College basketball fans are just one night away from the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, but controversy is already brewing. The uproar began when No. 11 seed North Carolina secured the final tournament spot despite a dismal 1-12 record in Quad 1 games. Many questioned the selection process, particularly since North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham chairs the selection committee. Adding to the drama, another issue from the state of North Carolina surfaced. On Wednesday, insider Jeff Goodman reported that North Carolina State is expected to hire McNeese State head coach Will Wade following the NCAA Tournament.
NC State has a verbal agreement in place with McNeese State head coach Will Wade, source told @TheFieldOf68.
Nothing is signed yet, but the expectation is that it’ll be official shortly after McNeese gets eliminated from NCAA tourney.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 19, 2025
While fans understand that Wade was bound to leave for a bigger opportunity, they are frustrated that the news broke just a day before his No. 12 seed McNeese State Cowboys face No. 5 seed Clemson in the first round. Many believe the timing is unfair to his players.
“Incredible that NC State couldn’t wait to leak this story until AFTER McNeese’s game,” one fan posted. Another added, “I hate this. Let him coach his kids.” Others echoed similar sentiments: “How do you let this get out before your tourney games? No way McNeese can play with their heads on straight now. Jesus,” and “Will Wade is a disgrace for doing this before his team plays.” One fan even predicted, “McNeese getting smoked by Clemson confirmed,” while another urged, “Wait until after the tournament for this stuff.”
When asked during his media availability if he or his agent had been in contact with NC State, Wade immediately responded, “yes,” with a smirk. Whether this development will serve as a distraction for McNeese remains to be seen, but the timing is far from ideal. Wade has led the program to a 57-10 record over two seasons, guiding McNeese State to its first two NCAA Tournament appearances since 2001-02.
BULLSHIT, BULLSHIT, BULLSHIT. All sides have handled this well. Coach Wade was very honest with his team and the media. NC State handled the process of the hiring in an admirable fashion.
While fans understand that Wade was bound to leave for a bigger opportunity, they are frustrated that the news broke just a day before his No. 12 seed McNeese State Cowboys face No. 5 seed Clemson in the first round. Many believe the timing is unfair to his players.
“Incredible that NC State couldn’t wait to leak this story until AFTER McNeese’s game,” one fan posted. Another added, “I hate this. Let him coach his kids.” Others echoed similar sentiments: “How do you let this get out before your tourney games? No way McNeese can play with their heads on straight now. Jesus,” and “Will Wade is a disgrace for doing this before his team plays.” One fan even predicted, “McNeese getting smoked by Clemson confirmed,” while another urged, “Wait until after the tournament for this stuff.”
When asked during his media availability if he or his agent had been in contact with NC State, Wade immediately responded, “yes,” with a smirk. Whether this development will serve as a distraction for McNeese remains to be seen, but the timing is far from ideal. Wade has led the program to a 57-10 record over two seasons, guiding McNeese State to its first two NCAA Tournament appearances since 2001-02.