time with the game on the line, Brooks hasn’t been a vocal leader, opting more to try and force a game-winner herself instead of directing the team. The harsh truth is that she is simply too passive and quiet a player to be the rock that the Wolfpack needs.
“I don’t know that she’s always one that wants to be vocal and hold people accountable,” Moore said. “I know that’s tough on her.”
In the words of the late college basketball legend John Wooden, “A team without leadership is like a ship without a rudder that is certain to wander aimlessly and will probably end up going around in circles and getting nowhere.”
Yet, the Wolfpack looks far from a team that’s ‘wandering aimlessly.’ The red-and-white has won 10 of its last 13 games, with two of those three losses coming against ranked teams. So, if not Brooks, who has stepped up to help guide it to victory?
None other than the Pack’s fiery sophomore guard, Zam Jones.
Jones has taken monumental steps since becoming a starter in her second season. She averages nearly 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and over a steal per game, all more than double her averages from last season.
“A lot of growth, especially in her confidence,” Brooks said. “Freshman year is always hard, and I feel like sophomore year, this is her year. She’s been playing really well, scoring the ball, dishing the ball. This has definitely been a good year for her.”
Jones is the Wolfpack’s best long-range threat, averaging over two 3-pointers per game and 38.3% from beyond the arc. She has seven games with at least three made 3-pointers, including a standout performance at Wake Forest, where she connected from long range six times.
But her biggest quality is her personality. Jones is the fire to Brooks’ ice. No matter if it’s a tough and-1 layup, a deep 3-pointer or a fancy assist, you’re sure to see some sort of celebration. Her on-the-court antics provide a competitive edge to the Wolfpack and heavily sway the momentum.
Look no further than last Sunday against Louisville. While the Wolfpack didn’t lead when the final buzzer sounded, it led for over 32 minutes, due in large part to a dominant first quarter where it outscored the Cardinals 23-14. Jones led that charge with 11 first-quarter points, including two 3-pointers and an emphatic and-1 layup that brought all of Reynolds Coliseum to its feet. You can teach plays, drills and shooting, but you can’t teach pure passion.
Jones’ impact didn’t stop there. In a one-score game midway through the fourth quarter, Jones took an elbow to the nose and went back to the locker room holding her face. But just minutes later, she returned with a clear protective face mask. Within 90 seconds of returning, Jones knocked down another 3-pointer, again igniting the Wolfpack crowd. The injury didn’t affect her at all; she just returned to business as usual. Once again, no matter how hard you try, you can’t teach toughness.
The Wolfpack doesn’t need everyone to lead the same way. Brooks can score and steady the floor, but Jones brings the fire, the emotional edge and the voice that this team has been searching for. Right now, that voice is the very thing keeping NC State moving forward.
