The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball program stands at a pivotal juncture, entering a new era under the guidance of Head Coach Will Wade. After a rollercoaster of a past season that saw the team navigate significant challenges, the focus has squarely shifted to building a competitive and consistent contender in the formidable Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This article delves into the latest developments surrounding the Wolfpack, exploring the new coaching staff, the revamped roster, expectations for the upcoming season, and a look back at the program’s rich history.
The Recent Past: A Season of Highs and Lows (2023-2024)
The 2023-2024 season for NC State men’s basketball was one defined by stark contrasts. Under former head coach Kevin Keatts, the Wolfpack experienced an improbable and exhilarating run to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 11 seed. This “Cinderella” story captivated the nation, as the team defied all odds to win the ACC Tournament championship and then continued their march through March Madness, beating conference and in-state rival Duke along the way. Key players like DJ Horne and DJ Burns Jr. became household names, showcasing grit and determination.
However, the euphoria of the Final Four run was followed by a disappointing regular season in 2024-2025. With the departure of key senior leaders like Horne and Burns Jr., the team struggled to find its footing, finishing with a 12-19 overall record and a 5-15 mark in ACC play. This significant drop-off led to the program failing to qualify for the ACC Tournament, a stark contrast to their championship performance just a year prior. Ultimately, Kevin Keatts was relieved of his duties, despite having received a two-year contract extension through the 2029-30 season following the Final Four appearance. The buy-out of his contract underscored the program’s commitment to a new direction.
A Fresh Start: The Will Wade Era Begins
The search for a new head coach culminated in the hiring of Will Wade, a name familiar to college basketball enthusiasts for both his on-court success and past controversies. Wade arrives at NC State with a clear mandate: to instill a winning culture and quickly elevate the program’s standing in the ACC.
Will Wade’s Vision and Expectations:
Coach Wade has wasted no time in setting ambitious goals for his inaugural season in Raleigh. In his introductory press conference, he emphatically stated, “I want to be very clear. This is not a rebuild. We’re going to be in the top part of the ACC next year, and we’re going to the NCAA tournament. This is not something that’s going to take forever. Make sure you got that on camera. This is going to be done, and this is going to be done the right way, and this is going to be done quickly.”
This bold declaration highlights Wade’s confidence and his commitment to immediate results. He aims to make NC State a stable, consistent winner, a sentiment echoed in his public statements. His approach to roster construction and recruitment has been aggressive, reflecting his desire to quickly assemble a competitive squad.
The New Coaching and Support Staff:
Will Wade has brought in a new team to help him achieve his goals. Key hires include:
Andrew Slater (General Manager/Chief Strategist for Men’s Basketball): Slater comes with a strong reputation as a talent evaluator, having previously worked with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. His role will be integral in identifying and acquiring talent for the program.
Patrick Stacy (Assistant General Manager): Stacy’s expertise lies in analytics, particularly in scouting and recruiting. He founded Jam Basketball Intelligence, a company focused on pre-game scouting reports, indicating a data-driven approach to team building.
Reed Vial (Special Assistant to the Head Men’s Basketball Coach): Vial has a history with Wade, having played for him at LSU and worked on his staffs at LSU and McNeese. His loyalty and understanding of Wade’s system will be valuable.
This new staff reflects a concerted effort to leverage modern analytics and robust scouting to build a successful program, moving beyond traditional recruitment methods.
The Rebuilt Roster: A Blend of Transfers and Freshmen
With a new coaching staff comes a significant roster overhaul, a common occurrence in the era of the transfer portal. NC State has been active in the transfer market, aiming to quickly retool and add experienced talent.
Key Additions via the Transfer Portal (2024-2025):
The transfer portal has been central to NC State’s roster construction under Will Wade. The Wolfpack has secured commitments from several impactful players, with reports indicating a strong pursuit of others. As of the latest information, NC State’s 2025 recruiting class, which includes both high school recruits and transfer portal commitments, ranks 25th nationally in 247Sports’ Overall Basketball Team Recruiting Rankings and 8th in the ACC.
Notable transfer portal commitments include:
Tre Holloman (Senior Guard, formerly of Michigan State): An experienced guard who brings a veteran presence to the backcourt.
Terrance Arceneaux (Senior Guard, formerly of Houston): Described as a long and agile wing defender, he is expected to contribute significantly on both ends of the floor.
Quadir Copeland (Senior Guard, formerly of McNeese State): A familiar face for Coach Wade, bringing a strong scoring ability.
Jerry Deng (Junior Forward, formerly of Florida State): A 6’9″ forward and former top-100 high school recruit, offering intriguing potential.
Alyn Breed (Redshirt Senior Guard, formerly of McNeese State): Another former Wade player, adding depth to the backcourt.
Colt Langdon (Redshirt Freshman Forward, formerly of Butler): A promising local product.
The Wolfpack has also been heavily linked to PJ Haggerty, a former Memphis guard and top remaining player in the transfer portal. Haggerty, a high-volume scorer, would be a significant addition and a potential lead engine for the team, though his decision is still pending. The pursuit of such a high-caliber player highlights Wade’s ambition to bring in immediate difference-makers.
Incoming Freshmen (2024-2025):
In addition to the transfer portal additions, NC State has also secured commitments from high school talents:
SG Matthew Able: Ranked as a top-30 national recruit and a top-6 shooting guard.
