ACC Basketball: Is Will Wade’s NC State The Real Deal? + Does Reese Really Believe In UNC?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the early-season performances of NC State and UNC basketball, the optimism and expectations surrounding both programs and whether key players like Caleb Wilson can carry their teams deep into the NCAA tournament.

The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team picked up a 114-66 win over the North Carolina Central Eagles on Monday night in Raleigh, marking the official start of the Will Wade era. Seven players scored in double figures including Darrion Williams who led the way with 19 points and 8 assists. The win offers early momentum for NC State under Coach Wade, signaling a fresh start for a team with whole lot of new players and is reshaping its identity. People are optimistic about NC State basketball. Are they expecting too much too soon?

Former NC State men’s basketball coach Kevin Keatts has joined ESPN and the ACC Network as a studio analyst for the 2025‑26 college basketball season. He will serve as a studio analyst across both networks, making his on-air debut on November 7 during ESPN’s men’s college basketball coverage.

The North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team opened their season with a dominant 94‑54 win over the Central Arkansas Bears at home last night. Freshman Caleb Wilson led the charge with 22 points on 8‑of‑10 shooting. With this victory, North Carolina extended its streak of season-opening wins to 21 consecutive years, improving its all-time record in openers to 104‑12, and set an early tone for what promises to be an exciting season. Reese is a big believer in this year’s North Carolina Tar Heel basketball team. Is Caleb Wilson the best player in the ACC? Does Reese believe UNC will go all the way? Reese has UNC going to the Sweet Sixteen. Is he right?