When asked about his future, McNeese coach Will Wade could have sidestepped the speculation surrounding his next move on Wednesday. Instead, he acknowledged reality: he's been in contact with NC State as the Wolfpack close in on a new head coach.

NC State entered the market for a new coach after firing Kevin Keatts, one year after he had led the ACC school on a surprising run to the Final Four. Wade has a buyout in his contract with McNeese that would cost another school $1 million to hire him away.

Will Wade, who has led McNeese to back-to-back Southland regular season and tourney titles, has agreed to be NC State's next basketball coach, sources told ESPN.