Olympic athlete breakdown
Cullen Jones, swimmer
At N.C. State: 2002-2006With the Wolfpack: As a senior, Jones won the NCAA title in the 50 freestyle as a senior and won his third consecutive ACC title in the event. He was tabbed ACC Swimmer of the Year in 2006 as a senior, and though he never graduated, he became only the second State swimmer to win both the ACC Swimmer of the Year and ACC Championship Meet MVP awards in the same year.
In the Olympics: Jones was a member of the 4×100 meter freestyle relay team that took gold in what was arguably the most exciting race of the Beijing Olympics. Jones, along with teammates Michael Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale and Jason Lezak, broke the world record with a time of 3 minutes and 8.24 seconds in a come from behind victory over France. Though Jones did not represent the USA in his top event, the 50 meter freestyle, he became just the second black swimmer to win a gold medal for the U.S.
Dan Velez, swimmer
At N.C. State: 2004-2006With the Wolfpack: Velez placed fourth in the ACC Championships in the 100 meter breaststroke. His time of 55.15 in the 100 breast was the second fastest time in school history. In 2005, he won the 100 breaststroke event at the Maccabiah Games with an event record time of 1:03.76, and also took home gold in the 400 medley relay.
In the Olympics: Though Velez was raised in Maryland, his father was a native of Puerto Rico, allowing Velez to qualify and compete for the U.S. Territory with his qualifying times. Velez did not disappoint, winning the third heat in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:01.80, setting a personal and Puerto Rican record. Despite his performance in the heat, he did not advance to the next round.
Nate McMillan, former basketball player and current coachAt N.C. State: 1984-1986
With the Wolfpack: A Raleigh native, McMillan played two seasons at N.C. State after a stint at Chowan College. With the Wolfpack, McMillan collected 402 assists, seventh all-time in school history. As a senior, he averaged a team-high 6.8 assists and also helped lead State to the Elite Eight in both 1985 and 1986 before being selected by the Seattle Super Sonics in the second round of the 1986 NBA draft.
In the Olympics: Nate McMillan is the current head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and his efforts there helped earn him a spot on Team USA’s bench as an assistant coach, joining Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s staff. Team USA remains undefeated in Beijing and advanced to the semifinal round to face Argentina with a convincing 116-85 win over Australia Wednesday. After failing to win gold in the past two Olympics, Team USA has been on a tear this time around, defeating opponents by an average of more than 30 points.
