NC State to Celebrate Corchiani and Gugliotta on Tuesday

So a day after referee Karl Hess decided to make point and toss out two NC State greats for arguing with him from the stands, NC State decides to recognize those same two greats (along with the rest of their 1989 team) on Tuesday before the Carolina game. Sure, Debbie Yow can’t say anything publicly about the incident or she’ll likely receive a fine, but she’s saying enough with this gesture. As a Wolfpack fan alumni I’d like to say thank you to Debbie Yow for standing up for our school. You are certainly the leader Wolfpack fans have been waiting for. Here is the press release from State.

Press Release Courtesy of NCSU Media Relations
Pregame Ceremonies Scheduled for Tuesday night’s UNC game

NC State Director of Athletics Deborah A. Yow has announced that the 1989 Wolfpack men’s basketball squad will be honored as the recipient of the inaugural “Wolfpack Unlimited” Award prior to Tuesday’s game against UNC.  The “Wolfpack Unlimited” Award will recognize individuals and teams that refuse to accept the status quo and exhibit the “Never Give Up” spirit of the Wolfpack.

In 1989, JIm Valvano’s squad won the ACC regular season title, posting a 22-9 overall mark and a 10-4 record in ACC play.  The squad posted home wins over eventual final-four participant Duke and over North Carolina, both top-10 teams, and defeated South Carolina and No. 14 Iowa in the NCAA Tournament to advance to the Sweet 16 in East Rutherford, N.J.

The squad featured the Pack’s all-time scoring leader, Rodney Monroe, and all-time assist leader, Chris Corchiani. Monroe and teammate Chucky Brown earned first-team All-ACC honors that season, while Monroe was also named to the NCAA Tournament East All-Region squad.  Brown, Tom Gugliotta and Brian Howard went on to play multiple years in the NBA.  Other players on the roster included Brian D’Amico, Mickey Hinnant, Jamie Knox, David Lee, Avie Lester, Kenny Poston, Kelsey Weems and Roland Whitley.

“We are proud to honor the terrific team of 1989,” said Yow.  “That group proudly represents the pride and never give up spirit of the Wolfpack.  They achieved success because they refused to accept the status quo.  It is fitting that a team coached by Jim Valvano, the epitome of never giving up, will be the first to receive this award.”