Will Wade on NC State: 'This is the best job I've ever had'

NC State made arguably the splashiest hire of the college basketball offseason. The Wolfpack brought in Will Wade from McNeese State, bringing the head coach back to the power conference level. Wade previously worked at LSU before getting fired, only to get another opportunity in Lake Charles. After an immense amount of success and an NCAA Tournament win, Wade found himself in Raleigh.

Flash forward a few months and NC State is knee deep in conference play. Still, a radio show caller recently wondered if this is where Wade sees himself long-term. Wade responded by saying NC State is the best job he’s ever had.

“This is the best job I’ve ever had, in terms of the support for basketball,” Wade said via Noah Fleischman of On3 | Rivals’ The Wolfpacker. “We have everything we need. It’s on us to win. I absolutely love it here.”

Wade signed a six-year contract with NC State back in April. Commitment is coming from both parties to make things work. Finding a sense of consistency might be what the Wolfpack is looking for more than anything. And Wade believes it’s on him to make sure the fan base gets that. If nothing else, Wade voicing support of the program eases any kind of idea of a change taking place in the near future.

For now, focus is on the short-term success more so than the long-term. NC State will take the court again on Saturday, heading up North to face Pitt. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. It’s the beginning of what will be a run of games on the road, including four of the next six.

Will Wade on track to make NCAA Tournament in first season at NC State

People around NC State have to be happy with how the 2025-2026 season has gone thus far. An overall record of 13-6 and 4-2 in ACC play means the Wolfpack appear to be on track to make the NCAA Tournament. On3’s James Fletcher released his latest Bracketology on Thursday. NC State is currently one of the ‘Last Four Byes,’ slotting into the Midwest Region as a 10-seed.

A few more key games remain on the schedule, including against the in-state foes Duke and North Carolina. Resume-building opportunities will pop up in the coming weeks. At the very least, keeping the ship steady will make sure NC State remains on the right side of the bubble.