After 100 days with NC State basketball, Will Wade updates state of the Wolfpack

It’s been a little more than 100 days since Will Wade was hired to take over the N.C. State men’s basketball program. Those days haven’t been slow, between moving his family from Louisiana, hiring a staff and recruiting a new team.

Wade held his first news conference since summer workouts began. While he was more than willing to crack a few jokes, he also admits there’s plenty more to be done before classes begin Aug. 17.

In his near 40-minute news conference, Wade touched on multiple topics — such as NIL and Paul Mbiya’s sudden transfer — but didn’t touch on nearly everything. There’s simply too much to discuss.

What he did talk about, Wade was fairly forthcoming. Here are highlights from his appearance at Dail Basketball Center.

What Will Wade has seen from the team

The Wolfpack coaching staff has seen improvement from individual players, but how the team will look as a group remains in flux.

Wade said on Wednesday that it was the 39th day the team could be together, but because of minor injuries, there has only been one day where players went 5-on-5.

“Hopefully we can get a couple guys back; nothing earth-shattering, nothing that’s been major, but a lot of just nagging stuff,” Wade said. “I really don’t have a clear answer on how we’ve been, because I haven’t seen us.”

Wade added that the lack of full-team practices is concerning because the roster was completely overhauled. They need as much time as possible to prepare, but things haven’t worked out that way.

“It’s a big concern, something that I’m worried about. It keeps me up at night,” Wade said. “We gotta play the cards we were dealt. Can’t ask for a redo.”

Ven-Allen Lubin’s addition

North Carolina transfer Ven-Allen Lubin has already made an impact, Wade said, providing reliability and consistency.

“He’s everything we thought he would be,” Wade said. The transfer is also in position to return to the 3-point efficiency (33.3%) he had during his sophomore year at Vanderbilt.

Lubin was recognized as the Wolfpack player of the week and “Man of the Month,” a way to highlight the players who are impressing the coaching staff. The awards are given based on metrics.

“He’s been a warrior force, but we’ve gotta get a little bit more help,” Wade said.

Wade said the staff thinks the roster is solid, at least on paper, but remains open to adding another one or two scholarship players who could bolster the frontcourt depth. He admitted that at this point, it comes down to luck — finding a guy overseas or “some other things that happen.”

“Going into a season that thin on the front line is very, very tough when you’re in a power conference,” Wade said. “Asking those guys to play at a high level for 30-plus [minutes] a night is tough.”

The House settlement created roster limits instead of scholarship limits, which allows programs more flexibility in how they spend money. Previously, teams could have 13 scholarship players and walk-ons. Now, they can have 15 players.

There is a slight exception that allows schools to create “designated student-athletes,” who do not count toward the roster limit, even if they transfer to another school. This provision was in response to concerns that existing players would lose spots because of the new rules.

N.C. State has designated walk-on Jordan Snell as one such player. With 13 scholarships, the Wolfpack could add a couple more players.

Paul Mbiya’s departure from NC State

One of the first major shakeups in the Wade era was the departure of Paul Mbiya, who is now signed to play at Kansas. Mbiya has since been replaced by Wyoming transfer Scottie Ebube.

Wade emphasized that the change, which came after Mbiya signed with the Wolfpack, was not the player’s fault.

“It’s not Paul’s fault. I want to be very clear about that. It’s not his fault, it’s our fault,” Wade said. “I’m saying the kid wanted to come. We couldn’t facilitate it happening.”

Wade called Mbiya a “great kid” while complimenting his agents and overseas contacts for the way they handled the situation.

The first-year head coach did not give specifics about the situation, but said tough decisions have to be made in the best interest of a program. Wade said the team was in a difficult position and it was unfortunate to lose Mbiya.

“I still talk to his agent and his people, and I wish him nothing but the best,” Wade said. “I think he’s going to be a very, very good player.”

Mbiya’s size and abilities would’ve filled a need N.C. State needed in the frontcourt, but the staff is working to continue Ebube’s development.

Wade said Ebube holds roughly an 18% offensive rebounding rate in his three collegiate seasons, making him a high-level offensive rebounder. Unfortunately, he is also prone to fouls.

“He’s got one discernible skill that can help us,” Wade said. “Now, he’s got a high foul rate, too. He’s got some other stuff that we’ve got to work around, but I think that he can help us.”

Kevin Keatts’ impact on Wolfpack

Wade did not shy away from acknowledging his predecessor and the legacy Kevin Keatts leaves behind.

He mentioned the team’s 2024 ACC championship and Final Four run, making the NCAA Tournament in half of his years — despite a lingering NCAA investigation from issues that predated his 2017 arrival — and accomplishing those things with fewer resources.

“He did a damn good job, and he doesn’t get the credit that he deserves,” Wade said. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that … Our fans should be appreciative of him.

“He’s going to land back on his feet, and he’s going to win.”

This story was originally published July 9, 2025 at 1:28 PM with the headline "After 100 days with NC State basketball, Will Wade updates state of the Wolfpack."

Jadyn Watson-Fisher

The News & Observer