The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1043000
92 ■ THE WOLFPACKER It was the last championship of any kind Valvano ever won. Though it was a bit undersized, the 1988‑89 team was consistent throughout the season. It was the only squad in Valva‑ no's 10‑year tenure to be ranked in the top 20 all season long. Led by senior forward Chucky Brown, juniors Brian Howard and Avie Lester, and the sophomore tandem of Corchiani and Monroe, the Pack surprised its deep and talented opposition. The regular season title chase was one of the most prolonged in ACC history, de‑ cided on the last day of the campaign. That year, the ACC had four ranked teams, sent six teams to the NCAA Tournament and advanced four to the Sweet 16. The season was marked by upsets and miracles — not the least of which was a desperation jumper by Monroe off an in‑ tentionally missed free throw that allowed the Wolfpack to force the first of four over‑ times against the Demon Deacons. The Pack also suffered at least one un‑ likely upset, losing 71‑49 to last‑place Maryland in the first round of the ACC Tournament in Atlanta. The win was so shocking, Terrapins coach Bob Wade col‑ ABOVE: Sophomore sharpshooter Rodney Monroe was the second-leading scorer in the ACC at 21.4 points per contest. LEFT: Chucky Brown received first-team All- ACC honors after averaging 16.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. PHOTOS COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS