Cozell McQueen, a towering presence on the North Carolina State Wolfpack basketball court, passed away in August 2024 after a prolonged battle with brain cancer. The university’s athletics department broke the news on social media, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, fans, and the broader college basketball community.
Standing 6‑foot‑11, McQueen anchored the Wolfpack from 1981 through 1985, appearing in 134 games and starting 75 consecutive contests during his final three seasons. He averaged 5.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, ranking ninth in program history for his streak of starts and delivering a defensive intensity that defined the team’s identity.
A Defining Rebound Against a Future Hall‑of‑Famer
His most memorable moments came during the 1983 championship run. In the Sweet Sixteen, he secured a decisive offensive rebound against Virginia’s towering freshman sensation Ralph Sampson, a play that helped the Wolfpack advance to the Final Four. That hustle exemplified his relentless pursuit of second‑chance opportunities.
The championship game itself became legend when Lorenzo Charles’ buzzer‑beating dunk over Houston’s Hakeem Olajuwon appeared to clinch the crown. McQueen’s earlier rebound against Sampson had set the stage for that historic finish, a moment that still resonates in the annals of college basketball.
After being selected in the fourth round of the 1985 NBA Draft, McQueen embarked on a ten‑year professional journey that took him overseas, where he continued to showcase his rebounding and shot‑blocking abilities. His international career, though less visible in the United States, cemented his reputation as a reliable big man.
Beyond the hardwood, McQueen’s contributions were recognized by the university and the nation. In 2016, the 1983 championship team, including McQueen, was honored at the White House by President Barack Obama, a testament to the cultural impact of that historic squad.
Teammate Ernie Myers paid tribute on social media, calling McQueen “RIP my brother” and highlighting his enduring legacy on the backboard. The Wolfpack basketball program also shared a heartfelt announcement of his passing, recalling his role as a key player and a pillar of the ‘Cardiac Pack.’
McQueen’s story is more than a series of statistics; it is a narrative of perseverance, teamwork, and quiet leadership. Former teammates and coaches remember him not only for his on‑court contributions but also for the camaraderie he fostered in the locker room, leaving an indelible mark on the program’s culture.