In a dramatic season end, McNeese State’s basketball team lost in the NCAA Tournament. They fell to Purdue in the second round on Saturday. After a stunning first‐round upset over Clemson, the loss came as a shock. That win had marked a historic moment for the Cowboys and their program.
McNeese State now reflects on two impressive years with head coach Will Wade. The focus shifts to his future. Many expect Wade to be named NC State’s new head coach. He returns to a power conference. Top CBS analysts Charles Barkley and Wally Szczerbiak warned ACC teams about his arrival.
Wade has a knack for reviving teams. He found success at VCU, then LSU, before coming to McNeese. His leadership drove a 50–9 record over two seasons. That run led to back-to-back NCAA Tournament shows—the first ever for the school. His win over Clemson proved he can lead under pressure.
Before March Madness, Wade addressed swirling NC State rumors. Instead of distracting him and his players, the chatter fired them up. Barkley praised his coaching skill, saying NC State gained a strong leader. “That guy can flat‐out coach,” he noted, while acknowledging McNeese’s tough transition.
The ACC started with four teams in the Tournament. Now only Duke remains. Clemson, North Carolina, and Louisville fell in the first round.
As the basketball world eyes the transfer portal opening on Monday, all attention turns to NC State. CBS Sports reports Wade nears a six-year deal with the Wolfpack. The program is set to hire former recruiting analyst Andrew Slater as general manager.
With a new chapter at NC State, whispers of Wade’s impact spread through the ACC. “The ACC better watch out because Will Wade is coming,” warned Szczerbiak—a feeling many share as the coaching landscape shifts.
