Two Key Figures Provide Early Blueprint for Gainey’s Staff

RALEIGH — The Justin Gainey era at NC State got its official start during the new coach's introductory press conference on Wednesday. In a room full of powerful donors, athletic department staff, former and current players and media, two figures loomed large over the future of the men's basketball program.

Given his inexperience as a head coach, Gainey will need to be sharp with how he puts his staff together. One returning staff member and one newcomer sat near the front of the room, likely filling out the shell of Gainey's skeleton staff before the opening of the transfer portal in just four days on April 7. Who were the two figures in attendance?

Riley Collins, Tennessee assistant director of player development

Riley Collins, who was a member of the player development staff with Gainey at Tennessee, is expected to be the first full-time assistant for the new coach at NC State, per multiple reports. Collins was in full NC State gear during Gainey's press conference on Wednesday and sat in the front row with the new head coach's family.

The former Tennessee staffer was a key cog in the Volunteer coaching machine, aiding in the development of a number of talented players over the last four seasons in Knoxville. He'll now get his first coaching opportunity at 28, making him a younger voice that Gainey hoped to have on his staff. That youth will be important in connecting with the players for the new head coach, making Collins a very valuable addition to the staff.

Patrick Stacy, NC State assistant general manager

Welcome to the Pack, Patrick Stacy, Assistant General Manager! pic.twitter.com/fOdBAjCYSD
— NC State Men's Basketball (@PackMensBball) April 8, 2025

Patrick Stacy was originally hired by Will Wade as his staff took over the Wolfpack this time last year. Stacy founded Jam Basketball Intelligence, an analytics service for college basketball that the previous regime leaned on heavily during the roster-building process for the 2025-26 season. Stacy was a major voice in the analytics department of Wade's operation, although the roster construction of the last team had some major issues.

Still, Stacy presented Gainey with a valuable option as a bridge between the past and the present, especially from a relationship standpoint. Should the new head coach want to retain any of the players from the 2025-26 roster, Stacy would be a strong jumping-off point in that process, as he sat on the bench throughout the last season. He's expected to stay on the staff, joining Collins as the first pair in Gainey's new Wolfpack.