Pack Racket

Time to rename Wade Avenue as Paul McNeil Jr. Avenue. Forever a legend.

Personally, I’m a big fan of Jordon Hudson — really love her work. But the last thing she wants is to start rolling around in this mud. Her extra curricular activities aren’t exactly much of a secret…

Shout out @KooleyHigh.

Underrated part of today’s press conference: Justin Gainey thanking his wife, Courtney. “We’re back home, baby… Through all of those moves, you’ve always been the rock of the family… I couldn’t have got here without you.”

Boo Corrigan and other stakeholders have made clear to Justin Gainey that “they’re willing to do whatever needs to be done” to ensure he has the resources needed to compete at the highest level.

Justin Gainey: “We’re going to defend, we’re going to rebound, and we’re going to take care of the basketball. It’s that simple. And when you watch us play on TV, I want you to be able to say that’s the hardest playing team in the country. That’s what we’re hanging our hat on.”

Justin Gainey breaks down what he’s looking for in the staff he assembles, including “a lot of experience,” and coaches young enough to connect with the team.

Justin Gainey details the negotiation process to become NC State’s head basketball coach: “Didn’t really take long… It was a no-brainer. A no-brainer for me.”

Media asks Justin Gainey, “when did you know you were ready to take on such a challenge that is competing in the Triangle, but also coming back to your alma mater?” Boo Corrigan: “Last year.”

Boo Corrigan shot down a media question about “previous coaches.” “We’re here to celebrate a new leader… who has the right moral compass for this fan base, who understands what NC State is all about, and who is truly going to take pride in the name on the front of the jersey.”

Justin Gainey on the attributes that define NC State: “Toughness.”

Justin Gainey: “I’m a North Carolina guy. Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve recruited North Carolina, and I feel like I’ve done it at a high, high level. And I’m ready to take that to another level. I always thought if I was in state, man, I could really make some noise.”

Justin Gainey: “We’re going to compete everyday with toughness, and we’re going to compete together. Because at the end of the day, we’re in this to win. We’re in this to win big. We’re in this to win championships.”

Justin Gainey: “To Wolfpack Nation, I can already feel your passion, your pride, your determination to win at the highest level, and I share that with you… I’m excited, man, more than you can ever believe, to be here.“

Justin Gainey with a message for this three sons: “Everything I do, I try to make you proud. And I will never compromise myself, compromise our name just for a quick fix or a quick win.”

Justin Gainey: “This is a special place with a proud tradition, and I don’t take any of this lightly... I know what comes with it. I was born here in North Carolina, played here at NC State. I understand what being on Tobacco Road is all about. I understand it.”

Justin Gainey: “This is surreal. It’s a surreal moment for me. It’s like a dream come true that still hasn’t fully set in. I’m just so excited to be here... It’s home. I’m excited to be back home.”

Yes.

Boo Coorigan chokes up introducing Justin Gainey as the new NC State basketball coach.

Dr. Kevin Howell: “But Coach Gainey’s values… We learned a lot about values, didn’t we? Coach Gainey’s values reflect who we are.”