Rick Barnes believes Tennessee assistant Justin Gainey should be NC State's next coach
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CHICAGO — Rick Barnes couldn't have had higher praise for Tennessee basketball associate head coach Justin Gainey.
Gainey is a top candidate for the head coaching job at his alma mater, NC State. Barnes talked up his top assistant heading into the Men's NCAA Tournament Elite Eight game between the No. 6 Vols (25-11) and No. 1 Michigan (34-3) at United Center on March 29 (2:15 p.m. ET, CBS).
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"If NC State knew what I knew, they would be begging him to be their next head coach," Barnes said on March 28. "He's ready not just for NC State, he's ready to be the next head coach of the University of Tennessee or any school in the country. He's that good.
"I've been with him through a lot of these games, and he recruited Nate (Ament). He was the lead recruiter on him. Just a phenomenal job."
Gainey has deep roots in North Carolina. The High Point, North Carolina native played for the Wolfpack from 1996 to 2000. He's a two-time graduate from the university and worked in the administration from 2006 to 2009.
NC State's coaching position opened on March 26 after Will Wade left for LSU. Gainey has been Tennessee's associate head coach since the 2022-23 season. He has helped the Vols reach three consecutive Elite Eights, but Barnes wants to see him return home.
"I hope he gets the job," Barnes said. "I don't think there's anybody in the country that loves NC State more than Justin Gainey.
"(He's) a terrific basketball coach. I mean, if you come to our walkthroughs, like today or the other day, he scouted the last game. I don't say a whole lot because those guys have it. Justin has an incredible feel for the game, really understands players."
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: [email protected]
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Rick Barnes says NC State should be 'begging' for Tennessee assistant Justin Gainey