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Will Wade takes parting shot at NC State fans

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 1:15 PM ET

Will Wade left NC State to return to LSU after just one year, and he took a parting shot at some of the team’s fans on his way out the door.

LSU introduced Wade for his second stint as head basketball coach on Monday, and he inevitably discussed the circumstances that led to him leaving NC State one year after being hired. Wade said he felt his departure had been “mischaracterized,” and that he was “at peace” with how the process played out.

“Look, they’re pretty mad for a coach they didn’t think was very good,” Wade added.

Will Wade on NC State

"I think some of the things have been mischaracterized on how I left, but I'm not gonna get into a back-and-forth. The people who need to know, know. When there's a situation like this, everybody has to cover, let's put it that way. I'm at peace with how… pic.twitter.com/S0M03Ta8m8
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 30, 2026

Wade’s remark got a big cheer from the LSU faithful in attendance, but it won’t go over well in Raleigh. It felt a bit like twisting the knife here.

Wade was a big hire for the Wolfpack last season and he showed promise in year one, going 20-14 and taking NC State to the First Four. Like most coaches, he had his critics, but seemed to be on his way to building a successful program.

Ultimately, Wade had nothing but nice things to say about NC State on the whole as he left, and felt the chance to return to LSU was simply too good to pass up. That will not make Wolfpack fans feel better, and many of them will feel his quip on Monday is more reflective of his true feelings.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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