RALEIGH — NC State has a strong history of backcourt play throughout its rich history in men's basketball. Now, one of the members of that tradition, Justin Gainey, is coaching the Wolfpack with the 2026-27 season marking his first season as a head coach. Building a backcourt was always going to be one of the building blocks of the program moving forward. In retaining talented guard Paul McNeil for another season in Raleigh, NC State and Gainey appear to have the backcourt rotation solidified for the coach's first year at the helm. McNeil can be a bridge player for the program, helping some of the transfer additions get up to speed on all things Wolfpack. With five guards rostered at this point, this is almost certainly the group the team is rolling with.…