NCCU introduces Phil Spence as men's basketball coach

At a press conference where the Chancellor's announcement of his resignation almost upstaged the planned presentation, N.C. Central University introduced Phil Spence as its next head men's basketball coach.

"It's an honor to come to North Carolina Central," Spence said in his opening statement. "If this was any other school or university, I probably wouldn't have applied."

Spence comes to NCCU after a 23 year career as a coach and teacher in the Wake County (NC) School System. He coached the boys' basketball team at East Wake High School in Raleigh for 10 seasons (1989-99). During that time, he led the Warriors to three consecutive playoff appearances, including a trip the the state 4-A championship game in 1991. His teams won four Tri-6 conference championships. He was recognized as the Tri-6 Conference and Wake County Coach of the Year in 1991 and 1992.

Prior to his stint at East Wake, Spence, 46, spent 10 seasons at Cary High School from 1979-89. He served as the junior varsity boys' basketball coach for four years and became the head coach of the varsity for the next six years.

Most recently, Spence has been the Career Development Coordinator at Longview School in Raleigh, working with behavior emotional disadvantaged youth in grades 6-12.

Spence has deep ties to N.C. Central. His wife of 23 years is an NCCU graduate and his two daughters are enrolled at the school.

"I played at N.C. State and went to class at N.C. State but most of the other time, I was on this campus," he said.

During his career at N.C. State, Spence was a member of the 1974 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball championship team. He graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Industrial Education.

Spence's introduction was almost overshadowed by the announcement by Chancellor Julius Chambers that he is leaving the university. "I guess you've heard that I have submitted my resignation," he said. "I've got some other things that I want to do but I look forward to returning to watch our basketball team."

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