The man I bought it from was, quite literally, taller than the tree. That’s because the man was Tommy Burleson, who 50 years ago helped lead N.C. State to the 1974 NCAA men’s basketball title.

We played pick-up basketball at the gym occasionally, and I met NC State alum Tommy Burleson his freshman year. I thought meeting him was cool, even though I wasn't a NC State fan. Burleson's team ...