Veteran Coaches Shares Thoughts on Justin Gainey
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RALEIGH — NC State found its new men's basketball coach after an expedited search, landing on Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey. Athletic director Boo Corrigan and the University Board of Trustees made things official on Tuesday, bringing the alumnus home to be the 22nd leader in the program's history.
With two decades of experience as a staffer and assistant coach, Gainey dedicated his post-playing life to coaching. However, the goal was always to get back to the Wolfpack in some way, shape or form, and now that dream has come true. Along the way, he leaned on the mentorship of some of the best coaches in the sport, who chimed in with their thoughts when news of Gainey's hire spread.
More praise from Rick Barnes
Gainey spent five seasons working under legendary head coach Rick Barnes at Tennessee, aiding a career renaissance of sorts for one of the sport's elder statesmen. Barnes took the opportunity during the interview process to endorse his associate head coach for the NC State opening, giving him a glowing review. When the news became official, Barnes sent a statement to the Wolfpack about his longtime colleague.
“I am so thrilled for Justin Gainey to have this incredible opportunity at NC State, as well as excited for Boo Corrigan and the Wolfpack fans, who are getting a true winner," Barnes said. "There is no doubt in my mind Justin is ready for this role and I have the utmost confidence he will excel as the head coach at his alma mater.
thank you @CoachGainey
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 31, 2026
congratulations on your return to Raleigh 🫡 pic.twitter.com/qjPoASuAwq
"Justin is an excellent basketball coach who can recruit, develop and maximize talent, as well as truly connect with the young men he leads. He is, most importantly, a wonderful person with a great family. Justin played a significant role in the success we’ve had here at Tennessee and I look forward to watching him do the same at NC State."
Gainey helped Barnes turn Tennessee into a defensive powerhouse of a program. Now, the assistant will try to bring that same success to Raleigh at his alma mater, making his dream come true by using the wisdom he learned from Barnes.
Gainey's old coach chimes in
As a player, Gainey spent four seasons with NC State from 1996 to 2000, all under Herb Sendek. While Sendek moved on from the Wolfpack to Arizona State in 2006, he still holds a respect for the program. He also brought Gainey to work for him for the 2017-2018 season at Santa Clara. Sendek, fresh off his first NCAA Tournament appearance as head coach of the Broncos, also chimed in with his thoughts on Gainey's hiring.
“Coach Gainey is the kind of leader you would want your son to play for and to represent your university," Sendek said. "He is an elite recruiter, teacher and strategist, and as a distinguished Wolfpack Alum, he brings commitment, pride and the ability to galvanize the Wolfpack Nation. He is a proven winner and I have no doubt that he will elevate the proud and storied Wolfpack Basketball program to national prominence once again."
Tucker Sennett graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Sports Journalism from the esteemed Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. A former basketball player, he has gained valuable experience working at Cronkite News and brings a deep passion for sports and reporting to his role as the NC State Wolfpack Beat Writer On SI.
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