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Will Wade introduced as new LSU basketball coach. Highlights press conference
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- Will Wade introduced as new LSU basketball coach. Highlights press conference
Will Wade is back in Baton Rouge , Louisiana.
After four seasons away, the 43-year-old coach is back as the LSU men's basketball coach following stops at McNeese and North Carolina State. Wade was introduced as the new Tigers coach, starting for the 2026-27 college basketball season on March 30.
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In his first stint with LSU, Wade had a 105-51 record, including a run to the Sweet 16 in 2019. However, he was suspended for the final five games of the 2021-22 season after the NCAA issued a notice to the school based on findings from investigations into alleged recruiting violations.
"The last four years have humbled and changed me," Wade said. "You're getting a better coach, a better leader this time around."
Wade spent the 2023-24 season with McNeese, leading the program to an NCAA Tournament berth. He then coached the program to its first tournament win the following season. He signed a six-year contract with N.C. State on March 22, 2025.
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He said on Monday that he had no concerns about how he left the Wolfpack after just one season.
"I long ago quit worrying about my perception," Wade said. "That part doesn't bother me too much. I'd like to focus more on what's going on at LSU. NC State was great to me. I think there have been things I have been mischaracterized on how I left."
"I am at peace with how I left. ... They are pretty mad for a coach they didn't think was very good," Wade added.
LSU opted to bring back Wade and fire head coach Matt McMahon last week. McMahon was 60-70 in four years after replacing Wade, including going 15-17 and 3-15 in SEC play this past season.
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USA TODAY brought you coverage of Wade's introductory press conference with LSU on Monday. Catch up here:
Will Wade introduced as LSU coach live updates
Will Wade's LSU introductory press conference concludes
The nearly 50-minute press conference to introduce Will Wade as the new men's basketball coach is over. Wade spoke for nearly 30 minutes, including fielding questions from the media.
Will Wade addresses exit from NC State
"I long ago quit worrying about my perception," Wade said. "That part doesn't bother me too much. I'd like to focus more on what's going on at LSU. NC State was great to me. I think there have been things I have been mischaracterized on how I left."
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"I am at peace with how I left. ... They are pretty mad for a coach they didn't think was very good," Wade added.
Wade added he wishes NC State "nothing but success."
Will Wade said he has met with five or six players
Wade added he has met with five or six players since he took the job. He said that with a ton of seniors, there will be a lot of roster. He said conversations will continue for the guys who want to stay with LSU, but will also support players who want to transfer.
He said there has not been a team meeting, but he has met guys one-on-one.
Will Wade will hire some assistant coaches before portal opens next week
Will Wade said he'll have a shell "recruiting staff" in place by next week. The NCAA transfer portal opens on Monday.
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He added that as the head coach, he is also the GM, and the final say on who is on the roster will be on him.
Will Wade says first contact with LSU was made last Wednesday
"There wasn't some formal interview," Wade said. "We all knew each other for a long time. It pretty much kicked into high gear on Wednesday, when first contact was made. That was when the process started."
Will Wade says team will add a 'bunch of new players'
"We're going to have to get a bunch of new players," Will Wade said. "Good players cost, they ain't cheap."
Will Wade says he's best coach for LSU men's basketball
"I believe I am the best coach for this university in men's basketball," Will Wade said.
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Will Wade said he'll get LSU back to NCAA Tournament
"We're going to get this program back to the NCAA Tournament, back to the top of SEC in short order," Will Wade said. I am honored to be your coach and represent the state in this great school."
Will Wade wants to build a winner at LSU
"We're going to get in that portal when it opens next Monday and we're going to put together a winner, because that's what everyone in here deserves," Will Wade said.
Will Wade says last four years have 'humbled and changed me'
Will Wade said he will be a "better leader" for LSU this time around.
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"The last four years have humbled and changed me," Wade said. "You're getting a better coach, a better leader this time around."
Will Wade ready to make history at LSU
Will Wade said he's going to make history with LSU basketball. He will either win a national championship or he will be the first coach fired twice from the same school.
Will Wade speaking now
Will Wade is at the podium speaking now, after being introduced as the new LSU men's basketball coach.
"This is home. I wasn't born in Louisiana, but Louisiana is home for my family."
LSU president Wade Rousse says 'LSU wants to win national championships
LSU president Wade Rousse, who worked with Will Wade at McNeese, introduced Wade and added that the Tigers are bringing in Wade to win.
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"We want to win national championships," Rousse said before introducing Wade.
LSU AD Verge Ausberry thanks Matt McMahon
LSU's Vice President and Director of Athletics, Verge Ausberry, is the first to speak at Will Wade's introductory press conference. He starts the press conference by thanking Matt McMahon .
Ausberry said that Wade was the only coach that LSU spoke to about the position.
Will Wade greeted by 'LSU' chants
Will Wade has made his entrance and was greeted by "LSU" chants from fans in attendance.
How to watch Will Wade, LSU press conference
Will Wade's introductory press conference for LSU men's basketball will be streamed on SEC Network+, available on ESPN+ or in the ESPN app.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LSU basketball introduces Will Wade as head coach: Highlights
