New NC State Basketball Coach Justin Gainey Takes Subtle Dig at Will Wade

RALEIGH — New NC State basketball coach Justin Gainey made subtle references to his predecessor Will Wade’s controversial tenure during his introductory press conference Tuesday, emphasizing integrity and character while outlining his vision for the Wolfpack program.

Gainey, who was officially introduced as the 20th head coach in program history, repeatedly stressed the need to do things “the right way” and build a culture of accountability, comments that appeared to reference Wade’s dismissal following NCAA violations.

“We’re going to build this program on a foundation of integrity, character and hard work,” Gainey said during the press conference at Reynolds Coliseum. “Everything we do will be done the right way, and our players will represent this university with pride both on and off the court.”

References to Program Standards

Athletic Director Boo Corrigan hired Gainey after conducting a national search following Wade’s firing in March. Wade was dismissed after the university received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA related to recruiting violations and lack of institutional control.

Gainey, who served as an assistant coach at Auburn under Bruce Pearl, made several remarks about establishing proper program standards. He emphasized transparency with administrators and compliance with NCAA regulations.

“Trust is earned through consistency and doing what you say you’re going to do,” Gainey told reporters. “Our program will operate with complete transparency, and we’ll make sure our student-athletes understand their responsibilities as representatives of NC State.”

Building New Culture

The new coach outlined his plans to rebuild the program’s reputation while maintaining competitive excellence. He stressed the need to recruit players who fit the university’s academic and character standards.

“We want young men who are committed to excellence in all areas of their lives,” Gainey said. “Basketball is important, but developing these players as people and students is equally important.”

Corrigan praised Gainey’s approach during the introduction, noting the coach’s reputation for running clean programs and developing players academically and personally.

Moving Forward

Gainey inherits a program that won 21 games last season but faces uncertainty with several players entering the transfer portal following Wade’s departure. The new coach said he has already begun reaching out to current players and recruiting targets.

“My immediate focus is on building relationships with our current players and showing them what this program can be,” Gainey said. “We have talented young men here, and I’m excited about the opportunity to coach them.”

The coach emphasized his commitment to the Triangle area and NC State’s basketball tradition, noting the program’s potential to compete at the highest levels of college basketball with proper leadership and structure.

Gainey’s first official practice as head coach is scheduled for this fall, pending NCAA approval of his hiring. He will be tasked with rebuilding both the program’s roster and its reputation following the Wade era.

Sources: News & Observer