It's heating up in Raleigh—and we're not just talking about the weather. As the first summer session kicks off next week, NC State's basketball program is buzzing with activity. Players are arriving on campus to dive into summer skills and conditioning programs, though one notable exception is Kyle Evans, who won't join the Pack for another month while finishing up at UC-Irvine.

But the biggest news this week? The coaching staff is finally taking shape. Head Coach Gainey has made two key hires that signal a fresh direction for the Wolfpack. Assistant Coach Ogi Vasiljevic and Director of Scouting Matt Holt are officially on board, and they're bringing a blend of youth, energy, and international savvy that could transform the program.

Let's break down what these additions mean. Vasiljevic, who most recently served as both Assistant Coach and Director of Basketball Operations at South Alabama, is no stranger to versatility. After starting his coaching career at NAIA Life University in 2020-21, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his own playing days—first at Arkansas-Fort Smith, then at Ohio Valley. But what really sets him apart is his Serbian roots. Born in Loznica and a former member of Serbia's national team, Vasiljevic is expected to open doors for European recruiting, giving the Wolfpack a pipeline to international talent.

Then there's Matt Holt, whose résumé reads like a who's who of college basketball programs. After three years as Director of Player Personnel at Georgia Tech, he spent six seasons at Nebraska and got his start at his alma mater, Northeastern, before launching his career at Rhode Island College back in 2011-12. That kind of experience—spanning multiple conferences and roles—will be invaluable as he helps shape the Wolfpack's scouting and player development strategies.

As Coach Gainey noted in his opening press conference, he wanted to hire younger assistants who can relate more closely to the players. With Vasiljevic and Holt, he's done exactly that. And the timing couldn't be better—just as the roster starts filling up for summer workouts. This is a program in motion, and the pieces are falling into place for an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned, Wolfpack Nation.