NC State

Photos: A look back at NC State’s 1974 National Championship basketball team

By Scott Sharpe
NC State players celebrate with the ACC Tournament championship trophy after their win in 1974.
NC State players celebrate with the ACC Tournament championship trophy after their win in 1974. File photo

In 1974, the NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team, led by high-flying David Thompson and 7 foot, 2 inch center Tommy Burleson defeated Maryland earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament, where they defeated long-standing champion UCLA and then Marquette in the Final Four to win the NCAA National Championship.

The 1974 Wolfpack went 30-1 that season, and still is considered one of the greatest in college basketball history.

Take a look back at photos from the season and of members of the team today.

NC State’s Tommy Burleson drives to the basket against the defense of UNC’s Bob McAdoo during a game in Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, NC March 4, 1972.
NC State’s Tommy Burleson drives to the basket against the defense of UNC’s Bob McAdoo during a game in Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, NC March 4, 1972. The News & Observer File photo
NC State center Tommy Burleson goes to the basket against UNC’s Darrell Elson in 1974 action in Reynolds Coliseum.
NC State center Tommy Burleson goes to the basket against UNC’s Darrell Elson in 1974 action in Reynolds Coliseum. File photo
NC State’s David Thompson shoots over UNC’s Bobby Jones in action in Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, NC Feb. 26, 1974.
NC State’s David Thompson shoots over UNC’s Bobby Jones in action in Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, NC Feb. 26, 1974. File photo
A Wolfpack cheerleader in action on the sidelines during a 1974 game.
A Wolfpack cheerleader in action on the sidelines during a 1974 game. Steve Murray File photo
NC State’s Phil Spence dries to the basket against Pitt’s Bill Knight (34) and Mickey Martin (42) in the NCAA Eastern Regionals in Raeligh, NC March 19, 1974.
NC State’s Phil Spence dries to the basket against Pitt’s Bill Knight (34) and Mickey Martin (42) in the NCAA Eastern Regionals in Raeligh, NC March 19, 1974. Steve Murray File photo
N.C. State coach Norm Sloan looks away as David Thompson is looked at after falling during N.C. State’s game against Pittsburgh in the Eastern Regional final at Reynolds in March 1974.
N.C. State coach Norm Sloan looks away as David Thompson is looked at after falling during N.C. State’s game against Pittsburgh in the Eastern Regional final at Reynolds in March 1974. Ken Cooke
Steve Murray File photo
1974 News & Observer file photo
NC State center Tommy Burleson shoots over Maryland’s Len Elmore during the 1974 game between the Wolfpack and the Terps in Reynolds Coliseum.
NC State center Tommy Burleson shoots over Maryland’s Len Elmore during the 1974 game between the Wolfpack and the Terps in Reynolds Coliseum. File photo
NC State’s Tommy Burleson moves against Maryland’s Len Elmore in 1974 action in Reynolds Coliseum.
NC State’s Tommy Burleson moves against Maryland’s Len Elmore in 1974 action in Reynolds Coliseum. File photo
NC State’s Moe Rivers (10) battles for the ball with Maryland’s Len Elmore (41) during the Wolfpack’s win over Maryland in 1974 in Reynolds Coliseum.
NC State’s Moe Rivers (10) battles for the ball with Maryland’s Len Elmore (41) during the Wolfpack’s win over Maryland in 1974 in Reynolds Coliseum. File photo
NC State fans, players and cheerleaders celebrate after the Wolfpack defeated Maryland in Reynolds Coliseum in 1974.
NC State fans, players and cheerleaders celebrate after the Wolfpack defeated Maryland in Reynolds Coliseum in 1974. File photo
NC State’s David Thompson is mobbed by players, fans and cheerleaders following the Wolfpack’s win over Maryland Reynolds Coliseum in 1974.
NC State’s David Thompson is mobbed by players, fans and cheerleaders following the Wolfpack’s win over Maryland Reynolds Coliseum in 1974. File photo
NC State’s David Thompson soars above the rim against Maryland in the 1974 ACC Tournament championship game in Greensboro, NC.
NC State’s David Thompson soars above the rim against Maryland in the 1974 ACC Tournament championship game in Greensboro, NC. File photo
David Thompson, wearing one of the game nets around his neck, celebrate’s the Wolfpack’s 1974 National Championship win over Marquette.
David Thompson, wearing one of the game nets around his neck, celebrate’s the Wolfpack’s 1974 National Championship win over Marquette. File photo
NC State center Tommy Burleson wears the net from the 1974 ACC championship game.
NC State center Tommy Burleson wears the net from the 1974 ACC championship game. File photo
