Jim Valvano, Ex-Coach Of N.C. State, Dies at 47

RALEIGH, N.C. Jim Valvano, the wise-cracking New Yorker whocoached North Carolina State to a magical national basketballchampionship before scandal forced him out, died today of cancer. Hewas 47.

Mr. Valvano died around 10:30 a.m. with his family by his sideat Duke University Medical Center in Durham, according to hisattorney Woody Webb.

"Valvano waged a valiant fight against cancer over the pastyear," Webb said. "Jimmy V never gave up."

Valvano pulled off one of the great upsets in college basketballhistory in 1983 when the Wolfpack, a team with 10 regular-seasonlosses, beat heavily favored Houston in the NCAA Tournament final onLorenzo Charles' buzzer-beating dunk. Seven years later, he wasforced out after an NCAA investigation found his players had soldtheir shoes and complimentary tickets. An investigation intopoint-shaving allegations continues.

He then became a successful broadcaster, and continued to workafter his cancer was diagnosed in 1992. Indeed, he opened the1992-93 season in the studio for ESPN and at courtside.

"The loss of Jim Valvano is profound," ESPN President SteveBornstein said. "His personal philosophy was to laugh, to think andto be moved to tears every day. . . . We shed tears because we willmiss our friend and colleague."

Mr. Valvano rejoined the Wolfpack for a 10-year reunion on Feb.21 and gave a capacity crowd at Reynolds Coliseum a stirringdescription of how that championship team helped him cope with hisillness.

"The '83 team gave you hope, gave you pride, told you what hardwork was about," he said from center court. It was his firstappearance at the arena since he resigned.

Instead of his characteristic swaggering stroll, his steps werehalting and he was slightly bent. At the American Sports Awards, hehad to be helped up the steps to the stage, but his words still rangof the passion and emotion he brought to the game: "And, if bychance, the Lord wants me, he's going to get the best damnbroadcaster and ex-basketball coach that they ever had up there, I'lltell you that."