basketball

Justin Gainey wants his hiring to unite NC State's fanbase

By BOB SUTTONYahoo Sports

RALEIGH, N. C. (AP) — Justin Gainey vowed Wednesday to bring toughness and stability back to N.

C. State after his alma mater suddenly had a coaching vacancy for the second year in a row. The former Wolfpack guard said he can be a bridge to different eras of the program as he becomes a head coach for the first time.

“I’m humbled. I’m grateful and I’m ready,” Gainey said as he was formally introduced. “It’s a surreal moment for me.

It’s like a dream come true that hasn’t fully set in. ” But it was really a reintroduction — billed as a homecoming celebration — to a player who was a staple in the N. C.

State lineup for four seasons from 1996-2000. “It’s time for us to have that home feel that we deserve,” Gainey said. The hiring comes less than a week after Will Wade’s agent informed N.