Wade Faces VCU in NC State Showdown

Wade Returns to Familiar Territory as NC State Prepares for Epic Clash with VCU

When the NC State Wolfpack host the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams at the Lenovo Center on Monday night, it's more than just a non-conference basketball game. It's a reunion, a resume-builder, and a look back at a pivotal moment in the career of one of college basketball's most compelling figures: NC State head coach Will Wade.

This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, adding a layer of novelty to an already intriguing matchup. For Wade, however, it carries significant personal weight. The charismatic Wolfpack leader, now in his fourth game back in Raleigh, spent formative years as an assistant (2009-13) and head coach (2015-17) at VCU, leading the Rams to a 51-20 record and NCAA Tournament appearances both years, including a near-upset of a Final Four-bound Oklahoma team in 2016.

"I love VCU. I loved my time there," Wade admitted openly recently. "I was too eager to leave." Looking back, he added, "I should have never left... I should've stayed a while longer. We had something really [good] going."

Wade's candid reflection on his departure for LSU in 2017, after signing a contract extension to stay at VCU through 2023-24, adds emotional fuel to the game. He famously replaced Shaka Smart, who took VCU to the 2011 Final Four, and felt immense pressure to maintain the program's elite status. "They gave me the keys to a Ferrari and said, ‘Drive fast. Don’t put this thing in the ditch,'" Wade quipped, underscoring the pressure and the unique support he found at VCU.

While the personal history is compelling, the game itself holds major implications for NC State's season. Wade emphatically stated, "It's the first of our high majors and will be a Quad 1, Quad 2 game for us. It's a big, big game as we start to try to build a resume that's distinguishable from other folks." The Wolfpack enter boasting a perfect 3-0 record and eye-popping statistics, averaging a nation-leading 106 points per game while holding opponents to just 66.7 points per contest.

VCU: The Pace-Pressing Rams Pose Unique Challenge

Standing in NC State's way is a VCU program known for its relentless style under new head coach Phil Martelli Jr. (hired from Bryant after leading them to the NCAA Tournament). The Rams embody the "Havoc" identity VCU is famous for, built on speed, defensive pressure, and forcing turnovers.

VCU is one of the fastest teams in the country, averaging 74.8 possessions per game – faster than any ACC team this season and in the top 20 nationally. KenPom ranks their defensive efficiency 30th nationally, and they excel at forcing turnovers on 21.3% of opponent possessions. They also thrive at getting to the free-throw line, ranking 24th nationally in free throw rate. While their shooting has been inconsistent (41.7% overall, 36.7% from three in a loss to Utah State), their ability to control tempo and disrupt offenses presents a significant test for NC State's high-powered attack.

The Rams are also navigating significant roster turnover, losing their top five scorers from last season's A-10 championship team. However, Martelli Jr. brought in key transfers like Jadrian Tracey (Oregon), Lazar Djokovic (Charleston), Barry Evans (Bryant), and Ahmad Nowell (UConn), giving VCU experienced talent despite the youth. Nyk Lewis, a top-50 freshman, has already cracked the starting lineup. Preseason predictions have VCU repeating as A-10 champions.

Key Storylines and Prediction

The clash of styles promises fireworks. Can NC State's historic offensive output withstand VCU's trademark pressure and frenetic pace? Conversely, can the Rams exploit potential defensive vulnerabilities for the high-scoring Wolfpack? Wade's familiarity with VCU's schemes and personnel is undeniable, but Martelli Jr. has his own system thriving.

Beyond the X's and O's, the emotional backdrop is undeniable. Wade faces his old program, filled with former colleagues and memories. Assistant coach Brandon Chambers was a VCU student manager, Director of Pack Performance Greg Goldin had two stints with the program, and VCU assistant Brett Nelson worked with Kevin Keatts at NC State last year. It's a web of connections.

KenPom projects NC State to win 84-74, while Bart Torvik favors a slightly closer 86-78 NC State victory. Both models acknowledge the Wolfpack's offensive prowess but recognize VCU's ability to make any game a grind. This game kicks off a crucial five-game stretch for the Pack, making it a vital opportunity to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume against a tough, disciplined opponent from a power conference.

Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET at the Lenovo Center, with the game airing on the ACC Network. It's a must-watch for college basketball fans, blending personal history, contrasting styles, and high stakes.