Print Edition - North Carolina Central University

10
Campus Echo
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007
Soaring into Division I
NO
R TH
W
C
A R O L I N A
EDNESDAY
, N
C
E N TR AL
OVEMBER
UN
IV E RS ITY
14, 2007
Top left: Both teams pose for a picture after the game to
commemorate NCCU’s first Division I game.
Top: Duke’s Kyle Singler attempts a jump shot over NCCU’s
Calvin Wright.
Bottom left: NCCU’s Charles Futrell snatches a rebound in
the second half.
Duke University student fans, aka, “The Cameron Crazies,” in traditional fashion, taunt N.C Central University players during a time-out. Cameron Indoor Stadium was packed with
9,314 fans for the Blue Devils’ season opener against NCCU last Friday, Nov. 9.
Photos – Mitchell Webson l Text – Quentin Gardner
L
ast Friday, the N.C. Central University men’s
basketball team made their NCAA Division I
debut against Duke University.
The Eagles stepped into perhaps one of the most
hostile college basketball arenas in the country,
Cameron Indoor Stadium.
As the Eagles took the court for pre-game warmups, a sea of royal blue and white slowly surrounded them. Over 9,000 fans rushed to witness the
opening game of the 2007 season.
The Cameron Crazies, the student supporters of
Duke's basketball teams, stood courtside in a
1,500-seat student section and had begun cheering during warm-ups.
The Crazies painted their faces and bodies and
wore Duke paraphernalia to represent their team.
The Eagles witnessed the Crazies jump up and
down when NCCU had possession of the ball and
yell cheers in unison at focal points of the game.
Throughout the course of the game remarks
were made: “sit down,” “pull your shorts up,” and
“air ball.”
Two and a half hours later, the Cameron Indoor
Stadium scoreboard displayed Duke's 121-56 rout
over the NCCU, but one scene told the best story:
Immediately after the game, both teams shook
hands.
Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski got both
teams together for a picture at mid-court to commemorate the moment.
“It's an honor for us to be in this game with
them, for their first game in Division I," Krzyzewski
said. "For me the best thing was after the game
and us being able to take a picture together. That
will stay there for the rest of time, just like the
great relationship like Duke and North Carolina
Central have.”
Despite the loss, NCCU head coach Henry
Dickerson said he looks forward to the season.
"I've never been beat by 50 before and then they
take your picture,” said Dickerson.
“But that's because Coach K is a good man and
that will be something to remember," said
Dickerson.
"We appreciate Duke University and Coach K for
giving us an opportunity to open our Division I
schedule here, across town. It's a historic moment
for our University and for our players."