During last year’s run to a national title, there were several times when it looked like Florida was dead to rights and their dream would end. Probably the most dire spot the Gators found themselves in was when they were down by nine points with three minutes to play against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight. Thomas Haugh made a couple of threes before Walter Clayton Jr. created his own magic to send Florida to the Final Four.
One of the biggest thorns in the side of Florida that day was Darrion Williams, who had 23 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Williams transferred to NC State in the offseason, and on Wednesday, he was the topic of a viral rant from Wolfpack coach Will Wade.
Will Wade defends Darrion Williams in viral rant
Much like Florida fans have been wanting more from prized transfer Boogie Fland, Wolfpack fans have gotten a mixed bag from Williams. His overall metrics are similar to last year, and he is shooting from three much better this season, but he has had some notable struggles in recent games, including a 0-8 night against Ole Miss, and he was 3-12 shooting against Wake Forest.
Wade was asked what his level of concern was about Williams after Wednesday’s game against Wake Forest, and it is safe to say Wade didn’t like the question:
"You know, I'm tired of hearing about fricking Darrion. 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."
With respect to Wade, who was the long-time LSU coach before he was fired due to an array of violations, it was not an unfair question. Yes, it is a coach’s job to defend their players, but to pretend that NC State fans shouldn’t have concern about an 0-8 night of shooting followed by 3-12 after watching Williams nearly knock off Florida is naive at best.
Plus, when Florida has been asked about their own shooting troubles, Todd Golden and crew haven’t shied away from their problems. Xaivian Lee even stated, “I have to ***ing shoot it better.”
Unless they meet up in the NCAA Tournament, Florida and NC State won’t see each other this year. But seeing one of the massive thorns from 2025 pop back up in the news is a reminder that Florida’s transfers aren’t the only ones struggling heading into 2026.