Reflecting on a Season of Ups and Downs

The 2025-26 season for NC State men’s basketball was marked by both excitement and disappointment. The last three weeks proved particularly challenging, with a First Four appearance, a head coach’s resignation, and a subsequent coaching search dominating headlines. Despite the bitter ending, the season offered several standout moments for Wolfpack fans.

1. Copeland's Stellar Performance Against SMU

On February 3rd, guard Quadir Copeland delivered a remarkable performance in NC State’s 84-83 road win over SMU. He recorded 16 assists and 10 rebounds, a double-double that left head coach Kevin Wade impressed. Copeland scored only seven points but orchestrated the offense flawlessly.

“I don’t want to be like hyperbole, but I don’t think I’ve ever had 16 assists, no turnovers, double-double with rebounds and assists,” Wade said. “I’d have to think long and hard... Maybe if we’d have had better crowds in the Southland, he’d have done it for me last year, but I guess he likes playing to the crowd on the road a little bit.”

2. McNeil's Record-Breaking Night at Reynolds Coliseum

NC State’s annual game at historic Reynolds Coliseum, featuring the classic “STATE” uniforms, saw a special performance from shooting guard Jayden McNeil. In front of 5,500 fans, McNeil rained down 11 three-pointers, scoring a total of 47 points against Texas Southern on December 17th.

This performance marked McNeil’s arrival as a key player after limited playing time as a freshman and set a new school record for three-pointers in a single game.

3. Lubin's Impact Against UNC

Ven-Allen Lubin, a transfer from North Carolina, made a significant impact in his first game against his former team on February 17th. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal against the Tar Heels.

Lubin also made a statement off the court, sporting a bedazzled belt in the postgame press conference, seemingly referencing a similar accessory worn by UNC freshman Caleb Wilson after Tar Heel victories.

4. Road Victory Over No. 18 Clemson

On January 20th, NC State secured a crucial ranked win, defeating No. 18 Clemson 82-78 in overtime on the road at Littlejohn Coliseum. Darrion Williams played a pivotal role down the stretch, hitting a key three-pointer and assisting on a crucial basket by Lubin.

This victory was the team’s first Quadrant 1 win and is considered by many to be the best of the Kevin Wade era.

5. The Hiring of Justin Gainey

Just before the Final Four, NC State officially hired Tennessee associate basketball coach Justin Gainey as their next head coach. While the circumstances surrounding Kevin Wade’s departure were contentious, Gainey’s arrival signaled a new chapter for the program.

The hiring, though occurring at the end of the season, is considered a significant moment looking ahead to the future of NC State basketball.