Jordan Snell Embraces New Era as Wolfpack Prepares for Season of Transition

For NC State walk-on guard Jordan Snell, the past few months have been unlike anything he has experienced in his time with the Wolfpack. A coaching change, roster turnover, and the uncertainty that comes with transition tested his resolve in ways he never expected. And yet, looking back now as preseason practice is underway, Snell says he wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.

“It was definitely difficult, just because not only the coaching changes—I grew up with KJ, I’ve known Keatts for a while, and then obviously my dad, you know what I’m saying, it was tough,” Snell explained. “I wouldn’t say I was lost, but I didn’t really have any direction of what I wanted to do. But I knew I wanted to stay in-state.”

The uncertainty ended when new head coach Will Wade made it clear that Snell still had a place in the program. That moment was as validating as it was motivating.

“That was huge for me, and I think that’s where I really grew as a man, because I didn’t really have anybody to go through that with, honestly,” Snell said. “It’s been great. I think he’s the best coach in the country, to be honest, but just the work that we put in every day—I’ve pushed my mental so much farther than I ever thought I could.

“He makes it seem like I’m as important as Darrion Williams or Q, so that just makes me want to put in that much extra effort and serve these guys the best I can. Honestly, the journey, I wouldn’t want it any different. It was the hardest thing I’ve gone through, but the most rewarding, too.”

Snell has been around long enough to know that talent alone doesn’t guarantee wins. He has been part of teams that soared and others that stumbled, and he says the difference is often what happens off the court. That’s why he’s especially encouraged by the early signs he sees in this group.

“I’m very excited about this roster, not only because of the talent we have, but just how connected we are off the court,” Snell said. “It was kind of like my freshman year with Jarkel [Joiner] and Jack Clark—that was a super connected team. I think this team might even be more connected. We’ve got a bunch of guys with no ego, and when your stars and your talented guys, high-grade guys out of the portal, have no ego, it allows your freshmen and the guys who maybe aren’t as proven to follow that. Everybody is just on one page.”

That unselfishness, he believes, can carry the Wolfpack far. Even as questions persist about whether the team has enough size, Snell sees plenty of ways they can answer those doubts.

“People keep saying we’re undersized, but we make up for that with wingspan and the way we play defense,” he said. “I think this team could really do something special if we just keep taking it day by day, stacking days, and staying together.”

A key part of the team’s growth has been integrating new faces, including late arrival Musa Sagnia, who came to Raleigh from Spain. For Snell, helping Sagnia feel part of the family has been just as important as getting him comfortable with the system.

“The biggest thing, especially when a guy comes so late, is getting him acclimated as fast as you can,” Snell said. “It’s such a different culture, and the way they play is so much different there. But Musa’s been great. He has a great attitude. He can really play. He never complains—he just puts the work in. When you have a guy like that, it’s easy to go the extra effort to make him feel welcome and at home. I’m excited for the season he’s going to have.”

For Snell, this season is about more than simply being part of a roster. It’s about helping shape the culture of a program in transition. He has already seen the team grow from nearly empty summer workouts into a cohesive, confident group. And as a walk-on, he takes pride in embracing whatever role is needed to push the Wolfpack forward.

“This whole journey has been about growth for me,” he said. “I’ve been tested, but it’s made me stronger, and it’s made me appreciate being here even more. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

As NC State turns the page into a new era under Wade, Snell’s perspective is a reminder of how far the program has come in a short time—and how much further it believes it can go.