A Former NC State Player’s Perspective on Justin Gainey: Farnold Degand

I’ve connected with quite a few former NC State players to get their thoughts on the hiring of Justin Gainey as the new head coach for the Wolfpack Men’s Basketball team. Next up is former Point Guard Farnold Degand!

So far, we’ve heard from:

Jeremy Hyatt
Brandon Costner
Ben McCauley
Rodney Monroe

Gainey was on staff at NC State for two of the three seasons Degand played in Raleigh (2007–10). During their first season together, Gainey served as an Administrative Coordinator, and in the second, he was the Director of Operations.

On the court, Degand started 39 of the 63 games he played for the Wolfpack, averaging 5.4 points and 2.5 assists per game.

Here’s what Degand had to say about NC State’s decision to bring Gainey back to Raleigh:

“Bringing “JG” home is a great decision by State. During my time at State, Justin always served as the steady hand of the coaching staff. Never to high, never to low. I later found out that this is who he has always been, even as a player. In this volatile collegiate basketball landscape, those characteristics, paired with his lead guard mentality and IQ, will put the Pack in position to be successful. I’m here for it all.”