Cozell McQueen, a pivotal player for the North Carolina State Wolfpack's iconic 1983 NCAA championship team, has died at the age of 64. His death was confirmed on Wednesday, though a cause has not yet been publicly disclosed.
McQueen, born in Paris and raised in South Carolina, played for NC State from 1981 to 1985. Standing 6-foot-11, he established himself as a formidable defender and rebounder during his tenure. He was a key figure in the "Cardiac Pack," a team renowned for its dramatic victories, culminating in a buzzer-beating win over the Houston Cougars in the 1983 NCAA tournament final.
In the championship game, McQueen's defensive prowess was on full display as he guarded Hakeem Olajuwon in NC State's narrow 54-52 victory. Following the win, McQueen famously held a "Pack Power" sign while standing on the rim, an image that has since become a lasting symbol of the team's triumph.
The 1983 Wolfpack team, coached by Jim Valvano, achieved the school's second and most recent national title. The team was later recognized by then-President Barack Obama at the White House in 2016.
During his four seasons with NC State, McQueen played in 134 games, the fourth most in program history, and started in 75 consecutive games, ranking ninth all-time. His collegiate career paved the way for a professional path, and he was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth round of the 1985 NBA Draft. McQueen also played for the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers over a 10-season professional career that included international stints in France, Italy, and Spain.