Preston Edmead has gone from the Lions’ den to the Wolfpack.
The superb Hofstra freshman point guard, who was a major factor in the Pride’s first NCAA Tournament bid in 25 years, announced he will be playing for North Carolina State of the ACC after one shining moment on the national stage.
“I really built a good bond with them, and I felt like I could fit well in their system,” the 19-year-old from Deer Park told The Post. “This decision that I made, it really had no influence on any type of money.”
The CAA rookie of the year — his buzzer-beater over Towson got Hofstra into the conference finals — shopped around opportunities at Oregon, Villanova and Georgia shortly after reversing course on initial plans to return to Hempstead Turnpike.
“Coach [Speedy] Claxton respected my decision, and we’re still really close,” Edmead said.
“That’s my guy, and he’ll forever be my guy,” added the sharpshooter with two older brothers who played collegiately.
The changed verdict, which he said came into play after the season concluded, is putting Edmead in line with his “main goal” of reaching the NBA one day and proudly repping local roots.
“I carry that Long Island pride with me wherever I go,” said Edmead, who described his former Hofstra teammates as inseparable.
“That’s home to me, and forever will be home.”
His trainer, Jerry Powell, another big Long Island name who has worked with NBA stars like LeBron James and Paul George, sees Edmead’s pro potential — but the 15.9-point-per-game producer is taking things one day at a time.
“I’m staying in the present,” Edmead said. “I just want to go to NC State and win a bunch of games. I want to bring more winning to an already historic program.”
Edmead is also “itching” to get back into March Madness after Hofstra’s 90-70 opening-round loss to Alabama.
“I want to make a deep run in this tournament,” adding that a rematch against the Crimson Tide would be the ideal plotline.
“It would definitely be good to get them back.”
