Wolfpack Gets Nod As One of Nation's Most Intriguing Teams

Will Wade and NC State received more praise from one of the major college basketball podcasts.

Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys head coach Will Wade during the first half of a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Optimism continues to reach new highs when it comes to the new era of North Carolina State men's basketball under first-year head coach Will Wade. Now, another prominent college basketball analyst added some more expectations to the Wolfpack's upcoming season.

Rob Dauster of the Field of 68 podcast spent time discussing Wade and NC State's looming debut, now just a few months away.

What Dauster Had to Say

The Field of 68 crew spent some time on the show's latest episode discussing what they believe are the most intriguing teams in college basketball. Dauster chose NC State.

"For me, the team is NC State and Will Wade," the analyst said. "Because of what they've put together. Because of who he is. Because of the storylines ... when it comes to the dynamics within the Triangle down there."

Dauster seemingly bought in on Wade's several proclamations that the program wasn't looking to start a lengthy rebuild, but rather was committed to competing right away. One major piece that keeps coming up in those conversations by analysts is Texas Tech transfer Darrion Williams.

"I think that Darrion Williams has a chance to end up being an All-American caliber player for NC State this season," Dauster said.

Mar 22, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Darrion Williams (5) reacts after a play against the Drake Bulldogs during the second half at Intrust Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The excitement around the program continues to be palpable, in large part due to Wade's spirited approach to engaging with a somewhat downtrodden fan base.

"I don't think that there's a better fit between a coach, a fan base and a program than what Will Wade will bring to NC State and that fan base," Dauster said.

On a separate episode, Dauster added that Wade brings a level of intrigue back to the ACC that had been missing for the last handful of seasons.

"Now, NC State-North Carolina games are must-see television instead of just being interesting in the Triangle there in North Carolina," the host said. "Now, when NC State plays Duke that becomes something that might be for ACC Championships over the next two or three years."

The Field of 68 host joined other analysts like CBS's Jon Rothstein in praising the Wolfpack and adding to the already sky-high expectations going into the season.

Wade and his brand new roster of experienced players combined with a couple fiery freshman players like Matthew Able seem poised for a major turnaround when the season gets underway in November.

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