It will be like old home week for McNeese State coach Will Wade.
The 12th-seeded Cowboys kick off the game NCAA Tournament In Providence, Rhode Island, on Thursday against No. 5 Clemson, which is Wade’s former school and where he started his coaching journey as a graduate assistant under Oliver Purnell, this match holds particular significance for him.
Whenever I first listen to that fight song, I plan to wave my arms during the 'O-N,' " Wade jokingly said on Sunday evening, alluding to the custom where Clemson supporters spell out their university’s name with hand gestures at the conclusion of "Tiger Rag.
I stay updated with the football schedule quite diligently. Practices halt whenever games are happening. However, I haven’t been around for ages. Despite this, it remains a wonderful location filled with amazing individuals; many acquaintances still reside there. Undoubtedly, my cellphone will be flooded with lovely greetings once I review my messages. The moment that kickoff happens, I’m fully committed to McNeese.
Wade’s journey hasn’t been easy at all, despite being 42 years old.
He had been away from college basketball for one year after his 2022 firing from LSU For supposed recruitment infractions, he provided advice to the scouting divisions of several NBA teams prior to this. McNeese State hired him Following its 11th consecutive losing season.
The Cowboys have quickly transformed, with Wade once again emerging as one of the country’s most sought-after coaches, and speculation links him to the vacant position at North Carolina State.
No wonder.
Over the past two years at McNeese State, he has achieved an impressive record of 57 wins and 10 losses. And, excluding his one-year break, he will be making his seventh consecutive tournament appearance — representing three distinct institutions.
This particular individual holds a significant importance. He served as a student manager at Clemson between 2002 and 2005, worked as a graduate assistant during 2005-06, and took on the role of director of basketball operations in 2006-07.
He began his career as a head coach with Chattanooga between 2013 and 2015. His next position was at VCU, where he made it to the tournament twice in just two years. Following this, he moved on to LSU, guiding three out of his five teams to the tournament; however, he did not get to participate in the last one since he was dismissed six days prior to its commencement.
Last season, McNeese State had an impressive record of 30 wins and only 4 losses but ended up losing to Gonzaga with a score of 65-86 despite being seeded at number 12. Historically, the team has not performed well in the tournament, holding a winless streak of 0-3. Given their upcoming match against Clemson—a classic 5 versus 12 seed—many spectators won’t hesitate to predict another potential surprise outcome this time around.
If we win, it would be absolutely amazing," Wade stated. "I don’t believe it’s a huge leap we must make. Just continue showing up, maintain securing advantageous confrontations, and keep providing yourself chances. Ideally, things will fall into place for us soon. Maybe this year. But even if it doesn't happen now, let's persist in reaching those positions until success comes our way.
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AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness
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