CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ask any player about their favorite or funniest publishable memory with a teammate and they often give similar answers.

A beach trip, golf outings, bowling or playing video games together.

Ven-Allen Lubin took a different approach Wednesday at the ACC Tipoff in Charlotte when asked about his new sophomore teammate Preston Edmead.

“When we had dinner (on Tuesday night), he told me that he wasn’t vegan, but he tells restaurants that.”

Edmead confirmed Lubin’s statement. He doesn’t call himself vegan, but he also doesn’t typically eat meat products. It’s been that way for as long as he can remember.

Lubin found the revelation fascinating, especially considering Edmead’s appetite and “the way he eats.” Edmead gained at least 10 pounds of positive weight in the offseason, though he’s creeping up toward 15. It’s an unusual diet for a Power Four athlete.

“It was interesting to me, because I wouldn’t have known,” Lubin said, noting Edmead’s gains. “Obviously, that’s pretty impressive. That stood out to me.”

The point guard transfer from Hofstra credited the staff in Raleigh for helping him. He said head strength and conditioning coach Cody Dukquits and director of sports nutrition Kerensa Hofmeyer helped develop a program that works for him, his physical goals and what he likes.

There are a lot — like, a lot — of protein shakes and smoothies. He’s also a regular customer at Playa Bowls, the on-campus establishment where visitors can customize smoothies, shakes and various bowls. These can be made of acaí, bananas, mango and a variety of mixed greens. These are often topped with fruits, nuts and other high-protein foods.

“I’m there almost every day,” Edmead said. “I love acaí.”

Simply a good person

Edmead has a New York “swagger” that only players from the Empire State seem to possess. He brings energy, good vibes and a sense of humor wherever he goes.

“He’s always like, ‘What’s up young bull?’ ” Paul McNeil said, chuckling at his interview table. “It’s fun, y’all.”

Edmead, a sophomore, was underrated during his high school recruiting process, McNeil said, and is proud to see the young player in this position — on a Power Four team, an expected starter and representing the school at conference media days.

McNeil said it is a tangible representation of Edmead’s character and the team’s trust in him. The star returner described the newbie as a “good person” who “does all the right things.” Rarely do programs allow first-year players to be in the spotlight like this. N.C. State proudly trotted him out at ACC Tipoff in Charlotte.

First-year head coach Justin Gainey added to the praise during his breakout interviews.

“Preston’s an unbelievable young man,” Gainey said. “Not a guy of a lot of words, but he has this quiet confidence about himself. He has a boulder on his shoulder, not a chip, a boulder on his shoulder.”

Edmead 'the hardest working guy’

Gainey’s phone gets regular push notifications, alerting him to off-time work for each player. It provides various shooting statistics, including number of attempts and efficiency.

Edmead never seems to leave him alone.

“You come back to the office at 10:30 at night on any given night, he’s gonna be in there shooting. He’s gonna be in there working on his game,” Gainey said. “He’s always the guy that has the most shots on that app. The guy lives in the gym, and he’s committed to becoming as good as he possibly can.”

On a light week, Edmead takes 2,500 extra shots per week. On the heavier weeks, he gets up to 3,500 to 4,000 attempts. He’s still working on balancing development and recovery, but he’s relying on leaders like McNeil and Lubin.

N.C. State attracted Edmead, because of its family-like atmosphere and a commitment to regaining its status as one of the top teams in the league.

Gainey, a former Wolfpack point guard, thinks he’s probably the hardest on his young transfer. It’s just because he knows the position. He knows N.C. State and the ACC. It’s not going to be easy to achieve those goals.

Edmead is constantly challenged to see the game from different angles, make reads, stay focused and disciplined.

Despite the high expectations, it’s easier knowing Gainey walked in the same shoes three decades ago.

Granted, Lenovo Center was still the Entertainment and Sports Arena, and the football practice facility was located where Dail Basketball Center currently resides. Gainey’s understanding of the most important aspects of success, however, haven’t changed. What he’s seen of Edmead gives him a lot of hope.

“He’s the hardest working guy that I’ve been around in a long time,” Gainey said. “He’s just obsessed with the game, so I am excited for him. I’m excited for what his future looks like. I think he’s a special, special young man.”

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