NC State basketball coach Justin Gainey on Raleigh, Rick Barnes — and his roster
The Wolfpack had lost six straight games, but on Feb. 1, 1997 — the eve of Groundhog Day — there was a sense “N.C. State’s basketball team finally would shake its shadow,” wrote former N&O columnist Caulton Tudor.
Justin Gainey, then a freshman guard, proved to be a big reason why. In the Wolfpack’s season-shifting 58-54 win over Rick Barnes’ Clemson Tigers, Gainey played 39 minutes without committing a single turnover, scored eight points and dished out three assists. His teammate, Jeremy Hyatt, described Gainey as “not a freshman anymore.” Former Wolfpack coach Herb Sendek called Gainey’s play “fantastic.” Gainey himself hoped he was “over the hump,” with the performance.
But as Gainey looks back on the game now — the new N.C. State head coach was presented with some old newspaper clippings when he sat down with the N&O at the ACC Spring Meetings on Monday — he admitted the moment doesn’t stand out in his memory. He does, however, remember that year’s ACC Tournament. Specifically, playing a record 40 minutes in four tournament games.
It was around that time, Gainey said, that he began to understand what he needed to do to be a star in his own skin.
“I remember feeling like, ‘OK, I know my role, man,’” Gainey said. “I know what I need to do when I’m out here. Take care of the basketball, get other guys involved, really guard and let the offense take care of itself.”
Nearly three decades later, Gainey is back in Raleigh in a different role — but with many of the same principles. Since he replaced Will Wade as N.C. State’s men’s basketball coach, Gainey has emphasized substance over splash and relationships over rhetoric. He’s leaned on lessons from years spent under coaches like Barnes, as well as the same steady approach that defined him as a player.
“It’s kind of reflection of who I was as a player and who I strive to be,” Gainey said. “If you look at my career path, it’s been a long journey to get to here, and so you just had to continue to just work at it and be steady at it.”
At his first ACC Spring Meetings, Gainey sat down with the N&O to discuss roster-building, how mentors like Barnes shaped his coaching philosophy, and his “reunion” in Raleigh. Some answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Q: How much of the style you promised in Raleigh — hard-nosed, physical fundamentals — comes from your playing career versus your mentors?
A: “It’s a combination of both. It reflects who I was as a player and who I strive to be. My mentors — Coach Barnes, Herb Sendek, Shawn Miller — were defensive-minded early on. Building culture starts on the defensive side of the ball; you establish that toughness first and grow from there.”
Q: Keeping Paul McNeil was a priority. Tell me about the conversations and why retaining him mattered.
A: “We had in-depth conversations that were bigger than basketball. I’ve known Paul since ninth grade. I tracked him for a long time. I respected his process, and I was honored he gave me the opportunity to present myself and the program to him. He’s N.C. State — one of the best shooters to wear the uniform — and I wanted to keep that local talent home.”
Q: What happened with Matt Able?
A: “By the time I got there he wasn’t on campus; he had already decided to test the NBA Draft waters. It wasn’t a recruiting battle. He had already made his decision. He’s a really good player and I wish him the best.”
Q: How has the move back to Raleigh and settling into the program been?
A: “It’s been great. Campus looks different with construction, but the transition has been amazing. The chancellor and staff have been very helpful. It feels good to be back home.”
Q: How has working with donors and the Wolfpack Club been different as head coach?
A: “It’s been smooth because a lot of the donors were already familiar with me from playing days or from my prior roles. It’s felt like a reintroduction. Ben Broussard and the Wolfpack Club staff have been great getting me re-acclimated.”
Q: What were your roster-building priorities and challenges as a first-time head coach?
A: “We went into roster-building wanting to build a program, not just a team. We focused on guys who represent N.C. State and want to win. We prioritized players with multiple years of eligibility when possible so we could build continuity and a foundation to grow on.”
Q: How did you balance veteran players versus guys you can develop over multiple seasons?
A: “You always want the best talent you can get, whether they have one year or multiple years. Fortunately, many of the players we pursued did have multiple years, which helped us build a longer-term foundation. But the common theme was getting guys committed to winning and building something that lasts.”
Q: Give us one word or a takeaway from some of the head coaches you’ve worked with.
A: Sean Miller: “Intense.” Herb Sendek: “Meticulous.” Rick Barnes: “Toughness.”
Q: What have your kids and family taught you that shapes you as a man and a coach?
A: “Having kids changed my perspective — it’s no longer about you. Everything you do is for them. My wife and kids have influenced every decision I make, how I talk to recruits and how I carry myself. You want to set a positive example and protect the family name.”
Q: What do you remember about that win over Clemson on Feb. 1, 1997?
A: “I wonder why they put me back on the bench after that! I’m gonna send that to Coach Barnes too. Because he always claims they beat us.”
This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 5:30 AM with the headline "NC State basketball coach Justin Gainey on Raleigh, Rick Barnes — and his roster."