On June 1, former North Carolina Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin shocked the fans and experts alike by transferring to the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Following this move, new NC State head coach Will Wade didn’t hold back. He took a jab at UNC and head coach Hubert Davis in a recently surfaced video that has rekindled tensions in the Triangle.
Will Wade’s Bold Words Towards Hubert Davis Burns Up UNC Fans
Wade didn’t mince words when discussing Lubin’s move. “The other school was too dumb to play him,” Wade said in a video posted on X. “When [Lubin] plays 28-plus minutes, he’s done that in 23 games, he averages 15 [points] and eight [rebounds]. I don’t know why the hell they didn’t play him, but we’re gonna play him, so he’s gonna average 15 and eight.”
“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
Fans on X were quick to react. “Will Wade: Opening his big mouth already. He should be in jail,” one user wrote, referencing Wade’s controversial past. Another UNC supporter took aim at his coaching record: “Hell, Kevin Keatts has won more than Will Wade. He’s never seen Elite 8. I’m not sure about Sweet 16. KK won an ACC and went to the Final 4.”
Others questioned NC State’s prospects. One asked, “Is NC State gonna even have double-digit wins?” The Tar Heels faithful also mocked Wade’s reliance on UNC transfers, with a fan quipping, “Keep feasting on our leftovers.”
Keep feasting on our leftovers.
— Jonathan Griffin (@Jgriff1024) June 16, 2025
At UNC last season, Lubin played 28 or more minutes in just five games, averaging 8.7 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 68.4% from the field. His best performance came in the ACC Tournament Championship loss to Duke.
Lubin’s Journey and Potential
Lubin, a 6’8″ forward, was ranked No. 69 overall in On3’s 2025 Transfer Portal Player Rankings. Before joining UNC, he played at Notre Dame and Vanderbilt, where he had his best season in 2024-25, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in 28.3 minutes per game.
His efficiency and ability to produce when given minutes make him a valuable addition for NC State. Wade’s promise to maximize Lubin’s playing time could unlock the forward’s full potential, especially after UNC’s conservative strategy with the player.
Lubin isn’t the only new face in Raleigh, N.C. NC State added eight transfers this offseason, including standouts like Darrion Williams, Terrance Arceneaux, and Tre Holloman. Wade, who led McNeese State to a 22-2 record and an NCAA Tournament berth in his first season there in 2023-24, is no stranger to quick turnarounds.
Wade’s comments added fuel to an already intense rivalry. While NC State aims to be an ACC contender in 2025-26, UNC fans aren’t ready to let his words slide. With Lubin set to play a key role for the Wolfpack, the next matchup between these in-state foes will carry extra weight.
