By JAMES MADDEN
CHICAGO – NC State is just days removed from losing former head coach Will Wade to LSU, leaving athletic director Boo Corrigan both “shocked” and “disappointed.” With NC State focused on next season and the hiring process, a popular name that’s been mentioned for the coaching vacancy is former NC State point guard and current Tennessee assistant Justin Gainey.
Tennessee head Rick Barnes, a North Carolinian himself, was asked about his lead assistant being at the forefront of rumors for NC State’s coaching job. Barnes offered high praise for his associate head coach on Saturday.
“I hope he gets the job. I don’t think there’s anybody in the country that loves NC State more than Justin Gainey,” Barnes said. “He has just incredible pride in his university. If NC State knew what I knew, they would be begging him to be their next head coach. Because he’s ready not just for NC State, he’s ready to be the head coach of the University of Tennessee.”
NC State will be going through its second hiring process in as many years, having hired Wade last season after two seasons at McNeese, before Wade made the decision to return to LSU on Thursday.
The Wolfpack interviewed Saint Louis head coach Josh Schertz on Saturday and reportedly interviewed Gainey shortly after in Chicago.
While nothing has been finalized, Gainey is the betting favorite to land the head coaching job at his alma mater.
“Justin has an incredible feel for the game, really understands players,” Barnes said. “I mean, if you come to our walk-throughs, like today or the other day, he scouted the last game. I don’t say a whole lot because those guys have it.”
He will coach in the Elite Eight on Sunday against Michigan at 2:15 p.m. Eastern.
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