The Symbiotic Relationship between LSU & North Carolina State basketball

The LSU and North Carolina State basketball programs have been inextricably linked for over 50 years. Will Wade is only the latest connection between the two schools,

In 1966 Press Maravich was hired away from N.C. State to take the reins of the Tiger fortunes. He brought with him a pretty good player with the same last name.

In 1970 a sharp swhooting left handed guard Nelson Isley transferred to LSU and averaged 17 PPG with 53% FG percentage on his way to 1971 All SEC honors his only year in the purple and gold. He would have averaged over 20 with a three point line.

In 1978 Al Green ( not the singer), another lefty guard joined the Tigers and was a key part of the first SEC championship team in 25 years as the Tigers went dancing in the1979 NCA playoffs losing to Magic Johnson an company.

The Tigers finally returned the favor in 2014 when another shooting guard Ralston Turner from Muscle Shoals, Alabama left for N C State when Johnny Jones replaced Trent. He had been an All SEC freshman when he averaged 12 PPG for Trent Johnson. Turner was a starter on the 2015 Wolfpack team which eliminated the Tigers in th e second round of the NCAA playoffs.

We will see if the hiring of Will Wade swings the balance closer, but no doubt the Tigers have gotten the best of the Wolfpack

Just to add to the Tiger advantage All American baseball player Tommy Tanks was crucial to the Tigers national championship in 2023. Also, lets not forget tight end Thaddeus Moss , son of Randy transferred to LSU from NCS and was a key receiver for Joe Burrow and the 2019 national titles Tanks and Moss both left the Wolfpack for Tigertown..

Will Wade is only the latest in the revolving door between the two programs, although this time not a direct move.