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Giggles. There are lots of giggles. And some nonverbal communication in the form of pointed eye contact.
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N.C. State women’s basketball joined the rest of the ACC in Charlotte on Monday as the conference tipped off the upcoming season. Head coach Wes Moore, along with players Zoe Brooks and Khamil Pierre represented the Wolfpack.
It felt light and carefree. That’s not to say the team isn’t locked in or that the standards aren’t high. N.C. State was disappointed in last year’s finish and wants to better that. At the same time, it felt a little like Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James were back.
That dynamic duo delighted the basketball world with their efficiency together on the court and their friendship. They still refer to each other as “twins.” Rivers and James, two first-round WNBA draft picks, helped lead the Pack to the 2024 NCAA Tournament Final Four and 2025 Sweet 16. They remain revered alumni.
The way Brooks and Pierre interact with each other, and with Moore, felt like a copy of their predecessors. If Rivers and James are vintage, Brooks and Pierre are vintage inspired.
N.C. State’s two high-profile returnees provided their thoughts on this summer’s Love Island USA season, their favorite activities to do with the team, and reflected on each other’s careers. Pierre also gave an accurate impression of Moore — from the press conference podium, no less — as she imitated his coaching. He likes to yell at her to “go harder.”
They had fun, even while providing thoughtful answers about the team and the upcoming season.
The duo even wants to replicate what the former guards did: Join the W in the same year.
“I really want to get drafted with Zoe and share that experience,” Pierre said. “That’s super cool.”
Brooks also said being drafted together is “a dream” of hers. The two possess a special bond, something they started cultivating when Pierre transferred last season, they hope will show up for the Wolfpack and for their own personal goals.
Moore said his current pairing could follow in Rivers’ and James’ footsteps. He believes in their talent but also knows how deep the competition is in the W. There’s plenty of improvements left to make.
“They’re going to both have to continue to grow as players,” Moore said. “Hopefully we can help them do that and develop them to their fullest.”
N.C. State’s roster features four other returnees in Maddie Cox, Qadence Samuels, Ky’She Lunan and Adelaide Jernigan. It added three transfers and three freshmen, as well.
Pierre praised this group. In her fourth year as a college player, this is her favorite team.
“We’ve been together for a while,” Pierre said. “We haven’t had one altercation. No one’s argued. We’re always laughing. We’re always having a good time. We all hang out. We just do a bunch of random stuff together.”
A former player complimented Moore several years ago on his ability to recruit players who get along.
Moore is proud of that. It’s easier to win games, work hard and stay coachable when the program consists of people who actually like each other and want the best for the collective.
That’s one of the reasons N.C. State had success in past seasons. Pierre and Brooks, and even Cox, hope to foster that this winter.
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“I love our chemistry right now and where we are in that regard,” Moore said. “I think both Khamil and Zoe, and then Maddie Cox, they’re kind of our chosen leaders. I think all three of them remember when they were freshmen, and how somebody took them under their wings, and so now they’re taking great pride in doing that, as well.”
The now-senior ended last season with a foot injury, forcing her to miss part of the Wolfpack’s first-round NCAA Tournament game and the entire second-round contest. She did not need surgery but still spent nearly the entire offseason undergoing rehabilitation.
Brooks’ condition prohibited her from participating in on-court activities when the team returned to campus, but she was cleared for contact when the team started practices several weeks ago.
While the team is still working to ensure Brooks stays healthy through the season, Pierre expects her teammate to be even better this season.
“She doesn’t miss, first of all. It’s actually crazy. She shoots the ball so well,” Pierre said. “She works hard. Her passes are better. Everything about her, you can see how much she’s grown.”
The Wolfpack guard said she feels great. She had rehab and physical therapy five days, sometimes six days, per week. Brooks said she gained muscle through all the weight lifting exercises and maintained her cardio through low-impact stationary biking.
“I really could have given up, didn’t go to rehab five days a week. I could have went maybe once or twice, slowed my recovery. I kind of forced the issue,” Brooks said. “I want to come back on the court, so I’m gonna go every day. I’m gonna ice three, four times a day. I’m gonna do rehab even at home, and when I’m away from my physical therapist and stuff like that. I feel like I learned this is what I really want.”
Pierre has been outspoken about her mental health struggles, especially before joining the Wolfpack one year ago. She thought about quitting basketball.
N.C. State helped her fall in love with the sport again. At the end of last season, Pierre probably could have found another spot at another program with more NIL money. It’s enticing when some schools are offering double a WNBA rookie contract — and even more than what players made under the old collective bargaining agreement.
The decision, however, wasn’t only about money.
“Loyalty is really big,” Pierre said. “They’re a school that picked me up when I was going through hard stuff, and they believed in me.”
She said it’s cool to see the fans embrace her, too. They continue to pack Reynolds Coliseum and love her, as a player and person.
“It’s really cool getting to know everybody, but also how much they believe in you and how excited they are to see you,” Pierre said. “That makes me realize that I’m bigger than basketball, but there are people out there who really appreciate what you’re doing.”
N.C. State added transfer Audrey Erickson to the roster this summer. The senior joined the program after spending three seasons at Boston University, where she was a two-time team captain.
Originally from Cary, Erickson returned home for the 2026-27 season. She started as a walk-on but earned a scholarship in July. Moore announced the news during one of the team’s summer practices.
Moore said multiple people know Erickson and her family, speaking to their character.
“She’s been really good for us,” Moore said. “Even though she came in initially as a walk-on, I think she does provide some leadership for the young players, and works extremely hard. She sets a great example for everybody else. It’s awesome to have her.”
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