Will Wade is making headlines ahead of his first season as head coach of N.C. State basketball. Darrion Williams, a standout transfer, has committed to join the Wolfpack for 2025-26. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season at Texas Tech.
Wade’s enthusiastic endorsement highlights Williams as the “number one player” on a reworked roster. His arrival has energized fans and signals that the versatile forward will play a central role in the team’s plans for the upcoming season. Wade sees Williams as a cornerstone for N.C. State’s future success.
Will Wade’s Rousing Praise for Darrion Williams Signals Key Role in Wolfpack’s Future
Will Wade’s arrival as head coach of N.C. State basketball has renewed excitement for the Wolfpack program, especially with the recent commitment of forward Williams.
Williams, a 6-foot-8 transfer from Texas Tech who averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season, has quickly become a central figure in Wade’s 2025-26 campaign plans.
Analyst Aaron Torress, who recently hosted Wade on his show, highlighted Wade’s deep respect for Williams, underscoring the significant role he is expected to play.
Torress described Wade as a coach with exceptional relationships across various basketball circles, including grassroots, parents, the NBA, and college communities, which has helped him assemble a strong roster.
“He has just a wide array, a wide variance in terms of his relationships and been very helpful for us in helping put this class together,” Torress said.
Williams’s addition came as a surprise to many, with rumors suggesting he might lean toward other programs. However, Wade’s endorsement speaks volumes. Torress stated,
“He’s one of the most impactful players in the country. In our metric system, he’s the number one player in the country.”
Wade’s evaluation of Williams goes beyond scoring; he praises his all-around game, leadership, and character.
“He can impact the game in a lot of ways. He obviously can score it, he shoots it pretty good, but he impacts it with his passing, his feel. He’s just a really, really good basketball player.”
Williams’s personal qualities also resonated with Wade. Coming from a supportive family, Williams is described as humble and grounded, attributes that align with Wade’s vision for team culture.
“He’s got some great leadership to him. Comes from a tremendous family. His mom and dad, Leon and Katherine, are really good people. They keep him humble and work together to help him move forward,” Torress noted.
Wade’s recruiting of Williams was a strategic process that involved respecting the player’s journey, including his time exploring the NBA draft. Torress explained that Wade’s approach is adaptable, accommodating players’ individual needs during transitional phases.
“Darrion was kind of in the last part of that. He was just let me go through the draft process, and then at the combine, he started reaching back out, saying, ‘Can we set up a visit?’”
The Wolfpack coach’s enthusiasm extends beyond the court. Torress revealed Williams’s off-the-court impact, mentioning his generosity and leadership at Texas Tech, where he quietly supported teammates facing challenges.
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“He helped some of his teammates out who were in a little bit lesser situation, brought some parents to a game. He just did a lot of really unique stuff,” Torress said.
Williams is expected to be a preseason All-American and a strong contender for ACC preseason player of the year.
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