Top-75 prospect chooses N.C. State over Kentucky women’s basketball

Adelaide Jernigan has chosen a college — it’s not Kentucky.

The 5-11 guard out of Bishop McGuinness in North Carolina announced her commitment to North Carolina State via social media on Sunday night, choosing the Wolfpack over other finalists Kentucky and Michigan.

“STAYING HOME,” Jernigan captioned her post. “Can’t wait to be a Wolfpack!! Ready to get to Raleigh.”

Jernigan, who named both Hailey Van Lith and Caitlin Clark as influences on her game, is a true athlete with an impressive shooting range. The No. 64 overall prospect in the class of 2025 is a 1,500-point scorer and two-time state basketball champion with the Villains. She named her final three in mid-July.

This commitment comes about one month after Jernigan’s official visit with the Wolfpack, and just over a week since Wolfpack head coach Wes Moore and assistant coach Ashley Williams took a home visit with Jernigan and her family.

Jernigan, the highest-ranked prospect in the state of North Carolina, told the Herald-Leader in July that N.C. State (just about 70 minutes from her hometown) being closer to home was “a big aspect” of its appeal. Moore and his staff have recruited Jernigan since her ninth grade year, forging what she called “a good relationship.” The Wolfpack, a regular power in the Atlantic Coast Conference, are fresh off their first Final Four appearance since 1998 — and look to be moving in the right direction. Since 2016, N.C. State boasts five Sweet 16 berths and two Elite Eight appearances.

Loaded with talent, nearly 70% of N.C. State’s 2024-25 roster are former top-75 prospects in their respective graduating classes. Jernigan continues Moore’s impressive run on the recruiting trail. With the Wolfpack, Jernigan said, “I know that I’d be able to shoot it well under him.”

Jernigan’s final season at Bishop McGuiness kicks off at home on Dec. 3 against Triangle Math and Science Academy.

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