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The East Carolina Pirates, also known as ECU, are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball. With a rich history dating back to 1968, the Pirates have called the 8,000-seat Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum their home court. Over the years, the Pirates have produced several notable players, including four who have gone on to reach the NBA. As members of Conference USA, the East Carolina Pirates have enjoyed success, including three consecutive appearances in the CIT postseason tournament and a championship win in 2013. The team's performance in other tournaments, such as the NCAA and CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournaments, has also been commendable. With a strong foundation and a passionate fanbase, the East Carolina Pirates men's basketball team continues to write its story in the competitive world of college basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | East Carolina Pirates |
| Conference | Conference USA |
| Former Conference | East Coast Athletic Conference |
| Division | South Division |
| Former Division | Colonial Athletic Association |
| Home Games Arena | Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum |
| Home Games Arena Capacity | 8,000 seats |
| Court Namesake | Bob Barnhill (women's court); Mike and Janet Rogers and Don and Donna Whitaker (men's court) |
| Donors | Bob Barnhill, Mike and Janet Rogers, Don and Donna Whitaker, Walter and Marie Williams |
| Former Coaches | Eddie Payne, Joe Dooley |
| Former Players | Theodore "Blue" Edwards, Akeem Richmond, Oliver Mack, George Maynor, Charles Alford |
| Tournament Appearances | CIT (3), NCAA (2), CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournaments (3), Collegiate Commissioners Association Tournaments |
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What You'll Learn
East Carolina Pirates basketball team history in Conference USA
The East Carolina Pirates are the athletic teams that represent East Carolina University (ECU), located in Greenville, North Carolina. All varsity-level sports teams participate at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level. ECU Men's Basketball plays in the Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. The team's colours are purple and gold.
In 2001, ECU joined Conference USA. In the 2010-2011 season, ECU Coach Jeff Lebo took the Pirates to their first postseason game since 1993. In 2013, the Pirates enjoyed a 20-win regular season and were invited to participate in the College Insider Tournament. They won the tournament with a three-point buzzer shot from Akeem Richmond, beating Weber State 77-74.
The Pirates have appeared in two NCAA tournaments, with their latest appearance occurring in 1993 when they played the North Carolina Tar Heels. They have also made two appearances in the NAIA National Tournament, in 1953 and 1954. The Pirates have appeared in three CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournaments (CIT), with a combined record of 5-2. They were CIT champions in 2013.
The East Carolina Pirates have had four players reach the NBA level: Theodore "Blue" Edwards, Oliver Mack, George Maynor, and Charles Alford.
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The Pirates' home games venue
The East Carolina Pirates men's basketball team is a member of Conference USA. The Pirates play their home games at the 8,000-seat Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. The arena is named in honour of Walter and Marie Williams, alumni of East Carolina College, who have generously supported East Carolina Athletics and endowed several scholarships for the university's athletics program. The Williams Arena is connected to the Murphy Center, the Pirates' athletic training facility, by an indoor walkway.
The Pirates have had a successful history in basketball, appearing in two NCAA tournaments and three CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournaments (CIT), including a championship win in 2013. The team has also produced several notable players who have gone on to be selected in the NBA draft, such as Theodore "Blue" Edwards, who was named the conference's Player of the Year in 1988-89 and was selected by the Utah Jazz in the 1989 NBA draft.
In addition to the men's team, the East Carolina Pirates women's basketball team also has a dedicated following. The floor inside the women's practice gym is named the Barnhill Court, recognising the financial support of Bob Barnhill of Tarboro. The Pirates take pride in their basketball facilities and the support of their donors, with each court named in honour of significant contributors to the "Step Up To The Highest Level" campaign.
The Pirates' basketball programme has a rich history and a passionate fanbase, with home games providing an exciting atmosphere for students, alumni, and fans alike. The team's venue, Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum, holds a capacity of 8,000 spectators and is a testament to the university's commitment to athletics.
