NC State AD goes viral after repeatedly misnaming Justin Gainey at introductory press conference

The NC State basketball program has been run through the ringer since the First Four loss to Texas. If there was any indication Will Wade might be returning for another season in Raleigh, he quickly killed any hope after announcing he would be headed to LSU for a second stint with the program he once threw in turmoil. 

The Wolfpack will try to turn the corner with former alum Justin Gainey as their new head coach. He returns after serving as an assistant at Tennessee, which was his sixth stop over the past two decades. This was a quality hire after being abandoned by Wade, and one that is expected to turn the program back into an ACC contender over the next few years. 

Gainey, 49, played for NC State from 1996 to 2000 and began his career at the school eight years later. 

That's the hope going into the 2026-27 season for the Wolfpack. Gainey was introduced as the program's next head coach on Wednesday. Everything was going smooth as the room full of supporters were happy to leave Wade in the dust. But there were a few minor hiccups before Gainey walked to the podium. 

A live look at how things are going at NC State. AD Boo Corrigan forgets his new hires name.... TWICE calling Justin Gainey, a FORMER NC STATE PG Jason.#GoPack #StrengthInThePack pic.twitter.com/t29zIm71aC

NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan was in the midst of his short intro of Gainey when he called him the wrong name twice, somehow referring to him as "Jason," instead of Justin. He eventually got it right at the end, but this was a rough look for a program that has got through tough times. The moment caught fire on social media with many calling attention to Corrigan's mishap. 

More: Will Wade video feels like an April Fools' Day joke for NC State — It's not

For whatever it's worth, this will pass and Gainey will prepare the Wolfpack for better days ahead. Maybe the Jason reference can be called upon later down the line when NC State starts beating teams in upset fashion. Like the 'Friday the 13th' series with fictional character Jason Voorhees as an alter ego for Gainey. Sounds like a whole PR campaign waiting to be drafted up. 

NC State and Gainey agreed to a five-year contract. He became the 21st men's basketball hire in school history. 

More college basketball news:

• Two fans ejected from NCAA Tournament after bringing FAFO energy, lose $6K
• Duke’s Jon Scheyer pulls off historic feat Mike Krzyzewski never achieved
• John Calipari says college athletics is broken — Here’s his plan to fix it
• Kenny Smith reacts to UNC coaching rumors
• Nate Burleson's wardrobe gets roasted during March Madness coverage