McNeese Men's Basketball Coach Will Wade (photo courtesy of McNeese Athletics)
Thursday, the McNeese’s men’s basketball team faces Clemson in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cowboys are in the Big Dance for a second straight year, a first in program history.
Athletics Director Heath Schroyer says he took a gamble in hiring Will Wade in 2023, who was fired by LSU in 2022 because of recruiting violations. He says needless to say that gamble has paid off.
“I believe in second chances. I believe in Coach (Will Wade), and he and I had some very, very frank, transparent conversations. He’s a great fit here,” Schroyer said.
Schroyer says Wade’s leadership has earned McNeese some very valuable national exposure.
“Every time we’re mentioned on ESPN or national TV, on Selection Sunday, etc., it just helps branding. I think he (Will Wade) has had a huge impact and an uptick in enrollment,” Schroyer said.
When Wade took the McNeese job two years ago, he said he would commit to two years. With this being the second of those two years, his name has already been connected to several high-profile openings, including North Carolina State. Schroyer says he hopes Wade will choose to stay.
“He’s really embraced this community, and this community has embraced him. He’s a great fit in Louisiana, especially in southwest Louisiana,” Schroyer said.
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