Will Wade’s Betrayal of NC State: A Shock or a Foregone Conclusion?

The Tale of Will Wade and N.C. State

When reflecting on the actions of Will Wade towards N.C. State, it’s hard not to draw parallels to an ancient tale that has stood the test of time. In Aesop’s fable “The Farmer and the Viper,” a kind farmer finds a nearly frozen snake in the winter and takes it home, nursing it back to health. However, once revived, the viper bites the farmer. As he lies dying, he questions the snake’s betrayal, to which the snake replies, “You knew I was a snake when you picked me up.” This story serves as a poignant metaphor for the situation between Wade and N.C. State.

N.C. State is certainly the harmed party in this scenario, but it’s also not without its share of responsibility. The Wolfpack knowingly entered into a partnership with Wade, who had previously faced significant NCAA violations during his tenure at LSU. They were fully aware of the risks involved when they signed up for what was dubbed the “Rehab of Will Wade” seminar at McNeese State. This was followed by a single year of the “Red Reckoning” in Raleigh, which turned out to be more than just a reckoning—it was a painful lesson.

Wade’s intentions were clear from the start. He claimed to be focused on building N.C. State’s basketball program for the 2026-27 season, but it was evident that his true goal was to return to LSU. His decision to resign via his agent, sending a resignation email to N.C. State athletic director Boo Corrigan, was seen as cowardly. Just two weeks before his departure, during the ACC Tournament in Charlotte, a News & Observer reporter asked Wade about rumors of him leaving Raleigh for Baton Rouge. Wade responded with a mix of surprise and deflection, asking, “Is the job open there?” This response was typical of his approach, where he would often act as if he were unaware of the obvious.

Despite his claims of being focused on N.C. State, Wade made his final farewell statement on social media, highlighting the irony of his actions. My Texas relatives have a term for someone like Wade: “All hat, no cattle.” While it’s true that Wade can talk, it’s also part of the reason why he continues to be hired. At his introductory press conference, he promised a “reckoning” for the ACC and college basketball, stating it was not a rebuild. This was partially accurate, as N.C. State improved from 5-15 in the ACC under Kevin Keatts to 10-8 this season. The team also made the NCAA Tournament, though they were eliminated in the First Four, finishing with a 20-14 record.

Wade reiterated his commitment to returning for a second season, calling the team the “worst” he would have at N.C. State and “the floor of our program.” However, it turned out to be the best and only team he would ever have. Wade now joins the ranks of other coaches at LSU, including football coach Lane Kiffin and women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey. It’s likely that he will receive a higher salary, given LSU’s reputation for spending money generously, aided by the Louisiana governor’s influence.

Boo Corrigan expressed his disappointment seven times during his press conference on Thursday. He mentioned that he and Wade had met for two hours on Tuesday evening to plan for next season in Raleigh. “There was no reason for me, in my job, not to believe the words I was hearing that were coming back to me from Coach Wade,” Corrigan said. “I was surprised and shocked as anyone else.” This reaction was unexpected, but it highlights the trust that was placed in Wade.

In conclusion, the situation with Will Wade and N.C. State is a cautionary tale. A viper is still a viper, and when it feels warm enough to bite, one must be prepared for the fangs. The lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly shape the future of N.C. State’s basketball program.