McNeese fires back at Will Wade critics ahead of NCAA Tournament opener vs. Gonzaga

McNeese might be gaining a bit more attention than a normal head coach due to their head coach. Will Wade is once again back in the NCAA Tournament, his first appearance since being fired at LSU. Wade was caught on a wiretap saying he could make a “strong-***” offer to a player and the scandal eventually led to his dismissal.

Not everybody has been supportive of Wade throughout the process, even once he got back into coaching at McNeese. He made sure to keep receipts though, displaying them on Wednesday ahead of the Cowboys Round of 64 game against Gonzaga.

In what was a video showing off practice, the opening frame displays a shirt Wade is wearing with headlines going against him. Ten different headlines regarding the situation while at LSU are seen on Wade’s back.

You can check out the full video here.

Post season prep#BayouBandits | #GeauxPokes pic.twitter.com/qSzR5fEakJ

— McNeese Men’s Basketball (@McNeeseMBB) March 21, 2024

You can watch the tournament live on Prime Video, add on your favorite channels and watch at home or on your phone and laptop at work!

Wade did not coach during the 2022-2023 season, taking a year off following the investigation. However, McNeese was quick to hire him following their firing of John Aiken. The move has paid off in a big way, with some silverware being won this season by the Cowboys.

McNeese won the Southland Conference regular season (first since 2011) and conference tournament title (first since 2002). The program has participated in just three NCAA Tournaments in its history and has yet to win a game.

Wade is hoping he can deliver something special at McNeese, who matter what people have said about his coaching past.

Will Wade hoping to pull off upset, take down Gonzaga on Thursday

Everyone loves predicting the 12-seed to take down the 5-seed, being the most frequent lower-seed upset in the entire Round of 64. If you add in a story like Wade where bracket makers can get behind a story, a lot of people are going to be cheering for McNeese on Thursday.

Wade personally has experience winning in the NCAA Tournament, having four to his name already. But you have to imagine getting one at McNeese, especially over a program such as Gonzaga, would mean a lot more. After everything Wade has been through, he’s ready to shine on college basketball’s biggest stage.

Tip-off from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City is scheduled for 7:25 p.m. Whoever earns the win will have either Kansas or Samford waiting for them on Saturday.