Finally weeks after searching for another assistant coach, the Arizona Basketball team has found their man, his name is Justin Gainey.
It has been a busy off-season for the Arizona Basketball team. From reloading its roster, to hiring new assistants, the Wildcats have been busy to say the least.
A few weeks ago, we reported that Arizona had hired Danny Peters to its staff. Peters of course a familiar face to the program who once served on Arizona’s staff for four years.
On Thursday, after weeks of rumors and uncertainty, it was announced that Justin Gainey would be the next assistant of the Wildcats!
Familiarity likely led Sean Miller to hire Justin Gainey away from Santa Clara https://t.co/JfHBbiMKoS via @tucsonstar
— Ryan Finley (@ryan_finley) May 18, 2018
While Gainey is leaving Santa Clara for Arizona, he reunites with Miller and Mark Phelps after formerly playing for NC State from 1996-2000. During that time, Miller served as an assistant for the Wolfpack from 1996-2001. Phelps was with the Wolfpack from 1996-2006.
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Gainey comes in with a solid track record, and more importantly solidifies the Wildcats’ coaching staff heading into the 2018-19 season.
So far, the Wildcats seem to be set. Despite the early NCAA exit, and yearly purge of its roster thanks to the NBA Draft, Arizona does however, find itself in rather unfamiliar territory.
It’s been well-known by now that the false story ran by ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, had its negative impact, especially from a recruiting standpoint. Fast forward a few months, and Arizona seems to have bounced back.
Returning are; Emmanuel Akot, Alex Barcello, Ira Lee, Brandon Randolph, Chase Jeter and Dylan Smith. Coming in are; four-star forward Omar Thielemans, four-star shooting guard, Devonaire Doutrive, four-star guard, Brandon Williams and graduate transfers Ryan Luther and Justin Coleman.
Certainly not a bad group if you ask me! Additionally, Arizona still has another spot or two, perhaps for another post player.
Gainey should be a nice addition to the Wildcats’ staff. As we said, he reunites with Miller and Phelps, but Gainey served as an assistant on Santa Clara’s staff under former ASU coach, Herb Sendek. His first year with the Broncos, Santa Clara made the NCAA Tournament in 2017.
Three years before that, Gainey was an assistant with Marquette, and spent time on staff at NC State and Elon prior to that!
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At Zona Zealots, we are excited for the addition of Gainey and can’t wait to see what he can bring to the Wildcats! Bear Down, Arizona, and Welcome Coach Gainey!