NC A&T

Jon Teitel's "Coaching Greats": North Carolina A&T's Don Corbett

Jon Teitel — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:22:11 -0800

In the latest installment in his "Coaching Greats" series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with Don Corbett, one of the greatest coaches in North Carolina A&T history. Corbett won 254 games at the school and led the Aggies to seven NCAA tournament appearances.

Jon Teitel: You led North Carolina A&T to seven straight MEAC tournament titles from 1982-1988 (tied with Kentucky for most consecutive tournament titles in NCAA history). How were you able to remain so consistent over such a long stretch of time?

Don Corbett: We were able to maintain our consistency because of our ability to recruit quality players and develop them for four years. The playing experience gained from their freshmen year through their senior year was a huge advantage for us. I think you can see how college basketball's parity is changing because of mid-major programs playing with juniors/seniors, in comparison to high-major schools playing with talented freshmen/sophomores. Experience makes a difference and it was a large factor in our success.

JT: What are your memories of the 1982 NCAA tournament (Joe Binion had 17 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to West Virginia)?

DC: We were extremely excited about playing in the Big Dance, but we were too excited to be representing our school in the way we would have liked to play. West Virginia was just as strong back then as they are now.

JT: What are your memories of the 1983 NCAA tournament (President Obama's future brother-in-law Craig Robinson scored 15 points to lead Princeton to the win)?

DC: We felt more comfortable because I thought we matched up better with Princeton. I observed an improved mental attitude but unfortunately we came up short again. I had no idea Robinson was on that team. I am sure I knew back then, but was unaware of that connection now.

JT: Eric Boyd scored 23 points in a one-point loss to Morehead State in the 1984 NCAA tournament, which was both the first play-in game and the first use of instant replay in tournament history (to settle a dispute regarding who was supposed to attempt a pair of free throws late in the game). What was your reaction like when one of your worst free throw shooters was fouled and another of your players stepped to the line, and do you think that the video evidence cost you the win?

DC: I felt that we should have won the game even though we both had equal personnel. Boyd was fouled in a multi-player collision. I think that game set a precedent for the use of instant replay in sports. You can see how instant replay had an effect in recent tournaments. Even so, this game was our best shot to get a win in the tournament.

JT: What are your memories of the 1985 NCAA tournament (Wayman Tisdale had 28 points and 12 rebounds in an Oklahoma victory)?

DC: Playing the Sooners in Oklahoma was a tall order. Tisdale was tremendous that night, as were their wing players. I think we started three freshmen. We played very tough the entire game and never backed down from them.

JT: What are your memories of the 1986 NCAA tournament (Danny Manning scored 15 (7-9 FG) in a Kansas victory)?

DC: This was the only game where I felt we were extremely over-matched. They could have beaten us by 50 if they wanted to, but Coach Larry Brown was generous and called off the dogs. Having to follow up Tisdale with Manning (who played high school ball here in Greensboro) was a monumental task for us.

JT: What are your memories of the 1987 NCAA tournament (Derrick McKey had 25 points and 14 rebounds in the Alabama win)?

DC: It was a tough environment again, as we were playing the Tide in Alabama. We played tough for the first 16 minutes but had too many mental errors late in the first half. Alabama shot the ball very well that day.

JT: What are your memories of the 1988 NCAA tournament (Rony Seikaly had 20 points and 16 rebounds to lead Syracuse to the win)?

DC: Seikaly led a very talented squad; Derrick Coleman and Sherman Douglas were on that team as well. We played our best tournament game that year because of our prior tournament experience. Once we tied the score late in the game I felt we had a legitimate shot to win, but they used their size down the stretch and pulled away from us.

JT: You held the record for most consecutive losses in the NCAA tournament until former Penn coach Fran Dunphy lost his eighth straight tournament game in 2006. What is the biggest difference between coaching in the regular season and coaching in the postseason?

DC: My coaching philosophy is to prepare for the regular season. The postseason is just a bonus for a successful regular season.

JT: Your team had a 37-game home winning streak from 1986-1988. How big a factor were your home fans, and did it reach a point where you expected to win every time you stepped out on your home court?

DC: We expected to win every time we played, whether at home or on the road. We wanted our opponents to fear a trip to our place and for the most part they did during that era. It was hard to get non-conference opponents to come play a game in our gym because they knew the type of environment they were going to face. Our attendance and school spirit were second to none. We did not want to let our fans down due to their loyalty.

