Report: NC State has hired former LSU coach Will Wade as its men’s basketball head coach.

Report: NC State Hires Former LSU Coach Will Wade as Its Men’s Basketball Head Coach

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, NC State University has reportedly hired former LSU head coach Will Wade as its new men’s basketball coach. The hiring of Wade marks a significant step forward for NC State, a program that has experienced its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. Wade’s arrival in Raleigh is expected to rejuvenate the program and bring a new level of energy to the Wolfpack’s basketball program, which has been in search of a strong, consistent leader to restore the program to national prominence.

The news comes after a tumultuous few years for Wade, who had a successful run as LSU’s head coach before parting ways with the school following NCAA sanctions and allegations surrounding his recruitment tactics. Despite the controversy that clouded his departure, Wade’s success on the court and his ability to recruit top-tier talent has made him one of the most sought-after coaches in college basketball.

For NC State, hiring Wade represents a bold move—a chance to bring in a coach with a proven track record of success, despite the challenges that surrounded his departure from LSU. This article will examine the circumstances surrounding Wade’s hiring at NC State, the impact of his tenure at LSU, his coaching style, and the future of NC State’s basketball program under his leadership.

The Road to NC State: Will Wade’s Coaching Journey

Will Wade’s path to becoming the head coach at NC State has been anything but conventional. After playing college basketball at Clemson University, Wade began his coaching career as an assistant at Vanderbilt University before taking the reins at Chattanooga as the head coach. During his time at Chattanooga, Wade quickly made a name for himself, guiding the program to an impressive 29-win season and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. His success at Chattanooga earned him a job at LSU, where he took over as head coach in 2017.

At LSU, Wade’s tenure was marked by impressive results on the court. In just his second season at the helm, he led the Tigers to the SEC Tournament championship and an appearance in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Under Wade’s leadership, LSU became a formidable program in the SEC, consistently competing at a high level and attracting top-tier recruits.

However, Wade’s time at LSU was marred by controversy. In 2019, he was implicated in a federal investigation into college basketball recruiting, with wiretaps revealing that Wade was involved in discussions about paying players to attend LSU. Although Wade was not formally charged with any crimes, the allegations raised significant questions about his recruiting practices. In 2022, following a lengthy NCAA investigation, LSU ultimately parted ways with Wade, leading to the end of his tenure in Baton Rouge.

Despite the controversy that clouded his departure, Wade’s reputation as a skilled recruiter and coach who could elevate a program remained intact. His ability to develop talent, foster a competitive team culture, and bring a level of intensity to his teams made him a highly sought-after candidate for several college basketball programs looking to make a change. NC State, in particular, recognized that Wade could be the key to returning the Wolfpack to national relevance.

The NC State Basketball Program: A History of High Expectations

The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball program is one of the most storied in NCAA history. With two NCAA championships (1983 and 1987), the program has a rich tradition of success, particularly under legendary coaches like Norm Sloan and Jim Valvano. However, in recent years, NC State has struggled to maintain the level of excellence that once made it a powerhouse in college basketball.

The program has experienced several coaching changes in the past decade, with Kevin Keatts being the most recent coach to depart. Keatts was hired in 2017 with high hopes but failed to meet the expectations set for him, leading to his dismissal after the 2024 season. Under Keatts, NC State made the NCAA Tournament just twice in seven seasons and failed to make a significant impact in the ACC.

This lack of sustained success has left NC State searching for a coach who can return the program to its former glory. Athletic director Boo Corrigan and university leadership recognized that the Wolfpack needed a proven winner with the ability to recruit high-caliber talent and instill a winning culture in the program. That search has now led them to Will Wade.

Will Wade’s Strengths as a Coach: Recruiting, Player Development, and Competitive Drive

When it comes to Will Wade’s coaching strengths, there is one area where he excels above all else: recruiting. Wade is known for his relentless pursuit of top-tier recruits, and his ability to land high-profile players has been a hallmark of his coaching career. At LSU, he was able to recruit some of the most talented players in the country, including Cameron Thomas, Trendon Watford, and Javonte Smart, all of whom contributed to the Tigers’ success in the SEC.

