Sat Mar 22 17:30:00 UTC 2025: **NC State’s New Coach Leads McNeese to Stunning NCAA Tournament Upset**
RALEIGH, NC – Will Wade, reportedly set to become the next head coach of NC State, orchestrated a stunning upset victory for his current team, McNeese State, against fifth-seeded Clemson in the NCAA tournament’s first round. The 12th-seeded Cowboys defeated Clemson 69-67, a win that overshadowed the controversy surrounding Wade’s hiring.
McNeese dominated for much of the game, leading by as many as 22 points. Clemson, a team that went 18-2 in ACC play, struggled mightily against McNeese’s aggressive defense, which included unconventional zone strategies employed specifically to counter Clemson’s strengths. Clemson managed only 13 points in the first half, a near-record low for the tournament.
The victory, McNeese’s first-ever in the NCAA tournament, is a testament to Wade’s coaching prowess. In just two years, he transformed McNeese into a competitive team, leveraging the school’s increased financial commitment to basketball to recruit high-major transfers. The win also highlights the decline of the ACC, with only four of its 18 teams making the NCAA tournament this year.
Wade’s past is controversial. He was fired from LSU three years ago following NCAA violations, but his coaching ability is undeniable. This McNeese upset serves as a reminder of his tactical brilliance and the potential impact he could have on NC State’s program, despite the ethical concerns surrounding his hire. The move is already generating polarized reactions, with some praising his coaching achievements, while others question his character. For NC State, however, the potential for a significant upgrade to their program is too appealing to ignore. The Wolfpack hopes Wade’s success will finally lift them out of the shadow of their Tobacco Road rivals.