Former Pack Coach Jim Valvano Inducted into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Former NC State men's basketball head coach Jim Valvano was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Saturday night.

He was one of 12 inductees that was honored on Saturday night in Springfield, Mass., as the Class of 2023 was enshrined into the Hall of Fame.

Valvano led NC State to the 1983 NCAA Championship, upsetting the heavily favored Houston Cougars, and inspired the creation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Known famously as "Jimmy V," Valvano went 346-210 in 18 seasons with Bucknell University (1972-75), Iona University (1975-80) and NC State (1980-90).

Upon leaving NC State, Valvano began a career as a broadcaster for ESPN before being diagnosed with cancer in June 1992. Valvano spoke at the first ESPY Awards at Madison Square Garden and was presented the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award. During his memorable speech, he announced the creation of the organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer, whose motto would be "Don't Give Up...Don't Ever Give Up."

Until his death in 1993, Valvano was an outspoken advocate for cancer research and the V Foundation, which has funded over $150 million in cancer research grants nationwide.

He was inducted into the Rutgers Basketball Hall of Fame, where he played collegiately, in 1993, and was named to the first NC State Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2012.

About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game's elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com, follow @hoophall #23HoopClass or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.

Former Pack Coach Jim Valvano Inducted into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

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