Inside Label: N.C. State Wolfpack "1983 National Champs" Painter's Cap
The image of the late Jim Valvano aimlessly pacing the hardwood floor, looking for a hug, will forever capture the depth and meaning behind college basketball during the month of March. The 1983 North Carolina State Wolfpack entered the tournament as a sixth seed, they left as National Champions.
Their leader, Jim Valvano, watched his team scrape by each round of the 48 team tournament, barely making it to the title game. The Wolfpack walked into The Pit to face the number one seed Houston Cougars and their high flying, Phi Slama Jama offence. Houston was led by Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, who was named the tournaments most outstanding player. The game would end epically as North Carolina State approached the basket with seconds winding down on the ticking clock and the game tied. A 30-foot high arched shot was released, falling short of the baskets rim. Lorenzo Charles leaped into the New Mexico air, grabbed the short shot and slammed home the game-winning bucket for the Pack. The game has gone down as one of the most classic games to be played and it resonates all that college basketball evokes.
This cotton cloth, painter’s style cap celebrates North Carolina State’s 1983 National Championship. The top and front of the cap is screen printed in scarlet, while the back is finished with an elastic scrunched fitted band. The brim of the hat is secured in scarlet taping, which is stitched in a white thread. The brim of the cap is stitched into crown through the use of a single needle white stitch. The cap style is indicative to the early 1980’s and each player and coach signed the brim in dark ink. Ten short years after leading the Wolfpack to the title Jim Valvano died of cancer, leaving behind a legacy through his V Foundation. 
