NC State Coach Criticizes 'Ugly' Wins

Wade says team must 'play to a standard' despite recent victories.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:55pm

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NC State men's basketball coach Will Wade expressed dissatisfaction with his team's recent victories, despite the Wolfpack earning their third straight win in a 20-point rout over Syracuse. Wade said the team needs to 'play to a standard' and not just focus on winning, even if it means the games are not aesthetically pleasing.

Why it matters

Wade's comments highlight the high expectations he has set for his program, which is looking to build on last season's NCAA Tournament appearance. The coach wants to instill a culture of excellence, not just settling for wins, as NC State aims to compete for an ACC title and return to the Big Dance.

The details

After the Syracuse win, Wade said the team did not get off easy in practice the following two days. The coach wants his players to focus on playing at a high level, not just grinding out victories, even if that means the games are not as visually appealing for fans.

  • NC State defeated Syracuse 20-point on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
  • Wade made his comments about the team's performance in practice sessions on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Will Wade

The head coach of the NC State men's basketball team, who is in his third season leading the Wolfpack program.

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What they’re saying

“You have to play to a standard. You can't just win ugly and be happy about it.”

— Will Wade, Head Coach, NC State Wolfpack

What’s next

NC State will look to continue its winning streak when it hosts rival North Carolina on February 3, 2026.

The takeaway

Coach Wade's high standards for his team reflect the program's ambitions to compete at the highest level in the ACC and nationally. While winning is the bottom line, he wants the Wolfpack to develop a championship-caliber identity through their play on the court.