NC State expected to hire former player Justin Gainey as next men's basketball coach
WRAL • • sports
Key Points:
- NC State is expected to hire Tennessee associate head coach and former NC State player Justin Gainey as its next men’s basketball head coach following Will Wade’s abrupt departure after one season.
- Gainey, who played 103 games for NC State from 1996-2000 and has been Tennessee’s associate head coach for three years, is praised for his recruiting skills, defensive expertise, and deep connection to NC State.
- Athletic director Boo Corrigan quickly moved to replace Wade, interviewing Gainey, Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz, and Furman’s Bob Richey, with Schertz and Richey no longer candidates.
- Gainey’s hiring is seen as a way to restore stability and enthusiasm after Wade’s tumultuous tenure, which ended with a poor finish and public criticism of the team before Wade left for LSU.
- The transfer portal opens April 7, and Gainey will face the challenge of managing player retention and recruitment, including leading returning scorer Paul McNeil and incoming freshmen Cole Cloer and Trevon Carter-Givens.
