Vol Basketball Sets Neutral‑Site Matchup With NC State, Justin Gainey
Image: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
NASHVILLE – Tennessee basketball and head coach Rick Barnes are set to face NC State and former associate head coach Justin Gainey in a neutral-site non-conference matchup in Nashville, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein.
Gainey spent five seasons on Barnes’ staff in Knoxville, including the last four as associate head coach, before being named head coach at his alma mater on March 30. He took over the Wolfpack following Will Wade’s departure from Raleigh to Baton Rouge after just one season.
During his time on Rocky Top, Gainey helped lead Tennessee to three straight Elite Eight appearances and an NCAA Tournament berth in every season he was on staff.
The game, being played at Bridgestone Arena, does not have an official date as more details are expected to be released in the future.
