With Tennessee assistant coach Justin Gainey, an NC State alum, being mentioned for the NC State head coach opening after Will Wade’s departure, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes offered a strong endorsement yesterday.

💬 “I hope he gets the job. I don’t think there’s anybody in the country that loves NC State more than Justin Gainey. He’s a North Carolina native. He went to NC State, played four years there, started four years. … He has just incredible pride in his university. A terrific basketball coach.

“Justin has an incredible feel for the game, really understands players. He works at it. Terrific recruiter. Understands the NIL era today. If NC State knew what I knew, they’d be begging him to be their next head coach. Because he’s not just ready for NC State. He’s ready to be the head coach of the University of Tennessee or any school in the country. He’s that good. With all that said, one of the finest people I’ve ever been around and a beautiful family.”