Wade has a reputation for identifying and developing players with high potential, both from the high school ranks and the transfer portal. His ability to land talent from diverse sources—whether it be through traditional recruiting pipelines or the rapidly growing transfer portal—will be a significant asset to NC State as it looks to reload its roster for the upcoming seasons.

Beyond recruiting, Wade is also known for his ability to develop talent and implement systems that maximize his players’ strengths. At LSU, Wade’s teams were known for their fast-paced, up-tempo offense, which relied heavily on ball movement, three-point shooting, and transition play. His ability to develop dynamic offensive systems allowed LSU to thrive in an increasingly competitive SEC, where fast and fluid offenses are becoming more common.

Wade’s coaching philosophy centers on intensity, discipline, and accountability. His teams are known for their hard-nosed defense, willingness to play physical basketball, and unrelenting desire to compete. This brand of basketball is exactly what NC State needs to revive its program, and Wade’s leadership could provide the foundation for sustained success moving forward.

Impact on NC State: What Wade Brings to the Wolfpack

The hiring of Will Wade presents a huge opportunity for NC State to elevate its men’s basketball program. Wade brings several key elements to the Wolfpack that can help them return to national prominence.

1. Immediate Recruiting Impact

One of the most significant advantages Wade brings to NC State is his ability to recruit. With his track record of attracting high-caliber recruits to LSU, Wade will likely be able to hit the ground running in terms of building a competitive roster for the Wolfpack. His connections to elite recruits, both domestically and internationally, will be invaluable as NC State looks to add talent to its roster in the coming seasons.

Additionally, Wade’s success in the transfer portal will help NC State remain competitive in an era where roster turnover is frequent. The ability to supplement the roster with experienced players who can contribute immediately will be crucial for the Wolfpack, and Wade’s expertise in navigating the portal will be an asset in this regard.

2. Restoring the Winning Culture

Wade’s intensity and passion for the game will also help restore a winning culture at NC State. The Wolfpack have struggled to find consistency in recent years, but Wade’s leadership could be the catalyst for a turnaround. His ability to motivate players, instill a sense of accountability, and create a winning mentality will be key to getting the best out of his players and ensuring that the Wolfpack are competitive in the ACC.

3. Defensive Resilience and Offensive Versatility

Wade’s coaching style is predicated on physical, tough defense and an up-tempo, fast-paced offense. This blend of defensive resilience and offensive versatility will serve NC State well in the competitive ACC. Wade will be able to tailor his system to fit the strengths of his players, while also instilling a defensive mindset that will help the Wolfpack match up against some of the conference’s best.

Addressing the Controversy: Wade’s Past at LSU

While Will Wade’s hiring is exciting for NC State, there is no doubt that his past at LSU comes with a degree of controversy. The allegations of pay-for-play recruiting and the NCAA investigation that followed have cast a shadow over his career. However, Wade was never formally charged with any wrongdoing, and his success on the court has made it difficult for his critics to ignore his accomplishments as a coach.

At NC State, Wade will be expected to put the past behind him and focus on leading the program to success. The university has reportedly conducted thorough background checks and investigations into the situation at LSU, and the decision to hire Wade reflects confidence in his ability to move forward and run a clean program at NC State.

The Future of NC State Basketball

With Will Wade now at the helm, NC State’s basketball program is poised for a new era of success. Wade’s ability to recruit, develop talent, and implement a winning system gives the Wolfpack a bright future. As he works to build a competitive roster and restore the program to its former glory, the expectations for NC State will rise. Fans in Raleigh are hopeful that this hiring will lead to greater success in the ACC and eventually a return to the NCAA Tournament for the Wolfpack.

While challenges remain, the appointment of Will Wade signals a new beginning for NC State men’s basketball. With a proven coach who has shown the ability to lead teams to success in the SEC, there is optimism that the Wolfpack will be able to compete at the highest level once again. The future is bright for NC State, and it all starts with the arrival of Will Wade.