Ven-Allen Lubin’s Stunning Flip from UNC to NC State Sends Shockwaves Through the ACC
In a move that’s already being hailed as one of the most dramatic intraconference transfers in ACC history, Ven-Allen Lubin has officially left the University of North Carolina to join bitter in-state rival NC State. And the basketball world—particularly in Chapel Hill—is not taking it lightly.
Lubin’s commitment to the Wolfpack marks his fourth and final collegiate stop, capping off a whirlwind college career that now ends with a plot twist no one saw coming. After originally indicating his intention to return to UNC for another year, Lubin shocked the Tar Heel faithful by choosing to trade light blue for red. The betrayal has fans and former players alike in a frenzy.
From Return Talk to Rival Territory
Lubin’s departure is not just another offseason roster change—it’s a symbol of the new era in college basketball. One where player movement is as swift as it is controversial. The forward was expected to return to UNC and provide crucial depth and experience. Instead, he’s chosen a path that places him directly in enemy territory, adding fuel to one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries.
Lubin’s decision came just as the summer heat began to rise—and so did the tempers in Chapel Hill. Former UNC player Theo Pinson didn’t mince words, offering a derisive comment the moment rumors began swirling. Meanwhile, current UNC guard Seth Trimble added a more cryptic response, sparking fan theories about internal locker room tension and unspoken grievances.
To say that the reaction in Tar Heel circles has been negative would be putting it mildly. KeepingItHeel.com, a well-known UNC outlet, went as far as to call Lubin “Benedict Arnold”—a stinging reference to one of history’s most infamous traitors. The move stings even more because NC State won’t be playing in Chapel Hill this season, depriving fans of what would have been an electric showdown.
What This Means for NC State
For NC State, the acquisition of Lubin is a bold and strategic win. Head coach Kevin Keatts has now added an experienced, battle-tested forward who brings both physicality and versatility to the Wolfpack roster. Lubin’s skill set fits perfectly into NC State’s system, and his familiarity with the ACC gives the team an edge heading into the 2025 season.
The Wolfpack now boast a frontcourt with size, athleticism, and attitude—exactly what’s needed to contend in the increasingly competitive ACC. And the drama surrounding the move may just give them an emotional edge too.
The Broader Message: Loyalty Is a Thing of the Past
In the era of NIL deals and instant eligibility, the idea of loyalty in college basketball has become a relic of the past. Players now prioritize opportunity, playing time, and career advancement over traditional notions of allegiance. While it may anger fans, the reality is that moves like Lubin’s are becoming the norm.
Still, not all transfers are created equal. A flip from UNC to NC State is not just about basketball—it’s about tradition, identity, and the deeply personal nature of college sports fandom. That’s why this one hurts so much in Chapel Hill and feels so sweet in Raleigh.
Final Thoughts
Whether you view Ven-Allen Lubin’s transfer as a smart career move or an unforgivable betrayal, one thing is clear: this story has added a fresh layer of drama to one of the NCAA’s most storied rivalries. It’s June, and college basketball already feels like March.
The Wolfpack have completed their roster. UNC is still processing the sting. And fans everywhere are circling the calendar for the next time these two teams meet.
Lubin’s move is more than a transfer—it’s a statement. One that says in today’s college game, anything can happen, and no school is ever truly safe from losing a key player to a bitter rival.
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