NC State is set to tab Justin Gainey, a former Wolfpack player and current Tennessee associate head coach, as its next basketball coach, per ESPN sources. Gainey, 49, played for the school from 1996-2000 and previously served as an administrative coordinator there from 2006-2008. He’ll replace Will Wade, who departed after one season to return to LSU.

Gainey spent five seasons as an assistant at Tennessee, including four as associate head coach, and has coaching experience at Elon, Appalachian State, Santa Clara, Arizona, and Marquette. The Wolfpack finished 20-14 this season, including an 18-6 start (9-2 ACC) before a six-game losing streak. This move signals a return to familiarity, as Gainey was a top candidate last year before Wade was hired.

His background as a player and longtime assistant at Tennessee could reshape NC State’s program direction.