Valentine’s Day is upon us, and there’s plenty to be happy about with NC State men’s basketball, despite the recent blowout loss at No. 24 Louisville. To celebrate the holiday, let’s give the Wolfpack its flowers.

After picking up its third Quad 1 win at SMU and dominating Virginia Tech at home, NC State has been on track to make the NCAA Tournament. Most of the starting five have found their stride, but some deserve more credit than others for the Pack’s success. The best flowers are reserved for the best players.

Quadir Copeland – Rose

Senior guard Quadir Copeland deserves the biggest rose you could possibly find. As a vocal leader with talent and a strong work ethic, he has well surpassed expectations. If he continues his trajectory, he could play himself into contention for the ACC Player of the Year award. But every rose has its thorn. For Copeland, it’s not in his game; it comes out of his mouth, as he remains one of the biggest trash talkers in the ACC.

Copeland’s growth this season has been nothing short of amazing to watch, as he has facilitated the Wolfpack’s offense, created for himself and his teammates and has been the player with the ball at the end of games. When March rolls around, he will be your guy.

Paul McNeil Jr. – Sunflower

Sophomore guard Paul McNeil Jr. should be rewarded on V-Day with a stalky, stout sunflower — he is bright, he is reliable and he plays the game the right way. The only returning scholarship player on the team, McNeil is a true wolf pup. Shooting 43% from 3-point range and scoring 13.6 points per game, his offensive output is a massive reason for the Pack’s success.

Darrion Williams – Orchid

Senior forward Darrion Williams has received his fair share of criticism so far this season. Was he worth the price tag as one of the most sought-after transfers in the portal last year? Taking a while to come into his own, he has recently blossomed into a winning player. Give Williams an orchid — a flower that might be expensive, but when it shows its petals, you will be glad to have it in your garden.

Williams has had his ups and downs, but so far has averaged 14.4 points and three assists in 29.6 minutes per game, and is shooting 41% from 3-point range.

Ven-Allen Lubin – Daffodil

Senior forward Ven-Allen Lubin deserves a nice vase of daffodils. A perennial flower that pops up every spring, daffodils are a great addition to any landscape. Lubin has popped up in a new spot every year, playing at four schools in four years. But he has been reliable, shooting over 50% from the field.

As the starting center, Lubin has averaged 13.6 points and seven rebounds in 27.4 minutes per game.

Matt Able – Dandelion

Freshman guard Matt Able is young, scrappy and sometimes unrefined. But as one of the highest-ranked recruits in recent memory, his raw talent is undeniable, and soon enough, he will grow into something that you can reasonably wish on to bring you success. Promise him a dandelion, but don’t pluck it, just watch it morph into something special.

Able has consistently been the sixth man for the Pack, averaging 8.2 points, 1.2 steals and 3.5 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game.