College basketball rivalries are intense, but sometimes the real tension comes from the sidelines. When NC State HC Will Wade took a shot at North Carolina HC Hubert Davis during a public introduction for a transfer player, it sparked headlines.
But according to a respected North Carolina insider, Wade’s comment wasn’t just smack talk. It was a tailor-made move for the Wolfpack’s blue-collar, no-nonsense fan base.
Was NC State HC Will Wade’s Jab at North Carolina HC Hubert Davis Actually For the Fans?
The new NC State basketball coach didn’t hold back when introducing transfer forward Ven-Allen Lubin to Wolfpack fans. Will Wade took a direct shot at North Carolina’s Hubert Davis, saying, “The other school was too dumb to play him.”
It quickly went viral, sparking debate across the college basketball world. But Carolina insider Andrew Jones tried to justify Wade’s remark while speaking on the “Tar Heel Illustrated” podcast with Jacob Turner.
Jones explained that NC State fans crave a coach who reflects their energy and identity. He said, “There’s a certain kind of flare that goes with that fan base that they like, and I think it’s great. I want it back… It shows you Will Wade can read the room, and he’s reading the room, and he says, ‘This is what needs to be done. Get them fired up.’ He’s one of them.”
NC State fans care a lot about feeling emotionally connected to their coach. Jones compared his approach to past coaches like Herb Sendek, who struggled to resonate with the fan base despite on-court success.
“He never understood the fan base… they want to feel connected to their coach at NC State.” In contrast, Wade’s boldness is already winning over supporters who value passion and authenticity.
It all started when the NC State HC said, “When [Lubin] plays 28-plus minutes — he’s done that in 23 games — he averages 15 points and eight rebounds.” But when he was at North Carolina, Lubin averaged 8.7 points and 5.5 rebounds while playing just under 20 minutes per game. So, Wade’s promise to unleash his production has fans excited.
“The other school was too dumb to play him.”
– Will Wade apparently taking shots at UNC, after NC State landed UNC transfer Ven Allen Lubin 😲😲
pic.twitter.com/niwe1J7k9w— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) June 15, 2025
The insider believes Wade’s approach is exactly what NC State needs.
“They’re a hand-in-the-dirt fan base and he’s a hand-in-the-dirt coach and he figured it out… Will Wade is going to win. Carolina fans better get used to it. NC State’s gonna be good… they’re going to be in the tournament.”
Wade had a great season at McNeese State, coaching them to a 30-win season and a March Madness berth. Now at NC State, he has an opportunity to re-enter “Power Four” basketball with a splash.
With the addition of Lubin to the Wolfpack, Wade has a sparkplug. Now, the transfer will have to live up to the hype.
Correction: mooU is a FACE IN THE DIRT school and fanbase. UNC has won something like 44 of the most recent 50 games between the 2 schools. MooU might get better, sure, ɓut that’s ALWAYS the narrative. And, yes, Wade is playing to his fanbase….a bunch of mouthbreathers.