The Wolfpack's New Era: Will Wade's Mission to Revive N.C. State's Basketball Legacy
The North Carolina State Wolfpack, once a Cinderella story in the making, now faces a rebuilding phase that has many fans questioning their future. After a promising run to the Final Four two years ago, the team finds itself at a crossroads, with a new coach and a roster in flux. But here's the twist: the new head coach, Will Wade, is no stranger to the ACC scene.
Wade's coaching journey began at Clemson, where he started as a student manager. He then honed his skills at Harvard and VCU as an assistant before landing his first head coaching role at Chattanooga in 2013. Wade's career highlights include a 246-105 record, six NCAA Tournament appearances, and a highly successful stint at McNeese State. However, controversy struck in 2019 when Wade was caught on tape offering money to recruits at LSU, leading to his suspension and eventual termination. But the story doesn't end there...
Fast forward to 2023, and Wade is back in the game, taking the reins at N.C. State. He inherits a roster in disarray, with 12 players leaving through transfers or graduation. But in the era of the transfer portal and NIL, this could be an opportunity for Wade to build a team from scratch. And that's exactly what he did, bringing in 13 new players, including nine transfers, to create a fresh start.
Projected Starting Lineup:
- Point Guard: Tre Holloman (Senior) - A seasoned player from Michigan State, Holloman is poised to lead the offense with his playmaking abilities.
- Forward: Terrance Arceneaux (Junior) - Formerly a reserve at Houston, Arceneaux brings experience and a strong offensive game to the starting lineup.
- Forward: Darrion Williams (Senior) - A versatile player from Texas Tech, Williams is a well-rounded contributor, averaging impressive stats across the board.
- Forward: Ven-Allen Lubin (Senior) - Moving from North Carolina, Lubin adds height and athleticism, but questions remain about his defensive capabilities.
- Shooting Guard: Quadir Copeland (Senior) - Copeland, a transfer from McNeese State, is expected to start, offering scoring and passing skills.
Key Bench Players:
- Alyn Breed (Senior) - Breed provides depth at the guard position and can step up as a reliable scorer.
- Paul McNeil (Sophomore) - The lone returning player, McNeil is a 6'5" shooter who will benefit from the team's strong frontcourt.
- Scottie Ebube (Senior) - A defensive specialist, Ebube adds height and athleticism to the frontcourt.
- Jerry Deng (Junior) - Deng, a transfer from Florida State, can stretch the floor and provide valuable spacing for the offense.
- Matt Able (Freshman) - Able, a highly-rated recruit, is a shooter who could contribute immediately if he adapts quickly.
The Road Ahead:
Wade's first season at N.C. State kicks off with four home games, including a matchup against VCU. The team then travels to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational, facing tough opponents like Seton Hall and potentially USC or Boise State. A strong showing in Maui would be a significant boost for the Wolfpack.
December brings a challenging ACC/SEC Challenge game against Auburn, followed by home games against Liberty and Kansas. The non-conference schedule wraps up with a neutral-site game against Ole Miss.
The new year starts with a crucial home game against Virginia, followed by a mix of home and away games against ACC rivals. The Wolfpack's postseason fate will likely be decided in the last two months, with key matchups against Miami, UNC, and Duke.
A Season of Potential:
N.C. State has a lot to look forward to this season. Wade's ability to quickly assemble a talented roster through transfers is a testament to modern coaching strategies. The team boasts experience, athleticism, and scoring prowess. However, the biggest concern lies in the interior defense, which could make or break their success.
Will Wade's teams have historically been known for their defensive prowess, and if he can instill that in the Wolfpack, they could exceed expectations. The ACC may be stronger, but N.C. State has the tools to compete for an NCAA Tournament spot. The question remains: can Wade's vision for the Wolfpack come to fruition, or will they struggle to find their place in the ACC's elite neighborhood?
And this is where the real test begins. Will the Wolfpack rise to the challenge and reclaim their spot on Tobacco Road, or will they fall short? Only time will tell, and the basketball world is eagerly awaiting the outcome.
