James Thomas Anthony Valvano (March 10, 1946 - April 28, 1993), nicknamed Jimmy V, coached 19 seasons, nine with N.C. State, winning the national title in 1983. His story can be found in his `91 autobiography, Valvano: They Gave Me a Lifetime Contract, and Then They Declared Me Dead. A `96 TV movie titled "Never Give Up: The Jimmy V Story", starred Anthony LaPaglia as Valvano. After his coaching career, Valvano became a popular broadcaster for ESPN & ABC.

Valvano died at the age of 47 after a yearlong battle with cancer. Shortly before his death, he spoke at the 1st annual ESPY awards. There he announced the creation of the "V Foundation", an organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer.

Every year, four college basketball teams compete in the "Jimmy V Basketball Classic". Money raised during this event goes to funding the V Foundation.

Was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano. Has raised more than $70 million, and has awarded hundreds of cancer research grants nationwide for all types of cancers. Visit www.jimmyv.org for more information.