April 2, 2026

Is Justin Gainey The Right Hire For NC State?

Is Justin Gainey The Right Hire For NC State?
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Is Justin Gainey The Right Hire For NC State?
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Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss if Justin Gainey is the right hire for NC State.

The NC State Wolfpack 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?