Ward and Smith Sponsors the Breakfast of Champions Featuring Dereck Whittenburg

Few moments in college basketball carry the lasting impact of NC State’s 1983 national championship run.

At the center of that unforgettable story was Dereck Whittenburg, whose leadership, determination, and legendary role in the Wolfpack’s championship victory continue to inspire generations of North Carolinians.

Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake and Johnston Counties, the upcoming Breakfast of Champions on November 10, 2026, will welcome Whittenburg for a morning focused on perseverance, purpose, community, and the power of believing in what is possible.

A former NC State standout and member of Coach Jim Valvano’s 1982-83 national championship team, Whittenburg helped lead the Wolfpack to its historic 54-52 win against the heavily favored University of Houston. His career has since extended far beyond the court. He has built more than 25 years of experience in college basketball coaching, served as an ESPN analyst and regional NBA scout, and contributed as an executive producer to ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary, Survive and Advance.

Whittenburg also remains deeply committed to service. He serves on the board of directors for The V Foundation for Cancer Research and co-founded the Dereck Whittenburg Foundation, which provides financial assistance to college students working to complete their degrees. Its message, “Dream. Believe. Work. Now Finish!”, reflects the same commitment and resilience that defined his playing career.

Today, Whittenburg continues to support student-athletes and the NC State community through his work in athletics administration at his alma mater.

Ward and Smith is proud to sponsor the Breakfast of Champions, hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake and Johnston Counties. We are honored to support an organization that helps young people build confidence, develop character, and pursue bright futures, while bringing the community together around stories of leadership, service, and achievement.