This is huge for our school,” he said. “We got freaking $25 million in advertisements in the last couple of weeks. It’s going through the roof."

The most honest coach in college basketball will soon be off to the ACC, but first: a date with Purdue awaits Saturday in the second round

Some will see him only as the dirtiest coach in the game. At the same time, he might just be the most honest coach in the game.

Wade has done a masterful job in two seasons with McNeese, guiding the Cowboys to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and rebuilding his reputation following a messy exit from LSU. Thursday's opponent, Clemson, is also Wade's alma mater. If the Cowboys pull off an upset, his return to the big stage will only grow louder.

Well, it's actually quite simple. Despite multiple reports that Wade accepted the NC State job, the deal hasn't been made official. Meaning Wade is still the coach of the Cowboys — and likely will be until about an hour after his team's tournament run ends.