The 1983 Cardiac Pack created the phrase “Survive and Advance”, and their run to the National Championship will forever be one of the greatest stories in the history of College Basketball, and it obviously had a better ending than this story.
With that being said, I agree with Bilas. Nothing like this has ever been done before.
After losing 7 of their final 9 regular season games, and the last 4 in a row, NC State entered the 2024 ACC Tournament with a 17-14 record.
The Wolfpack would go on to win 5 games in 5 days to win the ACC Championship for the first time since 1987. They are 1 of 2 schools to ever win 5 games in 5 days to win their conference Championship.
NC State needed to win the ACC Championship in order to go to the NCAA Tournament, but no one expected much from the Pack.
The Wolfpack would go on to win 4 straight games in the Big Dance, upsetting Texas Tech, Marquette and Duke.
NC State became the first team with 14 losses to advance to the Final Four. As an #11 seed, they tied for the lowest seed to ever make the Final Four.
NC State advanced to the Elite 8 for the first time since 1986.
The Wolfpack won 26 games for the first time since the 1982-83 season.
NC State advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1983.
It was a run that will never be forgotten. It was a run that infused life into the Wolfpack Men’s Basketball program. It was a run that can set the tone and culture for years to come. It was a run that can change the NIL and recruiting landscape in Raleigh.
Heads should be held high. Smiles should be on faces.
This miraculous run in March restored respect, dignity and hope. When the season starts next November, PNC should be packed.
Wolfpack fans should be proud, and forever grateful to every single player and every single coach that represented the University we love in ways that will never be forgotten.
Matthew is Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, and is in charge of business strategy. He is an NC State alum who majored in business. Matthew is also the lead pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.
Sorry for all you youngsters, but the 83 run is still the best. Do you want to know why? It is because they won the whole damn thing over a powerhouse team. They won ten games in a row. This ranks two or three on the list. But it may have the most influence on the future of the program.
Dof87
23 days ago
An awesome season. This team will be remembered for its incredible accomplishment. Nothing to be ashamed losing to a great team with a dominant center. Great game plan, great defense, great effort, but shots just weren’t’ falling. They get to hang ACC and Final Four banners!!!!!
Not only have they accomplished something tremendous, but each one of those kids is a wonderful person that represents State well. Glad they’ll have great memories.
wolfpack74
23 days ago
Big letdown. Should not have be sucked in by the hype . Should have stayed home and watched on TV. Never again.
Last week, Bowling Green Transfer Guard Marcus Hill (6’4″/185) committed to NC State. I caught up with Hill to get his take on why he chose to run with the Wolfpack.
What were the reasons that ultimately led you to commit to NC State? What other schools were recruiting you besides the Wolfpack?
The coaching staff was very professional and straight to the point. They had a detailed plan of my role on the team and how it transitions to the next level. The campus was beautiful, and everyone was super nice. There were several schools from each of the Power 5 conferences that we talked to. The list was very long, and I would like to thank every coach that showed interest in me.
Break down your Official Visit. What did you do? What impression did it make on you and your family?
After entering the campus and meeting the entire coaching staff, we also met with academic advisors. School staff was super nice and acted like we were already family. We had lunch and dinner with staff, the restaurants were prepared, and the food was awesome. We toured the campus with staff, and were treated with a lot of respect. My family enjoyed the coaches and the campus environment.
How did Coach Keatts say you would fit within his offensive system?
Coach Keatts had prepared film on how I would fit into the offense, so after watching the video it was clearly understandable what my role would be.
What impression did NC State’s Final Four run have on you? How did it influence your decision?
NC State’s Final Four run impressed me due to the guys on the team being overlooked and undervalued. They played together and were really enjoying the moment. Basketball can be stressful, however they made it look exciting and fun.
What type of player is NC State getting in Marcus Hill?
Marcus Hill Jr., I’m a great person with a great attitude. I love to win and compete in everything I do. I take pride in defense, but can score from anywhere on the court. I’m unselfish and love to see my teammates succeed. I’ve been overlooked and underestimated, but My God has the ultimate say so!
_______
This past season, Hill averaged 20.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Falcons. He earned 1st Team All-MAC honors. Even though he was only at Bowling Green one season, he had one of the best seasons in school history, scoring 698 points, which ranks 5th all-time in program history for a single season.
For his first two years of collegiate ball, Hill played for Southern Union State College (JUCO) in Alabama. In 2022-23, Hill earned 3rd Team NJCAA All-American honors, and ranked as the #32 overall Junior College prospect.
247Sports ranks Hill as a 4-Star Transfer Prospect, and the #87 overall player in the Transfer Portal, and the #12 Shooting Guard.
Even though 247Sports and ON3 consider Hill a Shooting Guard, NC State is recruited him as a Point Guard.
At this point, I was expecting him to return, but now it is official.
This past season, Taylor averaged 11.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.4% from three, which was a new career high by almost 4%.
Taylor started the first 24 games of the season, but after struggling in January, he became the Wolfpack’s 6th man. Taylor excelled as the 6th man, playing some of his best basketball of the season in that role, giving his team a much needed boost whenever he entered the game.
The return of Taylor was essential to NC State’s success next season. In a world where everyone seemingly hits the Portal, seeing Taylor, Pass, Middlebrooks, O’Connell and Rice not do so is a good sign (I know they still could).
Weimar took an Official Visit to NC State a little over a week ago.
She is the reigning Patriot League Player of the Year, and has been named Defensive Player of the Year the past two years. She has earned 1st Team Patriot League Honors the past two seasons.
This year, Weimar averaged 18.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. As a Junior, she averaged 15.5 points and 10.0 rebounds. She shot 55.5% this year, and 59.7% last year.
With the exodus of River Baldwin, picking up a commitment from Weimar is massive.
Bowling Green Transfer Guard Marcus Hill (6’4″/185) has committed to NC State!
Hill took an Official Visit to NC State this past weekend.
This past season, Hill averaged 20.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Falcons. He earned 1st Team All-MAC honors. Even though he was only at Bowling Green one season, he had one of the best seasons in school history, scoring 698 points, which ranks 5th all-time in program history for a single season.
For his first two years of collegiate ball, Hill played for Southern Union State College (JUCO) in Alabama. In 2022-23, Hill earned 3rd Team NJCAA All-American honors, and ranked as the #32 overall Junior College prospect.
247Sports ranks Hill as a 4-Star Transfer Prospect, and the #81 overall player in the Transfer Portal, and the #11 Shooting Guard.
Even though 247Sports and ON3 consider Hill a Shooting Guard, NC State is recruiting him as a Point Guard.
Sorry for all you youngsters, but the 83 run is still the best. Do you want to know why? It is because they won the whole damn thing over a powerhouse team. They won ten games in a row. This ranks two or three on the list. But it may have the most influence on the future of the program.
An awesome season. This team will be remembered for its incredible accomplishment. Nothing to be ashamed losing to a great team with a dominant center. Great game plan, great defense, great effort, but shots just weren’t’ falling. They get to hang ACC and Final Four banners!!!!!
Not only have they accomplished something tremendous, but each one of those kids is a wonderful person that represents State well. Glad they’ll have great memories.
Big letdown. Should not have be sucked in by the hype . Should have stayed home and watched on TV. Never again.