Will Wade video feels like an April Fools' Day joke for NC State — It's not

Will Wade stepped up to the podium for his introductory press conference and the announcement of his return as LSU men's basketball coach. While it all seemed surreal in Baton Rouge, the NC State faithful weren't amused. 

The second time around, the Tigers coach started off with a bang. But there's one frozen take that resurfaced with Wade making his abrupt exit from Raleigh. While addressing his commitment to the program earlier this year, he told reporters a different story about LSU. And with April Fools' Day upon us, the uneducated folks might've believed what he was saying. 

"Now is the job open there? No? So why would I... Listen to be very clear... I'm excited at NC State," Wade said about any interest in LSU. "I was hired at NC State to do a job. This wasn't going to take one year. I've already met with our administration about next year and some of the changes that we need to make, and some of the things that we need to do to put this program where it deserves long-term. 

Happy April Fools’ Day everyone!!! pic.twitter.com/K3l9qbuD2f

"You know, I'm not on social media. I'm not into gossip. I'm not into any of that sort of stuff. But look, we're gonna win, and we're gonna win big at NC State. And that's what we're going to do. That's what we're going to do moving forward. We have the resources we need. We have what we need. It's on me and my staff to get the job done. And look, this year hadn't gone exactly how we wanted it to. We're going to rally, and we're going to work hard, and we're going to have a team next year that's ready to roll."

Wade was out the door shortly after and on his way to LSU. During the roughly 30 minutes he spent hyping up the Tigers fans and media, Wade was selling a different dream. 

“Make no mistake, this is home. I wasn't born in Louisiana, but Louisiana's home for me and my family. ... we're coming back to make history, we're going to make history one way or the other," Wade said Monday. "We're coming back to try to hang a banner and win a national championship, or I'm going to be the first coach fired from the same school twice. One way or another, we're going to make history.”

More: NFL star calls for Cayden Boozer investigation after Duke's Elite Eight loss

Wade spent five seasons starting in 2017 with the Tigers. His first stint was highlighted by three trips to the NCAA tournament, and ended with an NCAA probe that ultimately led to sanctions for LSU and his firing in 2022.

Some coaches don't get the opportunity, let alone twice at the same establishment. For Wade, he'll have to make the best of it and win immediately or face the music again.   

More college basketball news:

• Two fans ejected from NCAA Tournament after bringing FAFO energy, lose $6K
• Duke’s Jon Scheyer pulls off historic feat Mike Krzyzewski never achieved
• John Calipari says college athletics is broken — Here’s his plan to fix it
• Kenny Smith reacts to UNC coaching rumors
• Nate Burleson's wardrobe gets roasted during March Madness coverage