N.C. State Eyes Justin Gainey for Head Coach

0:00It's March 29th. Welcome in. This is Durham News Today, where local news meets AI. I'm Corey with the story. NC State is in full search mode for their next headman's basketball coach, sending officials on plane Saturday to interview top candidates. One name buzzing loud is Justin Gainey, assistant coach at Tennessee, who's getting massive backing from Valls headman Rick Barnes. Barnes didn't hold back during media time at the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional in Chicago, calling Gainey the perfect fit with deep love for NCC, state and skills in scouting, recruiting and navigating today's college game. Gainey, a 49-year-old North Carolina native, starred for the Wolfpack from 1996 to 2000 wrecking up 103, starts 1 in 90 steals and 344 assists. He's worked since at NC State before, plus Marquette, Elon, Appalachian State, and Arizona. athletic director Boo Corrigan laid out what they won, sharp basketball smarts, grasp of

1:03NIL deals and the transfer portal, total commitment to the school, no stepping stone vibes, they're moving fast but smart, aiming to lock in a coach before the transfer portal pops after the final four. Barnes wrapped it up strong, saying if NC State saw what he sees, they'd be all over Gainey as their guy, ready to lead anywhere, top recruiter, and one of the best people around. This hire could set the pack up for a decade run.