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East Carolina players in the NBA
The East Carolina Pirates men's basketball team represents East Carolina University in NCAA Division I college basketball and competes in the American Athletic Conference. The Pirates are coached by Mike Schwartz. They play their home games at the 8,000-seat Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
East Carolina has had four players reach the NBA level. The first was Oliver Mack, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the third pick in the second round of the 1979 NBA draft. George Maynor was also drafted in 1979, selected by the Chicago Bulls as the sixth pick in the fourth round. Charles Alford was the Los Angeles Lakers' ninth pick in the tenth round of the 1968 NBA draft. The most recent East Carolina player to be drafted to the NBA was Theodore "Blue" Edwards, who was picked 21st overall by the Utah Jazz in 1989.
Although no East Carolina players are currently playing in the NBA, Felton, a recent ECU player, has been competing for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Summer League.
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The team's previous conference
The East Carolina Pirates men's basketball team, also known as ECU, has had a rich history in college basketball, with several notable achievements and players reaching the NBA. The team has had a few changes in its conference affiliation over the years.
In the early 1980s, ECU joined the East Coast Athletic Conference and competed in the South Division. This was a significant step for the team, as they would go on to find some early success in this conference. During their time in the East Coast Athletic Conference, ECU had a memorable run, especially under the leadership of head coach Eddie Payne in the 1990s. Payne led the Pirates to their first NCAA appearance in 21 years during the 1993 season. This appearance was particularly notable as they faced the eventual national champion, North Carolina, in the first round.
Theodore "Blue" Edwards was a standout player during this era. He was named the conference's Player of the Year for the 1988–89 season. His outstanding performance led to him being selected by the Utah Jazz in the 1989 NBA draft.
In 1985, the seven members of the East Coast Athletic Conference's South Division, including ECU, formed a new conference – the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). This move solidified the team's presence in collegiate basketball and set the foundation for future success. During their time in the CAA, ECU continued to build on their success and establish themselves as a competitive program.
ECU has also been a member of Conference USA, where they achieved notable success. As a member of this conference, they made three consecutive appearances in the CIT postseason tournament and even claimed the tournament championship in 2013. This victory was marked by Akeem Richmond's buzzer-beater, which secured the win over Weber State.
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The team's performance in the NCAA tournaments
The East Carolina Pirates men's basketball team has had a colourful history in college basketball, with a few notable achievements along the way. The team plays in the American Athletic Conference and previously competed in the East Coast Athletic Conference's South Division in 1981–82. The Pirates have appeared in two NCAA tournaments, with a combined record of 0-2.
In 1993, under the leadership of head coach Eddie Payne, the Pirates had a memorable run through the CAA Championship tournament, making it to the program's first NCAA appearance in 21 years. Unfortunately, they lost to the eventual national champion, North Carolina, in the first round. Payne's tenure as head coach lasted four seasons, after which his top assistant, Joe Dooley, took over for another four seasons. Dooley compiled the highest winning percentage in the school's Division I history.
The Pirates joined Conference USA in 2001–02 and earned their first-ever victory over an AP Top-10 team during their first season. As a member of this conference, ECU made three consecutive appearances in the CIT postseason tournament and claimed the tournament championship in 2013 with a buzzer-beater win by Akeem Richmond.
The Pirates play their home games at the 8,000-seat Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum, which was dedicated in 1968 and underwent renovations before the 1994–95 season. The team has had four players reach the NBA, including Theodore "Blue" Edwards, who was named the conference's Player of the Year in 1988–89 and was selected by the Utah Jazz in the 1989 NBA draft. Oliver Mack, George Maynor, and Charles Alford are the other three players who were drafted to the NBA from the Pirates.
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Frequently asked questions
East Carolina University's basketball team, the Pirates, are in Conference USA.
No, in 1981-82 they joined the East Coast Athletic Conference and competed in the South Division. In 1985, the seven members of the South Division formed the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).
Yes, they made three consecutive appearances in the CIT postseason tournament, winning the tournament championship in 2013.
Yes, four players have made it to the NBA. These include Oliver Mack, George Maynor, Charles Alford, and Theodore "Blue" Edwards.
