NC State Basketball History's Kennel

The legacy of NC State basketball is one that has been built with moments that have etched the program in history. From the thrilling victories to the heartbreaking defeats, the Wolfpack's journey is one of resilience, talent, and unwavering support from their fans. As we delve into some of the most significant moments in NC State basketball history, we will explore the context, key players, and lasting impact of these events.

The 1974 NCAA Championship Was a Historic Triumph

 Arguably, one of the most defining moments in NC State basketball came in 1974 when the Wolfpack clinched their first NCAA Championship under head coach Norm Sloan. The team was led by some of the all-time greats: David Thompson, Tom Burleson, and Monte Towe. It wasn't easy, though-their road to glory was fraught with some very tough opponents throughout the tournament. But even without the Fanatics sportsbook promo at the time, everybody knew that was tough odds, and this was going to be a barn burner of a game.

NC State faced off against UCLA, one of the powerhouse teams with an unprecedented streak at the time. The victory over UCLA meant much more for the Wolfpack than just adding another win. They won the championship game against Marquette, 76-64, in an everything-changing moment for NC State and its first-ever national championship in any sport. David Thompson was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, which pretty much cemented his status as one of the greatest college players of all time.

The Cardiac Pack and the 1983 National Championship Run

Fast forward to 1983, and NC State basketball was going to make headlines again. The Wolfpack entered the NCAA Tournament as a #6 seed and quickly earned the nickname of "The Cardiac Pack," for their close games and dramatic finishes. Under head coach Jim Valvano, the NC State journey through the tournament included nail-biting wins against Pepperdine and UNLV.

This unlikely streak of events culminated with a Houston team that had two of the greatest players in college basketball at that time, in Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. The game was tight, with NC State trailing throughout most of the second half, but with seconds to go, the score was tied 52-52. In one of the greatest finishes ever in college basketball, Dereck Whittenburg's last-second air ball was corralled and dunked by Lorenzo Charles as NC State beat Houston 54-52 for the title. It's an image forever in the history books of NCAA Tournament lore.

The 1990s Were A Decade of Ups and Downs

The 1990s were marked by ups and downs for NC State basketball. After Valvano's departure in 1990, the program struggled to maintain its previous success. However, memorable moments still emerged during this period. Notably, in 1995, NC State achieved a significant upset by defeating top-ranked North Carolina at home. This victory reignited hope among fans and showcased the potential of emerging talents.

In 1998, NC State hired Herb Sendek as head coach, which helped restore competitiveness in the ACC. Sendek's era had many memorable games against Duke and North Carolina, and many were close to the buzzer. He developed players like Julius Hodge and Engin Atsur, which returned some of the old excitement to Reynolds Coliseum.

Recent Highlights and The Return to Prominence

NC State basketball, through the years in different coaching eras, regained its revitalized vigor as we crossed into the 21st century. Mark Gottfried came in 2011 with fresh hope and started to steer the Wolfpack into contention in the NCAA Tournament once again. Perhaps the highlight that year was the 2012-2013 season when NC State defeated top-ranked Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium in one of the most monumental upsets ever to shake college basketball.

In recent years, under head coach Kevin Keatts, NC State has continued to build on its legacy with promising recruiting classes and competitive play inside the ACC. The Wolfpack reached significant milestones during their 2023 season by securing an NCAA Tournament berth after several years of rebuilding efforts.

Celebrating Legends Like David Thompson and More

Through the years, NC State has produced its fair share of legends who have made their presence felt in college basketball and professional leagues. David Thompson remains a focal point of discussions surrounding NC State greatness, his jersey (#44) retired in testament to the impact he had on the program.

In early 2024, a statue was unveiled outside Reynolds Coliseum in honor of Thompson, celebrating his contributions and inspiring future generations of players. Other notables include Chris Corchiani and Nate McMillan, both integral parts of the rich basketball heritage at NC State.

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