WRAL Sports Fan

College Basketball

Moton 'anxiously awaiting' debut, NCCU at UNC

By Adam Harris

Nov 11, 2009

Most people are nervous before their first day at a new job, and understandably so.  Now, let's say that job is head basketball coach at a small Division-I school, taking on the reigning national champions on their home court. 

Extremely nervous, perhaps?

While Wednesday is not technically LeVelle Moton's first day on the job, it is his first regular season game as N.C. Central's head coach.  Moton tells 99.9 FM The Fan ESPN Radio, he's handling the game-day nerves pretty well.

"I wouldn't describe myself as nervous, Moton told The Insiders.  "I'd describe myself as anxiously awaiting. I'm more so nervous for the guys."

"I just hope we are able to, just kind of whether their nervous storm."

Moton says a number of his Eagles players are actually Carolina fans.  The challenge will be to help his team avoid intimidation at the Dean Dome.  Will NC Central break out the tape measurer before the game, a la Gene Hackman in Hoosiers?

"That's the first thing we're going to do, is measure the rim," Moton answered.

While the Eagles are the heavy underdog against the Tar Heels, Moton will coach to win vs. sixth-ranked UNC.  However, the first-year coach at NCCU will not berate his team simply for losing.

"I just want them to go out, relax and have fun."

Moton also commented on his own performance.  How will he behave on the sidelines while his team is on the court?

"History has shown that I'm a take-off-his-jacket type of guy," says Moton.

"Not quite the sweater, like Gary Williams."