Is Justin Gainey the Right Fit for NC State? What Is The Legacy Of UNC Men’s Basketball Coaches?
Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss if Justin Gainey is the right coach for NC State and the history of UNC head men's basketball coaches.
NC State moved quickly to stabilize its men’s basketball program after Will Wade’s sudden departure by hiring Justin Gainey as the 22nd head coach. Gainey, a 49‑year‑old NC State alumnus and former Wolfpack guard (1996-2000), spent the past five seasons as an assistant and associate head coach under Rick Barnes at Tennessee, where he helped the Volunteers reach multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs. Gainey’s deep ties to the school—as a player, early‑career coach, and respected recruiter—made him an attractive choice to lead the team into a new era and bring continuity and enthusiasm after a turbulent coaching change. Is Gainey the right choice? Was there a better option?
The history of UNC men’s basketball head coaches showcases a legacy. Frank McGuire (1952–1961) won the 1957 national title, followed by Dean Smith (1961–1997), who earned two championships and 36 NCAA Tournament appearances. Bill Guthridge (1997–2000) kept the program strong, Matt Doherty (2000–2003) struggled, and Roy Williams (2003–2021) restored national dominance with three titles. And then enter Hubert Davis (2021–2026). How do we look at the legacy of UNC basketball coaches?
