In an emotional farewell, Will Wade's brief but impactful tenure at McNeese State came to a close as the 12th-seeded Cowboys fell 76-62 to the formidable 4th-seeded Purdue Boilermakers in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Wade, who is set to take over as head coach at North Carolina State after helping the Cowboys achieve remarkable success, held an insightful press conference reflecting on his time at McNeese.

Before Wade's arrival, McNeese had suffered through 11 consecutive losing seasons and had not made an NCAA Tournament appearance since 2002. His hiring came after a tumultuous exit from LSU in 2022 due to investigations into recruiting violations. Despite past controversies, the Cowboys took a gamble on Wade, and it certainly paid off.

During his leadership, McNeese not only rebounded but flourished, culminating in the program’s winningest season in history during 2023-24, where they recorded an impressive 30-4 record and reached the NCAA Tournament. This season alone, McNeese celebrated 28 victories, including a historic first-round win against No. 5 seed Clemson.

In the aftermath of the loss to Purdue, Wade shared heartfelt reflections about his journey and the community that embraced him.

On the Importance of Second Chances:

Wade expressed his belief in the power of second chances, stating, "I'm a believer in second chances. A lot of people in our program have been given a second chance... That's why we're so close." His sentiments reflect a bond built on resilience and mutual understanding among the players and staff.

Looking Back on the Season:

Choking back tears, Wade described the past two years: "We went 40-2 in the league. I don't care what league you are in, that's hard to do." He praised his players for their commitment and determination. "We were able to win a game, it just took so much out of us. We didn't have the pop today. Purdue had a lot of pop, and they played us well."

Future Plans at NC State:

When questioned about his next steps after the tournament, Wade indicated that he wanted to focus on wrapping things up at McNeese before moving on. "For now, I want to focus on McNeese. We have a strong foundation, and whatever happens next, I believe this program is in good hands."

A Special Connection with McNeese:

Wade emphasized the profound connection he felt with the McNeese community. "I needed a place that would embrace me and the town needed someone to embrace them. It just worked." He went on to highlight how the local community supported the players, making them beloved figures in town—a testament to the invigorating spirit of both the program and its supporters.

Key Players and Their Impact:

Acknowledging standout players Christian Shumate and Javohn Garcia, Wade remarked on their loyalty and contribution to the team's success. "Shu was here through the lows and the highs... he believed in us and came back." Their faith in the coaching staff during the program’s struggles was crucial for the turnaround that followed.

As Will Wade prepares to embark on his next chapter with NC State, his legacy at McNeese State is already being etched into the fabric of the program. With his knack for turning challenges into opportunities, the college basketball world is eager to see how he will further elevate his new team in the highly competitive ACC. Stay tuned, as Wade’s journey is only just beginning!