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North Carolina State hires Justin Gainey as head coach for 2026-27 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 10:00 AM

Last updated Sep 21, 2026

North Carolina State hires Justin Gainey as head coach for 2026-27 season

Summary

North Carolina State has appointed Justin Gainey as head coach for the 2026-27 basketball season. Gainey, a former player for the Wolfpack, takes over following Will Wade's departure to LSU after one season. Gainey brings experience as an assistant coach, focusing on tough defense and rebounding. He will inherit a roster with 11 newcomers and hopes to build around returning players Paul McNeil Jr. and Ven-Allen Lubin, both key contributors from last season. The team aims to improve after past struggles in the NCAA Tournament.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Justin Gainey returns to NC State as head coach.
•Will Wade left NC State for an LSU role after one season.
•Gainey has a focus on defense and toughness in his coaching philosophy.
•Paul McNeil Jr. and Ven-Allen Lubin return as key players for the Wolfpack.
•NC State has 11 newcomers on the roster for the upcoming season.

Latest Updates

10:00 AMYahoo Sports — North Carolina State Basketball 2026-27 Preview

What they're saying

"
The North Carolina State Wolfpack were hopeful that Will Wade would steady the ship after several so-so seasons under Kevin Keatts. However, not long after the Wolfpack was upset by Texas in the First Four game of the NCAA Tournament, Wade decided to return to LSU. NC State Basketball 2026-27 Preview While it was a …
— Yahoo Sports

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