NC State players celebrate with the ACC Tournament championship trophy after their win in 1974.
NC State players celebrate with the ACC Tournament championship trophy after their win in 1974. File photo
NC State cheerleaders fire up the crowd outside Reynolds Colieseum as the Wolfpack departs for the 1974 Final Four.
NC State cheerleaders fire up the crowd outside Reynolds Colieseum as the Wolfpack departs for the 1974 Final Four. Scott Stewart File photo
NC State’s Tommy Burleson (left) and David Thompson leave Reynolds Coliseum to board buses to take the Wolfpack to the 1974 Final Four.
NC State’s Tommy Burleson (left) and David Thompson leave Reynolds Coliseum to board buses to take the Wolfpack to the 1974 Final Four. Scott Stewart File photo
NC State point guard Monte Towe looks out at the crowd sending off the 1974 Wolfpack to the Final Four.
NC State point guard Monte Towe looks out at the crowd sending off the 1974 Wolfpack to the Final Four. Scott Stewart File photo
The NC State mascot and fans send off the Wolfpack as they depart for the 1974 Final Four.
The NC State mascot and fans send off the Wolfpack as they depart for the 1974 Final Four. Scott Stewart File photo
NC State’s David Thompson makes his way through a crowd of fans and cheerleaders as he and other Wolfpack players board a bus to take them the the 1974 National Championship.
NC State’s David Thompson makes his way through a crowd of fans and cheerleaders as he and other Wolfpack players board a bus to take them the the 1974 National Championship. Scott Stewart File photo
David Thompson soars above the rim to block a shot against UCLA during NCAA semifinal game in Greensboro in 1974.
David Thompson soars above the rim to block a shot against UCLA during NCAA semifinal game in Greensboro in 1974. The News & Observer File photo
North Carolina State basketball coach Norm Sloan displays his emotions on the bench during their double overtime 80-77 victory over UCLA in the NCAA semifinals in Greensboro, N.C., March 25, 1974.
North Carolina State basketball coach Norm Sloan displays his emotions on the bench during their double overtime 80-77 victory over UCLA in the NCAA semifinals in Greensboro, N.C., March 25, 1974. File photo
NC State’s David Thompson in action against UCLA in 1974.
NC State’s David Thompson in action against UCLA in 1974. Gene Furr File photo
NC State’s Tim Stoddard drives against Marquette’s Rick Campbell in the 1974 National Championship game.
NC State’s Tim Stoddard drives against Marquette’s Rick Campbell in the 1974 National Championship game. File photo
NC State point guard Monte Towe drives against Marquette defenders during the 1974 National Championship game.
NC State point guard Monte Towe drives against Marquette defenders during the 1974 National Championship game. File photo
Marquette coach Al McGuire works the sidelines during the 1974 National Championship game against NC State.
Marquette coach Al McGuire works the sidelines during the 1974 National Championship game against NC State. File photo
NC State point guard Monte Towe cuts down the nets after the Wolfpack defeated Maryland to win the ACC Tournament in Greensboro, NC in 1974.
NC State point guard Monte Towe cuts down the nets after the Wolfpack defeated Maryland to win the ACC Tournament in Greensboro, NC in 1974. File photo
NC State center helps cut down the nets following the Wolfpack’s 1974 National Championship win over Marquette.
NC State center helps cut down the nets following the Wolfpack’s 1974 National Championship win over Marquette. File photo
NC State head coach Norm Sloan cuts down the nets after his Wolfpack defeated Marquette to win the 1974 National Championship.
NC State head coach Norm Sloan cuts down the nets after his Wolfpack defeated Marquette to win the 1974 National Championship. File photo
NC State’s David Thompson (left) and Monte Towe (right) leave the court after the trophy presentation following the Wolfpack’s 1974 National Championship win over Marquette.
NC State’s David Thompson (left) and Monte Towe (right) leave the court after the trophy presentation following the Wolfpack’s 1974 National Championship win over Marquette. File photo
NC State’s David Thompson, Monte Towe, Mo Rivers and Tommy Burleson celebrate after the 1974 Wolfpack defeated Marquette to win the National Championship.
NC State’s David Thompson, Monte Towe, Mo Rivers and Tommy Burleson celebrate after the 1974 Wolfpack defeated Marquette to win the National Championship. File photo
NC State players pose with coach Norm Sloan and the 1974 National Championship trophy after defeating Marquette.
NC State players pose with coach Norm Sloan and the 1974 National Championship trophy after defeating Marquette. File photo
