NC State hired Will Wade in March 2025 after he led McNeese State to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances with a 50-9 record and 33-1 home mark. The move has generated significant buzz throughout the ACC, with coaches praising the hire as potentially transformative for the Wolfpack program.
Wade brings an entertaining coaching style and proven track record to Raleigh. His arrival is already being called one of the most impactful hires of the offseason, with expectations running high for immediate improvement.
ACC Coaches Predict Quick Turnaround for Will Wade at NC State
The Wolfpack’s recent history shows both the heights and depths of college basketball. In 2023-24, NC State reached the NCAA Final Four for the first time since 1983. However, the program couldn’t sustain that success the following season.
NC State stumbled to a disappointing 12-19 finish in 2024-25 and missed the ACC Tournament entirely. The dramatic decline prompted immediate action from the athletic department, leading to Kevin Keatts’ dismissal in March.
The university moved quickly to secure Wade with a six-year contract, banking on his proven coaching ability. His resume includes successful stops at Chattanooga, VCU, LSU, and most recently McNeese. Over his career, Wade has compiled 246 wins and 105 losses while guiding teams to four conference championships and seven NCAA Tournament appearances.
ACC coaches have taken notice of the hire’s potential impact. One anonymous coach told reporters, “Tremendous hire. Would not surprise me at all to see a Louisville-type turnaround for next season.” The coach added, “By all indications, it just appears to be a good fit across the board.”
Wade has wasted no time rebuilding the roster since his arrival. The Wolfpack now features 12 newcomers, including eight players brought in through the transfer portal. Among the most notable additions is Ven-Allen Lubin, a versatile forward who transferred directly from rival UNC.
Lubin averaged 8.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game at UNC but was considered underutilized in Chapel Hill. Wade didn’t hesitate to defend his new player while taking a shot at Lubin’s former program. “I don’t know where we got him from, we got him on the side of the road,” Wade said. “The other school was too dumb to play him.”
Will Wade on Ven-Allen Lubin:
“I don’t know where we got him from, we got him on the side of the road.”
and“The other school was too dumb to play him”.
I love this guy. pic.twitter.com/9xLUKPtZ56
— Shadrach “Scooter” (@ShadrachScooter) June 15, 2025
The comment resonated with NC State fans who appreciate Wade’s willingness to engage in rivalry banter. Another ACC coach praised Wade’s recruiting ability, saying, “Will has won everywhere he’s been. He is a relentless recruiter, and he’ll find the right guys for NC State to compete with the best, especially UNC and Duke.”
Early Signs Point to Successful Rebuild Under Will Wade
The early results of Wade’s roster construction have drawn national attention. ESPN ranked NC State’s transfer class No. 13 in the country, reflecting the quality of players Wade has assembled for his first season.
National analysts have taken notice of the program’s potential under Wade’s leadership. Jon Rothstein expects the Wolfpack to finish in the top three in the ACC, behind only Duke and Louisville.
The prediction represents a dramatic shift in expectations for a program that finished near the bottom of the conference just months ago. Wade’s track record suggests such a turnaround is possible, given his success at previous stops.
The combination of Wade’s coaching ability, recruiting prowess, and the influx of talented transfers has created optimism around the program. With the 2025-26 season approaching, NC State fans are eager to see if Wade can deliver on the high expectations surrounding his hire.