Dixie Classic

Dixie Classic

Dixie Classic was a popular basketball tournament held from 1949 to 1960 in Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh. Started by N.C. State basketball coach Everett Case, the tournament featured North Carolina's "Big Four" teams (UNC, Duke, N.C. State, and Wake Forest) against top teams from around the country. It was popular with students and alumni and attracted a wide following statewide. The tournament ended in scandal when multiple players —including a couple from UNC —were caught fixing games in exchange for payment from gamblers. The charges cast a pall on basketball for several years. UNC System president William C. Friday limited the number of basketball scholarships and games. The scandal and subsequent reforms contributed to the resignation of UNC coach Frank McGuire and the hiring of his assistant coach, Dean Smith.

Date Established: 1949

Date Range: 1949 – 1960