NC State Basketball Coach in 1974
NC State Basketball was a college basketball program based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The program was founded in 1911 and is currently part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The program has had a long and successful history of successful coaches and players. In 1974, the program was led by head coach Norm Sloan.
Who is Norm Sloan?
Norm Sloan was born in 1925 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended NC State, where he played on the basketball team and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player in 1945. After graduating, he served in the Navy before returning to NC State to pursue a career in coaching and teaching. He was the head coach of the men’s basketball team at NC State from 1966 to 1980, and he also coached the women’s basketball team from 1972 to 1982.
Norm Sloan’s Coaching Career
Norm Sloan began his coaching career in 1957 at East Carolina University, where he coached for three years. He then moved to Florida State University, where he coached from 1960 to 1966. In 1966, he was hired as the head basketball coach at NC State, where he remained for 14 years. During his tenure, he led the Wolfpack to three Final Four appearances, three ACC championships, and two national championships in 1974 and 1983.
1974 Season
The 1974 season was a successful one for Norm Sloan and the Wolfpack. The team finished the season with a record of 27-4 and won the ACC championship. The team also made it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, where they lost to eventual national champion North Carolina State.
1974 Roster
The 1974 NC State Wolfpack roster included some notable players, including:
- Tom Burleson – A 7-foot center from Raleigh, Burleson was a two-time All-American and the consensus National Player of the Year in 1974.
- Monte Towe – A 5-foot-10 guard from Washington, D.C., Towe was a two-time All-American and the 1974 ACC Player of the Year.
- Moe Rivers – A 6-foot-5 forward from Rocky Mount, Rivers was an All-ACC performer in 1974.
- Mack Calvin – A 5-foot-11 guard from San Diego, Calvin was an All-ACC performer in 1974.
- Jim Valvano – A 5-foot-9 guard from Queens, Valvano was an All-ACC performer in 1974.
NC State’s 1974 Success
NC State’s success in 1974 was due in large part to Norm Sloan’s leadership and the talent of the players. Sloan’s coaching style emphasized defense and was key to the team’s success. The team was also led by senior Tom Burleson, who was named the consensus National Player of the Year in 1974.
The 1974 Championship Game
The Wolfpack’s 1974 national championship game was played against the UCLA Bruins on March 24, 1974. The Wolfpack won the game 80-77, led by a strong performance from Burleson, who scored 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. The win marked the first NCAA championship in school history.
Norm Sloan’s Legacy
Norm Sloan’s legacy at NC State is still felt today. He is remembered for his leadership and coaching ability, as well as his strong defense-focused style of play. He is also remembered for leading the Wolfpack to their first NCAA championship in 1974.
NC State Basketball Today
NC State Basketball is still one of the top programs in the ACC and the nation. The Wolfpack have had a number of successful coaches over the years, including current head coach Kevin Keatts. The team has made numerous NCAA tournament appearances and won two ACC championships since Norm Sloan’s departure in 1980.
Conclusion
NC State Basketball has a long and successful history of coaching and players. In 1974, the program was led by head coach Norm Sloan, who led the Wolfpack to their first NCAA championship. Sloan’s legacy at NC State is still felt today, and the program continues to be one of the top programs in the ACC.