Coaching Carousel Spins as NC State Hires Will Wade

RALEIGH, N.C. — The ACC coaching carousel has intensified, with NC State announcing the hiring of Will Wade as its next men’s basketball coach following a disappointing season.

This news comes just two weeks after the Wolfpack’s season ended with a loss to Miami. It marks a wild year for both NC State and their former coach, Kevin Keatts, who led the team to an impressive ACC Tournament run as the No. 10 seed last March, ultimately securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Last year, NC State shocked fans by advancing to the Final Four, a remarkable achievement for the program. However, the 2022-2023 season brought disappointment, with the team finishing 16th in the ACC’s expanded 18-team format, missing the conference tournament entirely.

Wade’s hiring comes on the heels of McNeese State‘s upset victory over Clemson in the NCAA Tournament first round, although their journey ended in a second-round loss to Purdue. Wade’s performance throughout the championship run raised eyebrows and positioned him as a strong contender for the NC State job.

“The ACC better watch out because Will Wade is coming,” CBS Sports analyst Wally Szczerbiak stated after the announcement. This sentiment serves as a warning to the other 17 schools within the conference as the competition heats up.

Wade is known for his ability to turn programs around quickly, a factor that could work in NC State’s favor. With his reputation and coaching skills, anticipation is high for what he will bring to Raleigh.

Looking ahead to the next season, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Wade’s strategies and the potential changes he may implement within the Wolfpack’s roster. Szczerbiak’s comments exemplify the heightened expectations as NC State prepares to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season.