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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Cozell McQueen, a member of NC State’s 1983 championship-winning men’s basketball team under the late Jim Valvano, has died, the program announced Wednesday night.
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He was 64 years old.
“We are saddened by the passing of Cozell McQueen, who proudly wore the Red and White from 1981-85 and was a member of our unforgettable 1983 National Championship team,” NC State men’s basketball said on social media. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and all who knew him.”
McQueen was a 6’11” sophomore center when the Wolfpack made their run to the national title under Valvano, playing in 36 games. His biggest contribution came in a game against Pepperdine in the first round of that year’s NCAA Tournament when he hit a bank shot with eight seconds left to force a second extra period. NC State ended up winning that game 69-67 in double overtime.
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Following his four years in Raleigh, McQueen was drafted 91st overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth round of the 1985 draft. Though he briefly played for the Detroit Pistons in 1987, most of McQueen’s career was spent in the Continental Basketball League in the U.S. as well as overseas in Europe. He retired from professional basketball in 1996.
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