Arizona Basketball: Coach Justin Gainey is leaving for Marquette

After spending just two seasons in Tucson, Arizona Basketball assistant coach Justin Gainey is on the move, as he now heads to Marquette.

So far, it’s been a busy off-season that seemingly is getting busier for the Arizona Basketball program. As the team still waits learn what the futures hold for Nico Mannion and Josh Green, now they will have to focus on replacing coach, Justin Gainey.

Coming to Tucson in 2018, Gainey came here, still steadily climbing the coaching ranks. Originally a graduate from North Carolina State, he has a made stops at; Appalachian State serving as an assistant from 2010-14, Marquette from 2014-16 as a Director of Basketball Operations, Santa Clara in 2017 as an Assistant Coach before arriving at Arizona.

Arizona Wildcats

Now he is on the move again! Making news via social media, we all learned that Gainey will have a new employer that’s rather familiar to him, as he heads to Marquette to become an assistant coach.

The news certainly comes as a bit surprising, as I don’t think many anticipated there to be much movement to the basketball staff, but nonetheless, head coach Sean Miller and Arizona will have to act quickly to replace Gainey.

For those that didn’t know, Gainey was an instrumental part in helping bring in big man Zeke Nnaji this past season, even helping him to develop into becoming the Pac-12’s best freshman!

His loss will surely be felt, especially as the Wildcats try to continue to right the ship amid the impending NCAA infractions soon to be coming.

Miller and the Wildcats will also try and navigate as they try to wrap up the 2020 recruiting class! It’s certainly an important time for Arizona, and it’ll be interesting to see which direction they go for their next hire!

At Zona Zealots, we’re curious to see who will replace Coach Gainey, and wish him the best as he pursues his next opportunity. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!