RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — It’s the beginning of a new chapter for North Carolina State’s men’s basketball program.
The Wolfpack’s first official game under new head coach Will Wade is a matchup against North Carolina Central, which is making the short trip down from Durham. Tip off at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh is set for 7 p.m.
NC State is coming off a disappointing season just one year removed from a magical run through the postseason that culminated in a trip to the Final Four. Though the Wolfpack won the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in 2024, they didn’t even make the cut in 2025, prompting the program to bring in a new head coach. The new-look team narrowly lost to South Carolina 88-86 in an exhibition game on Oct. 26 in Greensboro.
NC Central finished last season with a 14-19 record overall. The Eagles lost in the 2025 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament to South Carolina State to end their most recent postseason bid.
Up next for the Wolfpack is a home date with UAB on Friday night.