Miami's Lucas Calls NC State 'Hardest Place to Play' in ACC

Hurricanes coach Jai Lucas praises Wolfpack's home-court advantage ahead of crucial conference matchup.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Miami Hurricanes head coach Jai Lucas called NC State "the hardest place to play" in the ACC ahead of his team's upcoming game against the Wolfpack. Lucas praised NC State's passionate fan base and the team's offensive firepower under first-year head coach Will Wade, who has transformed the Wolfpack into one of the top offensive teams in the conference.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for both teams' postseason positioning. Miami is currently on the NCAA Tournament bubble, and a win over the in-form Wolfpack would provide a significant boost to their resume. NC State, meanwhile, is looking to solidify its standing in the upper echelon of the ACC.

The details

NC State (18-7, 9-3 ACC) has won six straight games at home and boasts a 10-3 record at home this season. The Wolfpack are led by a revamped roster that includes several key transfers, including point guard Quadir Copeland, forward Darrion Williams, and guard Tre Holloman. This group has helped NC State become one of the top offensive teams in the ACC, ranking third in points per game and first in three-point percentage.

  • The game is scheduled for Saturday, February 18th at 4 pm.
  • Miami is coming off a win over No. 11 North Carolina on Tuesday, February 14th.

The players

Jai Lucas

The head coach of the Miami Hurricanes basketball team.

Will Wade

The first-year head coach of the NC State Wolfpack basketball team, who has transformed the team into one of the top offensive squads in the ACC.

Quadir Copeland

The 6-foot-6 point guard for NC State who was added to the roster from McNeese State.

Darrion Williams

The former Texas Tech forward who is now playing for NC State.

Tre Holloman

The former Michigan State guard who is now playing for NC State and has become a more prolific three-point shooter under Coach Wade.

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What they’re saying

“To me, it is the hardest place to play in the conference. And I say that with all respect to Duke and [North] Carolina and everybody, but North Carolina State is a different type of animal.”

— Jai Lucas, Head Coach, Miami Hurricanes (on3.com)

“Coach Wade has always done a great job of giving his players freedom, and with that, freedom gives them confidence. And so you have a lot of people whose games have completely changed, like Tre Holloman wasn't necessarily as big of a shooter at Michigan State, and now he's shooting a lot of threes. Same thing with Darrion Williams. Paul McNeil didn't play at all last year, and now he's a guy who is playing a lot. He's had a 40-point game.”

— Jai Lucas, Head Coach, Miami Hurricanes (on3.com)

What’s next

A win over NC State would provide a significant boost to Miami's NCAA Tournament resume, potentially moving them from a 'Last Four In' team to a 'Last Four Byes' team in the latest bracketology projections.

The takeaway

This game showcases the intense rivalry and home-court advantage in the ACC, as Miami's coach acknowledges NC State as the 'hardest place to play' in the conference. The matchup between the Hurricanes and the resurgent Wolfpack will be a crucial test for both teams as they jockey for position in the crowded ACC standings and aim to secure their spots in the NCAA Tournament.