Why NC State coach Will Wade’s rubber wristbands serve as his daily reminders

For as long as Will Wade can remember, he’s worn at least one rubber wristband on his right arm as a college basketball head coach. The bracelets have changed over the years, starting with a 30-year-old version of him as a first-year coach at Chattanooga to his two-season stint at VCU and his time on the Bayou at both LSU and McNeese, but the point of them has remained the same.  Wade, a coach that’s intentional about everything he does, has a purpose for each thing in his program. From how his teams practice to his analytical mind with countless spreadsheets on his computer, Wade has a reason for it all.  The wristbands, albeit a small detail within his basketball wardrobe that consists of plenty of logoed quarter zips, polos and sweatshirts, play a critical role in keeping Wade grounded. As he prepares to embark on his first season at NC State, looking to revitalize a program that went 12-19 (5-15 ACC) in its final season under Kevin Keatts a year ago, Wade dons a trio of items on his right wrist — all there to remind him of something different.