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

Scott Sharpe

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.
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.
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.
A Wolfpack cheerleader in action on the sidelines during a 1974 game.
A Wolfpack cheerleader in action on the sidelines during a 1974 game.
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.
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.
NC State coach Norm Sloan talks to an injured David Thompson after he returned to the game from the hospital in 1974. Thompson took a terrible fall against Pittsburgh, but returned for the Wolfpack victory.
NC State coach Norm Sloan talks to an injured David Thompson after he returned to the game from the hospital in 1974. Thompson took a terrible fall against Pittsburgh, but returned for the Wolfpack victory.
NC State center Tommy Burleson drives against Maryland center Len Elmore in the 1974 ACC Tournament championship game.
NC State center Tommy Burleson drives against Maryland center Len Elmore in the 1974 ACC Tournament championship game.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NC State’s David Thompson in action against UCLA in 1974.
NC State’s David Thompson in action against UCLA in 1974.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
\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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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