Jimmy Valvano is a name not widely known this side of the Atlantic. In America, he is revered as an extraordinary inspiration. It was as a college basketball coach of NC State Wolfpack that the brash Italian-American made his name.

After 10 years' coaching, "Jimmy V" arrived at State and told anyone who would listen he would win the National Championship. State had won the title only once, seven years before, and were struggling. In their first practice, Jimmy told his team: "If I can get you to see what I'm seeing and to dream what I'm dreaming, then we will win the championship."

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Source: http://www.independent.co.uk