NC State Basketball Opens Will Wade Era with Record 48-Point Season-Opener Blowout

The NC State men's basketball team, under new head coach Will Wade, opened the 2025 season with a dominant 114-66 victory over North Carolina Central University in front of a sold-out crowd at Lenovo Center, marking the first season opener sellout since 1999. Wade and his staff launched the "Basketball 365" initiative to engage fans year-round and connect the current team with the program's rich history, including wearing throwback jerseys and reviving the historic noise meter. The Wolfpack set a program and arena record by making 19 three-pointers on 47.5% shooting from beyond the arc, showcasing a new, modern offensive style centered around prolific perimeter shooting. Senior forward and ACC Preseason Player of the Year Darrion Williams led the team with 19 points and eight assists, helping to energize the crowd and the team early in the game. Wade emphasized embracing the program's traditions while building a competitive future, with significant roster turnover from last season as he retained only one scholarship player. The team's performance and atmosphere signaled a promising start for Wade's tenure and a potential return to prominence for NC State basketball.