NC State fans march down Hillsborough Street following the Wolfpack’s 1974 national championship win. NC State chancellor John Caldwell (carrying hat) joined the crowd for their march and celebration.
NC State fans march down Hillsborough Street following the Wolfpack’s 1974 national championship win. NC State chancellor John Caldwell (carrying hat) joined the crowd for their march and celebration. File photo
David Thompson salutes the crowd in Reynolds Coliseum after the Wolfpack returned from Greensboro where the defeated Marquette to win the 1974 NCAA basketball championship.
David Thompson salutes the crowd in Reynolds Coliseum after the Wolfpack returned from Greensboro where the defeated Marquette to win the 1974 NCAA basketball championship. File photo
NC State coach Norm Sloan and the Wolfpack players at a pep rally in Reynolds Coliseum before the team’s departure for the Final Four in 1974.
NC State coach Norm Sloan and the Wolfpack players at a pep rally in Reynolds Coliseum before the team’s departure for the Final Four in 1974. Steve Murray File photo
N.C. State’s Tommy Burleson acknowledges the crowd after being introduced as the 1974 National Champions Wolfpack are honored during halftime of N.C. State’s game against Miami at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, March 1, 2014.
N.C. State’s Tommy Burleson acknowledges the crowd after being introduced as the 1974 National Champions Wolfpack are honored during halftime of N.C. State’s game against Miami at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, March 1, 2014. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Members of the NC State’s 1974 team, from left, Tommy Burleson, David Thompson, Monte Towe and Moe Rivers, talk with each other during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022.
Members of the NC State’s 1974 team, from left, Tommy Burleson, David Thompson, Monte Towe and Moe Rivers, talk with each other during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
\N.C. State’s David Thompson acknowledges the crowd after his statue was unveiled outside Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023.
\N.C. State’s David Thompson acknowledges the crowd after his statue was unveiled outside Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Mike Buurma acknowledges the crowd as members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team are honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
Mike Buurma acknowledges the crowd as members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team are honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
David Thompson wears a national championship ring as members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team are honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
David Thompson wears a national championship ring as members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team are honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team are honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
Members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team are honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Steve Smith autographs a basketball following a halftime ceremony to honor members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
Steve Smith autographs a basketball following a halftime ceremony to honor members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
David Thompson greets fans following a halftime ceremony to honor members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
David Thompson greets fans following a halftime ceremony to honor members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Tommy Burleson shakes hands with Mr. Wuf after members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team were honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
Tommy Burleson shakes hands with Mr. Wuf after members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team were honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team are honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
Members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team are honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Monte Towe, left, smiles as Tommy Burleson and David Thompson acknowledge one another during a halftime ceremony to honor members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
Monte Towe, left, smiles as Tommy Burleson and David Thompson acknowledge one another during a halftime ceremony to honor members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team, including David Thompson, are honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
Members of the N.C. State men’s basketball 1974 national championship team, including David Thompson, are honored during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
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