NC State's Will Wade defends Darrion Williams amid criticism - ESPN

With transfer Darrion Williams going through a rough stretch, NC State coach Will Wade went on a postgame rant Wednesday, saying critics should «shut the hell up.»

Williams, one of the top players in the portal following Texas Tech's run to the Elite Eight last season, didn't make a shot in a Dec. 21 win over Ole Miss after missing a game due to a shoulder injury. In the Wolfpack's win over ACC foe Wake Forest on Wednesday, the former All-Big 12 first team selection had eight points on 3-for-12 shooting.

Wade, when asked if he was «concerned» about Williams' recent stretch, defended his player.

«You know, I'm tired about hearing about fricking Darrion,» Wade said after the 70-57 victory. «He's f---ing playing well. It's a terrible question. It's a terrible question. Let me be frank with you: He affects winning. And everybody is out there bitching about him.

»He was plus-13 against Ole Miss and didn't hit a shot and everybody is acting like the world is caving in. He didn't shoot it well [Wednesday]. Who had zero turnovers for us today? Darrion Williams. So everybody needs to shut the hell up about him. He's a damn good player and the shots are going to fall. I'm tired of answering questions about him. He's really good. We're thankful to have him. Next question."

Overall, Williams' numbers are comparable to his numbers from a season ago and even better in key categories. He has a higher offensive rating, per KenPom, and he's shooting 41% from beyond the arc, compared with 34% last season.

He was one of the top players in the portal after he withdrew from the NBA draft and subsequently chose NC State. Like his peers in the portal, Williams was offered significant NIL deals before he settled on the Wolfpack.

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