NC State fans are often considered the most delusional fans of college basketball. I grew up listening to my dad talk about the glory days with Jim Valvano, and attended countless games in PNC Arena (I still remember when it was the RBC Center) even before I became a student at NC State. I guess that makes me one of those delusional fans.
I love when the lights dim before the starting lineup and everyone starts clapping. I love how the “Wolfpack” chant echoes through the building when the team has a big lead. And yes, I even love those intense final seconds of a game that often result in a frustrating loss. I love NC State basketball more than anything -- even more than NC State football. Not only is basketball inside, it also only takes two hours to play. Okay, that’s not really why I love it, though it is a perk.
Why do I really love it so much? For starters, basketball is an incredibly fun sport to watch. It has fast paced action and the games always have a thrilling atmosphere. It’s emotionally driven, which allows the fans to feel connected to their team. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve felt a connection, and I can’t help but feel like I’ve grown up with NC State basketball. I remember my mom or dad would always give me $5 so I could buy a cinnamon roll at the arena, and if they were lucky, I would share it with them. I would always go buy one right before halftime, before the lines for food started forming. The same old man would always be working, and over the years we developed a rapport with each other. He knew that if I was at the game, I was getting a cinnamon roll, and if I didn’t show, then my brother was attending the game in my place.
In my teenage years, I fell head over heels in love with Scott Wood. I was convinced I was going to marry him. This only fueled my desire to attend more games, and because we only had two season tickets for a four person family, I instigated a lot of arguments, as all dramatic teenagers do. I felt that if I missed him score a big three-pointer I would die, and was more emotionally invested in the team than ever before. Luckily, by the time he graduated, my unhealthy obsession had become more of a composed admiration. Though I do feel obliged to share a photo of when we first met.
Okay -- maybe I still carry a torch for him. But I've moved on for the most part. I promise.
Growing up, I had a fascination with the college students at games. Our seats were right behind one of the many student sections in PNC, and I always wondered if one day I would be sitting in those sections. When NC State beat number one ranked Duke my junior year of high school, I watched enviously from my seat as the students stormed the court. Knowing I would be applying to schools in the fall, I hoped I would soon be able to join them. Flash forward a few years, and now I am a student at NC State, and last year as a freshman I was able to rush the court after we beat Duke.
Basketball games are different for me, now; still just as fun, but different. I don’t buy cinnamon rolls anymore -- prices have been raised and they are too expensive for a college student on a budget. It’s not a bad deal, though. Instead, I stop by Waffle House with friends after games. That is what growing up is all about, isn't it? Creating new memories and traditions while still appreciating the old ones.
Even with these changes, my love for the team remains the same. I still get chills when the music for the opening sequence starts, and the crowd cheering after a big play still makes my heart pound. I think that is what makes NC State basketball or even college basketball so special for fans. Over the years, the sport has gone through rule changes and teams go through player and coaching changes all the time, but fans still stay just as dedicated because the atmosphere of the game remains the same. So thank you, NC State basketball for providing me with so many great memories, and I can’t wait for another great season.
