Will Wade Returns to LSU Basketball

0:00On March 26, LSU has hired Will Wade back as head coach of the men's basketball team. This marks his second stint with the Tigers following his time from 2017 to 2022. He replaces Matt McMahon, who led the program for four seasons. Athletics director Verge Osbury made the announcement on Thursday, calling Wade a proven winner ready to build on the program's potential. During his first run at LSU, Wade delivered strong results. The team grabbed the southeastern conference regular season title in 2019, and made four postseason appearances, including three NCAA tournaments. They posted a solid 105 wins against 51 losses overall, and 55 in 33 in SEC play. That success revived fan interest and put LSU on the map as a consistent contender. Fans and officials are buzzing with excitement over Wade's return. He's the first coach to come back for a second head coaching job at LSU, since Harry Ravenhorst, whose long career span before and after World War II.

1:04Many players from his earlier tenure, like Nas Reed and Cam Thomas, went on to NBA careers, highlighting his talent for development and recruiting. Since leaving LSU, Wade kept winning big. At McNeese Day for two years, he turned the team around with back-to-back conference titles, and their first ever NCAA tournament victory. Then at NC State in the 2025-2026 season, he notched 20 wins, 10 in the ACC, and another NCAA bid. Across 12 head coaching seasons, his record stands at 266 wins and 118 losses. With Wade back in Baden Rouge, LSU basketball looks set for another push toward SEC dominance and deep tournament runs, blending his past achievements. With fresh momentum.