A week ago today I had a renewed sense of pride for my alma mater. It was a great atmosphere in Historic Reynolds Coliseum. It was the Men’s Basketball kick off to the upcoming 2014-2015 campaign. The highlight of the evening wasn’t the current teams scrimmage however it was the first annual Throwback game.

Players of note that played in the Throwback game included, Rodney Monroe (All-Time Leading Scorer), Chris Corchiani (All-Time Leader in Assists), Julius Hodge (First Team All-American), Tom Gugliotta (All-American), Derrick Whittenburg (The Shot), Vinny Del Negro (15 year NBA Vet and Former Head Coach in the Association), Monte Towe (1974 National Championship). The game had plenty of plays that I am sure older pack fans could appreciate. For example, I never witnessed a game by Rodney Monroe, but quickly realized why he is the All-Time leader in points. Throughout the warm up period I could only recall a couple of shots that even hit the rim. He proved to still be a crafty scorer and it was easy to see how Corchiani ended up with so many assists at the end of his career.

My main purpose in this article is to instill confidence and call to remembrance just how storied of a program we have at NC State. We are and will always be a Basketball School! We are one of only 14 programs in the NCAA to win multiple NCAA Championships. NC State Basketball ranks 25th in all-time wins at 1,617 and counting.

Personally I have been a State fan my whole life, granted I am only 24 years old; however, I have not been accustom to much of the storied success that many witnessed in the 70’s and 80’s. However this past Friday I felt like I was a part of history and for that moment I could only imagine what it would have been like to be on campus after we won the 83’ title in Albuquerque New Mexico in the Pit.

I was fortunate to have a front row seat at all the work and effort it takes to be successful in the ACC. During my tenure as a manager, I recognized what must be sacrificed in order to win. It takes a group of talented individuals willing to put aside personal glory in order to come together as one. It takes playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not the one on the back. When Gottfried arrived on campus, I am afraid we were a group of individuals playing for ourselves; however, in my last two seasons we came together for a common goal and had successes. I will never forget the run to the sweet sixteen.

Things are looking up for our Basketball Program. We have a great staff that has stability and makes it a point to honor our rich history and tradition. The players are aware of our tradition, I was proud to see how all of our current players intently watched and honored the players who paved the way for them to play at NC State. It is an honor to wear the Red and White…

With three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, look for the Pack to push that streak to four! The pieces are in place. How good will this group be? Can they overcome the loss of ACC POY T.J Warren? Who will step up and be a leader? The answers to these questions are to be determined, but I can say with confidence that the current group of players will find the answers. CBS picked the Pack to finish 7th in the final standings. In my opinion they will overachieve as a team and play their best basketball come February and March!

The first game is slated for November 8th at PNC Arena TBA. Lets approach this season with optimism and rally behind this group! I can assure you that they will put a great product on display and make you proud to wear the Red and White!