It will feel like a nostalgic homecoming for McNeese State head coach Will Wade as his 12th-seed Cowboys face off against the 5th-seed Clemson Tigers in the NCAA Tournament this Thursday in Providence, Rhode Island. Wade’s ties to Clemson run deep, as he is an alumnus and began his coaching career there as a graduate assistant under Oliver Purnell.
Despite the sentimental connection, Wade is focused on the task at hand. “The first time I hear that fight song, I might wave my arms a bit,” Wade humorously mentioned, recalling the tradition of Clemson fans spelling out the school’s name at the end of “Tiger Rag.” He added, “I follow the football team closely, and we halt practice when they have a game. It’s a wonderful place with great people, but now, my allegiance lies with McNeese.”
Wade’s coaching journey has been tumultuous. Following his dismissal from LSU in 2022 due to alleged recruitment violations, he stepped away from college basketball for a year. During that time, he consulted for various NBA scouting departments before McNeese State brought him on board after enduring a decade of consecutive losing seasons.
Under Wade’s guidance, McNeese State has turned the tide, making him one of the most sought-after coaches in the nation. His impressive record at McNeese State, boasting a 57-10 mark over two seasons, has already linked his name to opportunities like the North Carolina State head coaching position. Ignoring his yearlong hiatus, Wade is making his seventh consecutive tournament appearance, this time with his third school.
The matchup against Clemson carries sentimental weight for Wade, considering his history with the university. He served as a student manager from 2002-05, a graduate assistant in 2005-06, and later became the director of basketball operations in 2006-07. Wade then embarked on his head coaching path at Chattanooga from 2013-15, followed by two successful seasons at VCU with tournament appearances, and eventually made his mark at LSU. Despite leading LSU to multiple tournament appearances, he parted ways with the team just before their last postseason entry.
Last season, McNeese State had an impressive run with a 30-4 record but faced a setback, losing 86-65 to Gonzaga as a 12-seed. The Cowboys, still seeking their first NCAA Tournament victory, are widely anticipated to push for an upset in this classic 5-12 matchup.
“If we win, it would be incredible,” Wade reflected, noting that it’s not an insurmountable step to take. “As long as we keep making appearances and securing favorable matchups, we’ll eventually break through. Hopefully, this is our year. If not, we’ll persist until success follows.”