Raleigh, NC – In a highly anticipated press conference, NC State University introduced Will Wade as the new head coach of its men’s basketball program. With a focus on revitalizing the program and engaging with the passionate fan base, Wade emphasized his commitment to building a competitive team and fostering community connections. Drawing from his past experiences and lessons learned, Wade aims to transform NC State into a consistent winner in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The Passionate Fan Base: A Driving Force
During the press conference, Wade expressed his excitement about joining a program with such a dedicated fan base. “We have passionate fans. We got fans that care,” he said, highlighting the importance of community support in the success of a sports program. Wade acknowledged the challenges faced by the team in recent years but emphasized that the commitment from fans is a vital component in turning the program around. “When people care, that’s a good thing,” he remarked, noting that he would much rather have a passionate fan base than one that is indifferent.
Wade’s enthusiasm for engaging with fans was evident as he outlined his plans to sell out the Lenovo Center, home to NC State basketball. “We want 19,500 people in there, and we’re very excited about the possibilities,” he stated, indicating his desire to create a winning culture that resonates with supporters. The new coach aims to ignite the program and foster a sense of pride among fans, encouraging them to be part of the journey toward success.
Competing in the New Era of College Basketball
One of the pressing issues facing college basketball programs today is the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal. Wade addressed these concerns head-on, reassuring fans that NC State would be competitive on a national level. He emphasized the importance of effectively managing resources rather than simply having the most financial backing. “We have robust NIL, and we are going to be competitive at the upper end of this league,” Wade asserted, highlighting the university’s commitment to supporting the basketball program.
Wade acknowledged the challenges posed by the current state of college basketball, where the transfer portal resembles a “wild wild west.” However, he expressed confidence in his ability to navigate these complexities and build a strong roster. “It’s about being able to efficiently use the resources that we have,” he explained, indicating that strategic planning would be crucial in attracting top talent to NC State.
Learning from Past Experiences
Reflecting on his journey as a coach, Wade discussed the valuable lessons he learned during his time at McNeese State and previous positions. “I’ve grown and gotten better,” he said, noting that his experiences have shaped him into a more effective leader. Wade emphasized the importance of creating a positive player experience and fostering a fun, engaging environment for athletes.
He also touched on the significance of personal growth and self-reflection. “I’m not the same coach I was when I started,” Wade remarked, indicating that he has evolved through both successes and setbacks. His willingness to adapt and learn from past mistakes positions him as a more mature and capable leader for the NC State program.
Building Trust and Community Engagement
Wade understands that trust and buy-in from both players and the fan base are essential for success. He emphasized the importance of community engagement and accessibility as key strategies for building relationships. “We’re going to be out in the community,” he stated, expressing his eagerness to connect with students and fans alike. Wade believes that fostering these connections will create a sense of ownership among supporters, encouraging them to rally behind the team.
The new coach’s commitment to engaging with the student body is particularly noteworthy. With nearly 40,000 students at NC State, Wade sees an opportunity to cultivate a strong following among the university’s diverse population. “I think if you’re accessible and you’re out there I think people are more likely to come to the games,” he explained, underscoring the importance of building a loyal fan base.
The Road Ahead
As Wade embarks on this new chapter, he faces the challenge of competing in the highly regarded Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He expressed admiration for the league’s rich history and competitive spirit, stating, “NC State is one of the major brands in this league.” Wade is determined to elevate the program, emphasizing that a strong NC State basketball team is essential for the overall success of the ACC.
Wade’s vision includes not only winning games but also developing players both on and off the court. He aims to create a culture of excellence that extends beyond basketball, preparing student-athletes for success in life.
Watch on YouTube – Q&A with NC State new head basketball coach Will Wade – 3.25.25
NC State’s New Coach Will Wade Discusses Fan Passion, Building a Winning Team, and Competing in the NIL Landscape.
00:04 Coach Will Wade emphasizes the importance of passionate fan support.
- Wade highlights the positive impact of passionate fans and their dedication to the team, contrasting it with apathy.
- He expresses a commitment to create a consistently successful program that will resonate with the energized fan base.
02:00 Will Wade emphasizes resource efficiency for national competitiveness at NC State.
- Wade believes a strong NIL and revenue-sharing model will enable NC State to compete effectively.
- He reflects on lessons learned from past coaching experiences to enhance the player experience at NC State.
03:54 Will Wade reflects on personal growth and coaching influences.
- Wade highlights his journey from VCU to LSU and now NC State, emphasizing his continuous improvement.
- He discusses the significant coaches in his career, detailing how their strategies and mentoring shaped his approach.
05:50 Coach Will Wade emphasizes community engagement and personal growth.
- Will Wade plans to engage actively with NC State’s large student body and fan base to foster connection.
- He acknowledges past mistakes at LSU and highlights personal growth and lessons learned that shape his coaching philosophy.
07:41 Will Wade shares personal growth and lessons learned from previous coaching experiences.
- Wade reflects on his journey, emphasizing maturity and perspective gained from past challenges.
- He highlights the importance of building relationships within the university beyond just winning games.
09:42 Will Wade reflects on his coaching journey and views NC State as a destination job.
- Wade discusses the importance of self-reflection and having hard conversations for personal growth.
- He shares his unexpected path from aspiring high school teacher to head coach, emphasizing his commitment to impacting lives through basketball.
11:43 Coach Will Wade expresses excitement about NC State’s facilities and potential.
- Wade was impressed by the facilities, noting they exceeded initial descriptions and highlighted the importance of infrastructure.
- He emphasizes the necessity of maximizing resources and rigorous teamwork for competing at a high level in the ACC.
13:39 Coach Will Wade emphasizes NC State’s role in strengthening ACC basketball.
- Wade acknowledges the historical significance of NC State in the ACC and the need for its resurgence.
- He expresses confidence that focusing on NC State’s performance will elevate the entire conference.
15:28 Coach Wade emphasizes the importance of competing against top teams.
- He acknowledges the turnover of notable coaches in college basketball and expresses a desire to challenge themselves.
- Wade states the team will schedule tough opponents in both the ACC and non-conference play to improve competitiveness.