Some of the best seasons in the history of the North Carolina State University Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs were celebrated Monday night.
Fans across Raleigh gathered beside the Memorial Belltower to celebrate their Wolfpack one final time.
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Fans gathered at Memorial Belltower to celebrate the N.C. State Men’s and Women’s Basketball seasons
Players, coaches and the mayor of Raleigh spoke
Speakers expressed appreciation for the support throughout the seaon
Before the celebration, freshman Celeste Paradis discussed the fever pitch on campus. “I really want to come and see the team. I’ve never seen them in person before other than going to some games, but I just really want to see what they have to say and come out here to just enjoy their celebration with them,” Paradis said.
It’s the first time in school history that both Wolfpack squads played in the Final Four simultaneously. Players and coaches alike basked in the afterglow of fan appreciation as Memorial Belltower lit up red.
In his notable lighthearted form, Women’s Head Coach Wes Moore gave a shout-out to the fans reminiscent of his off-the-cuff remarks you’d hear at any post-game press conference throughout the season.
“We definitely couldn’t do it without them. Wolfpack Nation and the fan base is just so much fun to be around. Let’s face it, you had more fun in red, right? So again. We’ve had a lot of fun with the fans and we just appreciate them,” Moore said.
Moore’s star starting guard Saniya Rivers echoed her teammates’ achievements.
“This is a sisterhood we created. I wouldn’t wanna play with anybody else,” Rivers said.
The men’s run to the Final Four was much more unexpected, because they needed to win five games in five days to win the ACC title to even make it to the ‘Big Dance.’ Men’s Head Coach Kevin Keatts said they never quit.
“I give all the credit to these guys. They fought. They believed. They trusted. They were one unit, and they took advantage of a great opportunity,” Keatts said.
A recent N.C. State graduate said this experience has been one he will savor.
“Growing up watching March Madness, that was my favorite thing. I’ve been to a few tournament games when they had them in Raleigh and I just wished and prayed, ‘I wish N.C. State was here. I wish N.C. State did this’. Watching State, it’s been crazy. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Last year. Crazy. It’s the best,” Holder said.
Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin announced a proclamation at the closing of the celebration. Baldwin said April 15 will forever be known as N.C. State Men’s and Women’s Basketball Day.