Never once in Justin Gainey’s introduction press conference did the event seem to be only about him. It was an NC State moment.
The collection of folks who made their way to Lenovo Center was not burdened by the past few weeks of discord but were bonded by the years and years of love for their favorite university.
While there were some subtle jabs thrown concerning the immediate past, there were no cathartic moments necessary. Wolfpackers were all smiles when they got there and still smiling when they left.
Gainey is a native of the state, a former player and assistant coach, and loves his alma mater through and through.
Recruited by Les Robinson and then a starting point guard for four seasons under Herb Sendek, Gainey also comes from the 1990s version of NC State, where being competitive was a dogfight.
The 1990s were not easy for NC State, but to tell the whole story of Wolfpack basketball requires its mention. Without the benefit of winning titles, it can be easy to gloss over the tenures of Robinson and Sendek.
Robinson and Sendek did not hang banners, but they did not run from a challenge either. They fought the fight, and when it was time to move on (Robinson to The Citadel, Sendek to Arizona State), they did not need secrecy or a myriad of lies to do so. Everything they did at NC State, good or bad, was above the board. They are honorable men.
And honorable men often produce great leaders. Justin Gainey is ready to lead.
The toughness that it took to stand up to the rest of the ACC, the fortitude it took to play 40 minutes in four straight games of an ACC Tournament, and the character to use his Wolfpack experience to improve himself have all served Gainey well.
Gainey now gets his chance to serve for NC State. That is legacy.
One of the best feelings in life is excitement in the moment, coupled with hope for a better future. Excitement and hope fall flat when cloaked in dishonesty or unnecessary bravado.
It was Gainey’s day, but it was NC State’s day on the whole.
Gainey made the event about his school while his school made it about him. It meshed nicely.
And now NC State can get back to being what it is in its best moments: a Pack of Wolves.