JT: Five members of your team were placed on probation for their part in a brawl in a 1990 game against North Carolina Central (the game was declared a no-contest after being suspended with eight minutes left due to a fight involving 200 fans after Jimmy Humphries fouled Derrick Leak). How bad was the foul, and how did things get so out of hand?

DC: The competitive nature of A&T and NCCU is both great and historic. It is one of the biggest rivalries in the state so we felt there was a lot of pride on the line in that game. We wanted to control the tempo of the game but as always it was a physical contest. I do not remember the foul being flagrant, but what happened afterwards took away from the fact that it was a great game. Only recently have they resumed playing a home-and-home series on campus. I am glad to see the games being
played again.

JT: You were named conference Coach of the Year six times. What did it mean to you to win such outstanding individual honors?

DC: Whatever honors I received were a direct reflection of the players on the court. I had some great players so any accolades I earned were because of them and I am forever grateful.

JT: In 2005, the North Carolina A&T basketball court was named the Cal Irvin/Don Corbett basketball court. What did it mean to you when you learned about the decision to name it after you and Coach Irvin?

DC: It is truly an honor to have shared the name of the court with Cal Irvin but again, my players are the reason for that honor.

JT: Your son Darren is currently a high school coach. How proud are you of his success, and did you have any influence on his career choice?

DC: Darren grew up on my bench and wanted to coach, even though I tried to discourage him from doing so. Sometimes coaching can be a stressful profession so I did not want him to have to go through some of the things I went through. I am very proud of his successes and the relationships he has developed with his players. He is a hard worker and is mentally coaching year-round, which is a good sign of a commitment to excellence.

JT: When people look back on your career, how do you want to be remembered the most?

DC: I want to be remembered as a coach who was fair to his players and committed to making young men into outstanding citizens.

Corbett is also on Jon's list of best coaches in MEAC history.

Bethune-Cookman: Jack "Cy" McClairen (1961-1993) 397-427, 1-time conference COY
Coppin State: Ron "Fang" Mitchell (1986-present) 408-369, 4 NCAA tourneys, 10 conference titles, 6-time conference COY
Delaware State: Greg Jackson (2000-present) 177-180, 1 NCAA tourney, 3 conference titles, 1-time conference COY
Florida A&M: Mike Gillespie (2001-2007) 90-94, 2 NCAA tourneys, 2-time conference COY
Hampton: Steve Merfeld (1997-2002) 90-57, 2 NCAA tourneys, 2 conference titles, 1-time conference COY
Howard: Frankie Allen (2000-2005) 52-93
Maryland Eastern Shore: Kirkland Hall (1976-1984) 79-131
Morgan State: Chris Fuller (1995-2001) 53-115
Norfolk State: Charles Christian (1973-1978, 1981-1990) 319-95, 7 conference titles, 4-time conference COY
North Carolina A&T: Don Corbett (1979-1993) 254-145, 7 NCAA tourneys, 7 conference titles, 6-time conference COY
North Carolina Central: John McLendon (1940-1952) 239-68, 8 conference titles
Savannah State: Russell Ellington (1976-1985) 148-91, 3 conference titles
South Carolina State: Cy Alexander (1987-2003) 276-200, 5 NCAA tourneys, 6 conference titles, 3-time conference COY

Poll: Who Will Win the MEAC?

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:19:16 -0700

MEAC Basketball Preview: 08-09

CHN — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:54:55 -0800

Conference Rank: 30th

Conference Page

All-MEAC Team
Pos.	Player	Team	Yr.

G	Tywain McKee	Coppin St	Sr
G	Reggie Holmes	Morgan St	Jr
G/F	Corey Lyons	Norfolk St	Sr
F	Marquise Kately	Morgan St	Sr
F	Jason Johnson	So. Carolina St	Sr
CHN Award Winners		Returning Leaders
none		Points: Tywain McKee 16.6 Rebounds: Jason Johnson 7.5 Assists: Joe Ballard (FAMU) 3.8

MEAC Standings
Nat'l	Team	League	Tourney

126	Morgan State*	MEAC	1	NCAA
167	Hampton	MEAC	2
197	Delaware State	MEAC	3
240	Norfolk State	MEAC	4
254	South Carolina St	MEAC	5
283	Florida A&M	MEAC	6
301	Coppin State**	MEAC	7
310	NC A&T	MEAC	8
317	Howard	MEAC	9
319	Bethune-Cookman	MEAC	10
339	UMES	MEAC	11

*Click on links for full Top 144 team preview

** returning conference champion

Poll: Who Do You Think Will Win the MEAC?

