NC State announces hiring of former Wolfpack player Justin Gainey as men’s basketball coach
Justin Gainey replaces Will Wade, who lasted just one season in Raleigh before leaving for a second stint at LSU.
N. C. State moved quickly to hire one of its own to lead the Wolfpack men’s basketball program.
The school announced the hiring of Tennessee assistant coach and former Wolfpack player Justin Gainey as head coach. That came after the departure of Will Wade after one season for a second stint at LSU. N.
C. State had an agreement in place with the 49-year-old Gainey, then its board of trustees approved the deal in an emergency meeting to make the hiring official. The school will hold its introductory news conference Wednesday for Gainey, who signed a five-year deal.
“This university helped build me as a player and as a person,” Gainey said in a statement. “To now lead it as head coach is truly a full-circle moment. “There’s a responsibility that comes with leading your alma mater, and I embrace it fully.