Will Wade Appointed New Head Coach of NC State Men’s Basketball

RALEIGH, N.C. — NC State has officially appointed Will Wade as the new head coach of its men’s basketball program. Wade, who previously led McNeese State to two NCAA Tournament appearances, signed a six-year contract pending approval from the NC State Board of Trustees.

Wade’s hiring comes after the Wolfpack’s disappointing season, which culminated in a 12-19 record, leading to the termination of former coach Kevin Keatts. Wade’s introduction is set for Tuesday at a private event in Reynolds Coliseum and will be streamed live on GoPack.com and ACC Network Extra.

“I am beyond excited and honored to be chosen to lead the Wolfpack basketball program,” Wade expressed in a statement. “NC State’s rich tradition, passionate fan base, and location in one of the best cities in the country make this a destination job and I can’t wait to get started.”

NC State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan spoke highly of Wade, noting, “I went into this search with an open mind… But after speaking extensively with Will, I knew that he was the right leader for the Wolfpack. He has proven results on the court and great relationships with players.”

Wade, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, brings over 11 years of head coaching experience, having previously served at LSU, VCU, and Chattanooga. His tenure at McNeese saw him compile a remarkable 58-11 record, including consecutive Southland Conference championships.

Under Wade’s guidance, McNeese reached the NCAA Tournament in both seasons, achieving a historic win against Clemson before falling to Purdue. With a track record of achieving seven NCAA Tournament berths over his coaching career, Wade aims to replicate that success at NC State.

Corrigan also highlighted Wade’s effectiveness in building a supportive culture for student-athletes, stating, “With a proven track record of excellence, Will is the perfect leader to guide the Pack basketball program to new heights.”

The Wolfpack’s recent history has been tumultuous, particularly following a strong run that brought them to the NCAA tournament for the first time in several years under Keatts. In contrast, past allegations of recruitment violations led to Wade’s departure from LSU, but those circumstances appear to be fading with new NCAA rules regarding athlete compensation.

“I believe he can win at NC State… and win big,” asserted Corrigan in his remarks. Wade’s last four seasons at LSU were particularly notable, with the Tigers achieving multiple 20-win seasons and an SEC regular-season championship in 2019.

As Wade steps into this pivotal role, he faces the challenge of navigating a competitive Atlantic Coast Conference landscape dominated by traditional powerhouses such as UNC and Duke. However, with a commitment to building relationships and accountability within his team, he remains optimistic about the program’s future.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Wade reiterated, as he prepares to immerse himself in a program that is looking for a fresh start and renewed hope.