PF Zymicah Wilkins: Ranked among the top 120 nationally and a top-20 center.
These high school prospects provide a foundation for future development and continuity within the program.
Returning Players:
While the roster has seen substantial turnover, a few players from the previous season are expected to return. Rising sophomore guard Paul McNeil is one of the key returning scholarship talents. Marcus Hill, a guard who transferred in for the 2023-2024 season, had also indicated his plan to return for his final collegiate campaign, benefiting from a new NCAA eligibility rule for junior college transfers. However, with the coaching change and significant transfer portal activity, the definitive list of returning scholarship players remains fluid.
Expectations for the Upcoming Season
Given the significant changes, expectations for the 2024-2025 season are a blend of cautious optimism and high anticipation. Will Wade’s strong declaration of an immediate NCAA Tournament berth and a top-half finish in the ACC sets a high bar.
Historically, new coaches at NC State have had mixed results in their first year. Six out of the last nine coaches improved their win total from the previous season, and four made the NCAA Tournament in their inaugural year (excluding Everett Case, whose first year predated the NCAA Tournament). Wade’s track record, particularly his success at McNeese State, suggests he can quickly turn a program around.
The key to success will be the seamless integration of the new transfer players and the ability of the coaching staff to quickly establish chemistry and a cohesive system. The ACC remains a challenging conference, and navigating its competitive landscape will be a true test for the revamped Wolfpack. The pursuit of a high-impact player like PJ Haggerty further indicates the desire to build a team capable of competing at the highest level immediately.
FAQs
Who is the current head coach of NC State men’s basketball?
As of March 2025, Will Wade is the head coach of NC State men’s basketball. He was officially introduced in March 2025 after the university parted ways with Kevin Keatts following a disappointing 12–19 season.
Why was Kevin Keatts fired despite leading NC State to the Final Four in 2024?
Kevin Keatts was dismissed in March 2025 after the team finished 12–19 overall and 5–15 in ACC play, missing both the ACC and NCAA tournaments. This downturn came just one year after their Cinderella run to the 2024 Final Four.
What is the outlook for the 2025–26 season under Coach Will Wade?
Coach Wade has expressed confidence in assembling a competitive roster, aiming for a top-four finish in the ACC and a strong NCAA Tournament run. He emphasized the importance of the NCAA draft withdrawal deadline on May 28, by which the roster should be nearly complete.
Who are the key returning players for NC State?
Paul McNeil, a sophomore guard from Rockingham, NC, is among the notable returnees. Other returning players include Jordan Snell, a senior guard from Cary, NC.
Who are the new recruits and transfers joining the team?
NC State’s 2024 recruiting class includes 5-star recruit Matthew Able. The team has also added transfers such as Alyn Breed, Quadir Copeland, and point guard Tre Holloman.
What is the current recruiting class ranking for NC State?
As of April 2025, NC State’s recruiting class ranks 22nd nationally and 7th in the ACC, according to 247Sports.
What is the 2024–25 season schedule for NC State men’s basketball?
The 2024–25 schedule includes notable non-conference games against Purdue, Texas, Kansas, and BYU/Ole Miss. ACC play features home-and-away matchups with UNC and Wake Forest.
How did NC State perform in the 2024–25 season?
NC State finished the 2024–25 season with a 12–19 overall record and a 5–15 record in ACC play, placing 16th in the conference. They did not qualify for the ACC tournament and were not invited to the NCAA tournament or the NIT.
What are the expectations for NC State in the upcoming season?
With a revamped roster and a new coaching staff, expectations are cautiously optimistic. Coach Wade aims to build a connected, hardworking team capable of competing at a high level in the ACC and making a strong NCAA Tournament run.
Where can fans watch NC State men’s basketball games?
NC State games are broadcast on various networks, including the ACC Network and ESPN. Fans can also stream games through the official NC State Athletics website and associated platforms.
To conclude
The NC State men’s basketball program stands at a pivotal juncture. The 2024–25 season’s challenges, culminating in a 12–19 record and the subsequent dismissal of Coach Kevin Keatts, underscored the need for a fresh direction. Enter Will Wade, a coach with a track record of NCAA Tournament appearances and a vision to rejuvenate the Wolfpack.
Coach Wade’s approach is both strategic and ambitious. By emphasizing the importance of the NCAA draft withdrawal deadline on May 28, he aims to solidify a roster that balances experienced transfers with promising recruits. The addition of 5-star recruit Matthew Able and transfers like Alyn Breed and Tre Holloman signals a commitment to immediate competitiveness.
The 2024–25 schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. Non-conference games against powerhouses like Purdue and Kansas will test the team’s mettle early, while ACC matchups offer a chance to establish a new identity within the conference.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, the program’s culture is set for a transformation. Coach Wade’s emphasis on building a connected and hardworking team resonates with the Wolfpack’s storied history. The goal is clear: return to the upper echelons of college basketball and make a deep NCAA Tournament run.
For fans, the upcoming season promises a blend of anticipation and excitement. With a new coach at the helm, a retooled roster, and a challenging schedule, NC State men’s basketball is poised for a resurgence. As the team embarks on this new chapter, the Wolfpack faithful can look forward to a season of renewed hope and potential.
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