NCCU Helps McDougald Terrace Through Basketball

DURHAM, N.C. –  N.C. Central women’s basketball had a heart-breaking 64-60 loss to Delaware St. yesterday, Jan. 25, and the men’s team stung DSU 72-45 at McDougald-McLendon Arena, but the biggest winners of the day were the relocated residents of McDougald Terrace.

N.C. Central’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.C.C.) held an emergency relief donation drive for the more than 300 relocated residents of McDougald Terrae as a result of elevated levels of carbon monoxide and mold.

NCCU faithful brought non-perishable items, and gently used clothes and school supplies to the arena whose name pays homage to the same person, R.L. McDougald, as McDougald Terrace.

“When you’re talking about HBCU basketball,” said N.C. Central head coach LeVelle Moton, “you talk about community – that’s the one word. So, we wouldn’t be who we are without that community. McDougald Terrace has supported us throughout the years.  We always want to support them as well. It’s unfortunate what’s going on. Some members of my team, my foundation team, has reached out to see what ways we can offer assistance because we were out of town when the stories broke. When we came back in, I was receiving (the news) via Twitter. I had the link, and I went on and looking at those residents’ eyes. It was painful. 

“And you guys know me and you know the circumstances I’m from. I grew up in places similar to McDougald Terrace and it’s heartfelt especially when parents have kids in those situations. I just want to find out how I can help. That’s the first thing because it’s bigger than basketball. This is about humanity for me. Our prayers are with them and we hope we raised some monies that can go to their assistance and help provide a better quality of life.”

N.C. Central senior forward Jibri Blount finished with a career-high 33 points in addition to 10 rebounds and five steals for his third consecutive double-double and fifth in the last six games.

“Our coaches and Coach Moton he has developed Velle Cares Foundation, so he’s making sure that we’re always involved in the community,” Blount said. “Whether it’s through his organization, or doing things outside of that. Today was a big day for us with the drive that they had today, and I think it was a good thing we put on today.”

N.C. Central hosts South Carolina State at McDougald-McLendon Saturday,  Feb. 1,  with the women’s tipoff at 2 p.m. and the men’s at 4 p.m.

Click here to find out ways you can help out the residents of McDougald Terrace.

(Feature image courtesy of Landon Bost)