The college basketball landscape is witnessing significant coaching shifts, with North Carolina State University (NC State) reportedly securing Will Wade as their new head coach, while Indiana University has officially appointed Darian DeVries to lead their men’s basketball program. These developments are poised to influence the dynamics of their respective conferences and the broader NCAA basketball scene.
Will Wade’s Appointment at NC State
NC State has reportedly reached an agreement with Will Wade to become the next head coach of the Wolfpack, replacing the recently fired Kevin Keatts.
Wade, currently preparing to lead McNeese against Clemson in the NCAA Tournament, confirmed discussions about his coaching status with his team, emphasizing transparency. He acknowledged the circulating rumors and addressed them directly with his players.
Wade’s coaching career is marked by both achievements and controversies. At LSU, he led the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances and an SEC regular-season title. However, his tenure ended abruptly in 2022 due to recruiting violations, resulting in his dismissal and subsequent penalties, including a 10-game suspension and a two-year show-cause penalty.
Despite these setbacks, Wade’s coaching acumen remains evident, as demonstrated by his successful stint at McNeese, where he led the team to back-to-back Southland championships and their first NCAA Tournament appearances.
Wade’s appointment at NC State comes at a pivotal moment for the program. The Wolfpack reached the Final Four just a year ago but struggled in the subsequent season, finishing with a 12-19 record.
Wade’s ability to revitalize programs could be instrumental in restoring NC State’s competitiveness in the ACC.
Darian DeVries Takes the Helm at Indiana
Indiana University has officially named Darian DeVries as the 31st head coach of its men’s basketball program.
DeVries joins the Hoosiers after a brief yet impactful tenure at West Virginia University (WVU), where he led the Mountaineers to a 19-13 overall record and a 10-10 finish in the Big 12 during the 2024-2025 season. This performance was notable, considering WVU’s 9-23 record the previous season.
Before his time at WVU, DeVries spent six seasons as the head coach at Drake University, amassing a 150-55 record and leading the Bulldogs to three NCAA Tournament appearances in his final four seasons. His teams consistently achieved 20 or more wins each season, underscoring his coaching prowess.
DeVries’ decision to depart WVU after just one season has elicited reactions from Mountaineers players, who shared cryptic posts on social media, reflecting their surprise and skepticism. Leading scorer Javon Small posted laughing emojis, while center Eduardo Andrew reacted with “Lool,” indicating potential unrest within the team.
At Indiana, DeVries faces the challenge of revitalizing a storied program that has struggled with consistency in recent years. The Hoosiers have advanced past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament only three times since reaching the national championship game in 2002 and have missed six of the past eight NCAA tournaments under three different coaches.
DeVries’ Midwestern roots and successful coaching background align with Indiana’s aspirations to reestablish itself as a powerhouse in college basketball.
Implications for the Programs and Conferences
The hiring of Will Wade and Darian DeVries signifies strategic moves by NC State and Indiana to elevate their basketball programs. Wade’s offensive-minded coaching style and proven track record could reinvigorate NC State’s competitiveness in the ACC, a conference known for its basketball prowess. His ability to attract talent and implement high-scoring offenses may position the Wolfpack as a formidable contender in the coming seasons.
Conversely, DeVries’ appointment at Indiana reflects the university’s commitment to restoring its basketball legacy. His experience in transforming programs and achieving consistent success aligns with Indiana’s goals of returning to national prominence. DeVries’ familiarity with the Midwest recruiting landscape could be advantageous in attracting top-tier talent to Bloomington.
Challenges Ahead
Both coaches will confront distinct challenges in their new roles. Wade must navigate the lingering shadows of past controversies and demonstrate adherence to NCAA regulations while striving to achieve on-court success. Balancing the expectations of a passionate fan base with the need for compliance will be crucial for his tenure at NC State.
DeVries inherits an Indiana program hungry for sustained success but burdened by recent underperformance. Rebuilding team morale, establishing a winning culture, and meeting the high expectations of Hoosier faithful will be immediate priorities. Additionally, addressing potential roster changes, such as the anticipated transfer of junior forward Malik Reneau, who led the team with an average of 13.3 points per game this season, will be essential for a smooth transition.
The anticipated coaching changes at NC State and Indiana underscore the dynamic nature of college basketball, where leadership decisions can significantly impact program trajectories. As Will Wade and Darian DeVries embark on their respective journeys, their ability to adapt, recruit, and foster winning cultures will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and stakeholders. Their success or failure will not only shape the futures of NC State and Indiana but also contribute to the evolving narrative of NCAA basketball.