Other MEAC Content

Conference Media Poll

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Rise & Fall: MEAC

State of '08: North Carolina

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:45:49 -0700

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Duke or Carolina? BC or UMASS? Gonzaga or Washington.. or Washington State? What is the best program in each state? While there's not much competition in Hawaii.. there are great debates to be had in loaded regions like California, North Carolina, and Texas. The State of '08 is a ranking of every program in every state.. based mostly on recent success (the last five years) mixed in with subjective factors such as conference prestige, historical success, and overall program direction.

For more info, check out the State of '08 introduction.

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH CAROLINA - In the past four years, UNC has won 3 ACC regular season titles, 2 conference tournaments, advanced to 2 Final Fours, and won a National Championship. Not bad.

DUKE - In most other states, Duke would be the run away top program.. but UNC happens to be in the middle of a nice run. Still, the Blue Devils have reached the Sweet Sixteen in 8 of the last 11 years.

DAVIDSON - Bob McKillop's teams have long dominated the Southern Conference. The Wildcats have finished 1st or 2nd in the conference in 12 of 13 seasons, including at least 10 league wins in those 12 years. But last year, the program reached another level by advancing to the Elite Eight.

WAKE FOREST - For obvious reasons, the past few seasons have been disappointing for the Wake community. But most fans are expecting a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005, and perhaps the Deacons' first Sweet Sixteen trip since 2004.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE - For whatever reasons, NC State was never satisfied with Herb Sendek even though he took over a program struggling under Les Robinson, and led them to five straight NCAA Tournaments from 2002 to 2006. Sidney Lowe will most likely end his 3rd season without a Tournament bid, though next year's recruiting haul is impressive.

6. CHARLOTTE - From 1995 to 2005, the 49ers made the Big Dance in 8 of 11 seasons. In the last three years since joining the A10, there's just been a pair of NIT selections. This year's team should once again be in the postseason mix.

7. UNC WILMINGTON - Ever since Jerry Wainright took over in 1995, UNCW has been one of the most consistent teams in the CAA. From 2000 to 2006, UNCW made 4 NCAA Tournaments. Third year coach Benny Moss will have to probably wait until at least 2010 for his first postseason trip.

8. APPALACHIAN STATE - Houston Fancher's 8 year tenure at App State has been solid, but he's still looking for that elusive NCAA Tournament appearance. In 2007, the Mountaineers did make the NIT after finishing the regular season with an RPI of 65.

9. UNC ASHEVILLE - Coming off one of the program's better seasons (19 D1 wins, and a conference finals trip), the Bulldogs should struggle once again in 2009. UNCA did make the Tourney in 2003, coming out of nowhere to win the Big South after a sub-par regular season.

10. UNC GREENSBORO - The Spartans knocked off Georgia Tech early last year on their way to a solid 19-win season. It was their best campaign since 2002, when they reached the NIT a year after losing to Stanford in the Big Dance.

11. HIGH POINT - Considering the program is barely a decade old at the D1 level, High Point's limited success is actually impressive. In both 06 & 07, the Panthers were a Top 200 RPI team, something that very few programs in the state can claim. 2009 should be the 4th season in a row with a finish of .500 or better in the Big South.

12. GARDNER-WEBB - The Bulldogs join the Big South this year, after less than a decade in the A-Sun. Except for a disappointing 2007 campaign, the program has actually been respectable recently.

13. ELON - 2006 was arguably the high-water mark in Elon history. The Phoenix shocked Clemson, and finished 10-4 in the Southern Conference. Last year, despite a mediocre regular season, Elon surprised many by reaching the conference title game.

14. EAST CAROLINA - While ECU has had some success on the football field, the hardcourt is another story. In the last two years, the Pirates have won just 12 D1 games and even lost to an NAIA squad last December.

15. WESTERN CAROLINA - In the last decade, WCU hasn't finished above .500 in the Southern Conference, and their top RPI finish is 230th.

16. CAMPBELL - The Camels lone NCAA Tournament came in 1992. The next one might be years away.. Campbell hasn't even reached .500 in the Atlantic Sun since 2000. There is at least some hope for respectability in 2009 thanks to star Jonathan Rodriguez.

17. NORTH CAROLINA A&T - From 03 to 06, A&T was one of the worst teams in the country. The team has at least been competitive in the MEAC the past two years, but its still the MEAC..

18. WINSTON-SALEM STATE - The Rams improved in their 2nd season at the top level, winning an impressive 11 D1 games. The team should be good enough in 2009 to perhaps knock off their first Top 200 team.

19. NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL - The Eagles transition to D1 started slowly with a 4-26 record last year.

Last: New York - Next: Ohio

State of '08: The Introduction (& State list/links)

Night in the MEAC: a Cigarboy Road Trip

Bill Kintner — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 08:09:45 -0800

GREENSBORO, NC – What’s a MEAC you may ask? It stands for the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference.

It is a conference of historic Black schools. They are only ranked 31st in the RPI, but don’t tell the fans tonight at North Carolina A&T University, to them the home team Aggies are the NBA Champion 1993 Chicago Bulls. And little Steven Rush who tonight scored 28 points, is their Michael Jordan.

Well tonight’s tale takes place at the 5700 seat Corbett Sports Center, a very unremarkable basketball venue built in 1978.

But just because the building is unremarkable, doesn’t mean what happens in the building is unremarkable. In fact, this building has been host to a ton of good basketball.

For starters the Corbett Sports Center had an impressive 37 game winning streak from January 18, 1986 until November 30, 1988.

Around that time the Aggies appeared in the NCAA Tournament seven straight times from 1981 through 1987. They even made a couple return appearances in 1994 and 1995. Since then winning seasons have been few and far between.

Coming into this game A&T was only 8-12 and the Hampton Pirates were just 7-12. But someone forgot to tell the 4105 fans who came to the Corbett Sports Center to see their beloved Aggies win.

The Aggies average over 4000 fans a game and that is far more than any other school in their conference.

Those fans include the students standing at each end just 2-3 feet from the court. It is very intimidating to have fans that close.

Twice during the game there was an announcement to stay off the court and out of play. But tonight the students are well behaved.

Music is front and center at this venue. When the action stops the very good pep band swings into action. If it is not the band, then they crank up the rap music or sometimes some jazzy R and B music.

But rest assured it will not be quiet.

Now let me add I am not a fan of rap music, but gosh darn it works at the Corbett Sports Center. Maybe it is because of all the fans dancing in front of their seats. The stands start to shake and sway as the dance competition gets going. There is never a dull moment when the action stops on the court.

The PA announcer is a fellow named John Allen. He has a great voice, and the ability to say just the right thing, at the right time, using a minimum of words to do it.

At just the right time he will say, “Are there any Aggies in the House?”

Of course, the fans get louder.

Allen must have been a fan of the old Gomer Pyle show because he did a great Sergeant Carter imitation when he said, “I can’t HEAR you!”

Then it gets even louder again.

At the beginning of the evening he reminded the fans that A&T’ Corbett Sports Center was chosen as the 14^th best atmosphere in college. He said it as a reminder to the fans to keep the noise level up.

Never mind that he was referring to a fan poll from ESPN.com where fans who never went to most of the venues presented in the poll to be voted on just voted for their favorite schools.

But that is not the point. The point is that A&T takes tremendous pride in their program and the atmosphere in the gym, plus that everyone there was having a great time.

As the crowd roared the Aggies came out and laid an egg. By the 9:22 mark in the first half they trailed by 19 points at 27-8.

But the crowd screamed, danced and sang along with the music and sure enough Lazarus came back from the dead as the Aggies closed the gap to as close as eight points with a minute left in the first half before allowing Hampton to push their led back up to double digits at 41-30 at half time.

The half time entertainment was the dance team. They danced to some rap songs and every eye in the place was on the girls, as they worked their way though their routine.

In the second half the Aggies chipped away at the Hampton lead and finally at the 11:09 mark they tied the game at 48-48 on a free throw by Jason

Wills.

During the time outs the music plays on.

During one second half time out, they cranked up the song “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton. All eyes went up to the upper section aisle where a fraternity did a fancy dance in unison, while a lot of the fans especially the students danced a little themselves.

By the 3:59 mark the Aggies pushed their lead up to five points at 62-57.

Another time out and the crowd is going nuts.

They played a song called Go Sit Down by Maceo and of course everyone stood up and danced. There was a fraternity dancing in a mob on the upper aisle and there was one shirtless guy on anther guy’s shoulders. As they were dancing the guys were all smacking the guy on the shoulders until he fell off. Of course, they caught him and everyone in the gym had a smile on their face.

Back on the court as the game starts fans are shouting, “defense, defense, defense,” but the game starts going south for A&T and they end up losing 70-64.

The fans go home after another loss, but they will be back again. After all this is North Carolina A&T and their games are among the most unique, interesting and fun games in all of college basketball.