Cozell McQueen, a pivotal player for North Carolina State University's 1983 national championship basketball team, died Wednesday at the age of 64. The cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
McQueen, a 6-foot-11 center, played for NC State from 1981 to 1985. He was recognized for his strong rebounding and defensive contributions. During the 1983 championship game, he was assigned to guard Hakeem Olajuwon. McQueen played in 134 games for the Wolfpack, ranking fourth in program history for games played, and held a streak of 75 consecutive starts, the ninth longest in the program's records.
One of the most enduring images from NC State's championship run features McQueen standing atop the rim, holding a "Pack Power" sign, following their buzzer-beating victory over Houston on April 4, 1983. He shared that moment with Ernie Myers, who sat on the backboard as teammates began to cut down the nets.
Following his college career, McQueen was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth round of the 1985 NBA Draft. He played for the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA before embarking on a decade-long professional career overseas. His international career included stints in France, his birth country, as well as Italy and Spain.
In 2019, McQueen was inducted into the NC State Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 1983 championship team. The team was honored at the White House by then-President Barack Obama in 2016 and has been welcomed back to campus for multiple celebrations, including the 40th anniversary of their title in 2023. Their improbable journey was also chronicled in ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary "Survive and Advance."
McQueen was born in Paris and spent his formative years in Bennettsville, South Carolina.