The McNeese Miracle: Will Wade's March Madness Moment
Okay, let's talk about McNeese State's basketball team. Remember them? Probably not, unless you're a die-hard college hoops fan. But trust me, their 2025 NCAA Tournament run was something else. A massive upset. A Cinderella story for the ages. And it all centers around their coach, Will Wade.
Before we get into the wild ride, let's talk about the contract. After their amazing first season, McNeese gave Wade a shiny new five-year extension. We're talking $700,000 a year – that’s some serious coin. But here's the kicker: a $1.25 million buyout before August 31st, 2024. It dropped to $500,000 later on. That huge initial buyout reflects how much of a risk McNeese took, and how much they valued him after the fact.
Wade's Comeback Kid Story
Wade's had a bit of a rollercoaster career. Let's just say he's been through some controversies. But at McNeese, he totally turned things around. He had this simple two-year plan: make the NCAA Tournament and win a game. He not only hit those goals but completely smashed past them. Athletic Director Heath Schroyer clearly made a smart bet on Wade. Honestly, who saw this coming? His move to NC State? Well, that just shows how much his stock went up.
The Clemson Game: A Night for the Ages
The McNeese Cowboys' victory over Clemson? It was pure pandemonium. They absolutely shut down Clemson's offense with a suffocating zone defense. They built a huge lead in the first half; you could feel the energy shifting. Clemson fought back, of course – it’s March Madness, after all – but McNeese held on for a thrilling 69-67 victory. It was a classic underdog story, a testament to the unpredictable beauty of the tournament. Now, everywhere you look among McNeese fans, you’ll see it: “The Clemson Game.”
From Controversy to Cinderella: Wade's Journey
Think about Will Wade's trajectory: from controversy to coaching a team to a historic upset and then landing a job at a powerhouse program. It's a pretty incredible story. It speaks volumes about his coaching skills and the unwavering faith of McNeese's athletic director. His time at McNeese – the contract, the win, the whole shebang – it’s a fantastic example of what hard work and belief can achieve.
