🔥 Trending Cozell McQueen: NC State Basketball Champion Passes Away at 64

Cozell McQueen was an American collegiate basketball player, best known for his pivotal role in the NC State Wolfpack's unexpected 1983 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship victory ³⁵. He was a prominent member of what became famously known as the "Cardiac Pack" team ³.

Personal and Collegiate Life

• Birth and Nationality: McQueen was born on January 18, 1962, in Paris, France ¹. He was an American national ¹.
• Physical Attributes: He was listed at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) tall and weighed 235 pounds (107 kg) ¹.
• High School: McQueen attended Bennettsville High School ¹.
• NC State Career: He proudly wore the Red and White for NC State from 1981 to 1985 ⁶. During his time, he played under legendary coach Jim Valvano ⁵.
• 1983 NCAA Championship: McQueen was a key player in the Wolfpack's improbable 1983 championship run. A memorable moment from this period includes his 25 rebounds in the Final Four ² and grabbing a crucial rebound to hit a game-tying shot against Pepperdine during the championship journey ³.

Post-Collegiate Career and Recognition

• Professional Career: After his collegiate success, McQueen played professionally for a decade ².
• Hall of Fame: In recognition of his contributions to NC State athletics, Cozell McQueen was inducted into the NC State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019 ³.
• Return to Raleigh: Following his professional career, he settled back in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his family ².

Recent News

Cozell McQueen passed away at the age of 64 on August 6, 2026 ²³⁵. His death was announced by NC State University, which expressed sadness at the passing of a beloved member of their national championship team ⁶.