Former Vol Coach Returns for Big Test

Tennessee basketball gears up for a high-stakes non-conference showdown against North Carolina State on December 6, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The twist? NC State’s head coach, Justin Gainey, once served as an assistant on Tennessee’s staff from 2021 to 2026 — making this a personal, homecoming-style clash. Gainey, a proud alum, is eager to build something special in Raleigh, and the atmosphere is sure to crackle with extra energy. While game time and TV details are pending, this matchup promises a fierce early-season test for both teams — don’t miss it if you’re into hoops. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/081ace273d4f9183