There was a time when college basketball fans across the country couldn’t miss Le’Vell Moton and his North Carolina Central Eagles. Now 51 years old, the Boston native and former Eagle guard remains the face of the program he helped elevate to Division I prominence. Entering his 17th season at the helm, Moton is chasing a fifth trip to the NCAA Tournament and a long-awaited first tournament win.
A Hometown Leader with Deep Roots in Durham
Taking over in 2009, Moton guided the Eagles from independent status into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. It took four years to reach the big dance, but once they did in 2013-14, North Carolina Central quickly became the class of the MEAC.
Building a MEAC Powerhouse
From 2014 through 2020, Moton’s Eagles dominated the conference, capturing four regular-season and four tournament titles. He was twice named MEAC Coach of the Year, most recently in 2017, and established the program as one of the nation’s top mid-major success stories.
Despite those achievements, the Eagles have yet to notch their first NCAA Tournament victory under Moton. Still, his consistency and leadership have made North Carolina Central a perennial contender, and his impact extends far beyond wins and losses.
A Drought to Break
The Eagles haven’t appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 2018-19, though they did finish first in the league during the COVID-canceled 2019-20 season. Last year marked a rare down stretch, as Central slipped below .500 at 14-19 overall and 6-8 in conference play, their first losing record in a full season since 2015-16.
Even so, Moton sits just 22 wins away from 300 career victories and has won nearly 70 percent of his MEAC games. His teams remain known for their toughness, discipline, and togetherness, trademarks that have defined his tenure in Durham.
Facing a Grueling Start
The 2025-26 season begins with one of the toughest opening stretches in the country. The Eagles will play back-to-back road games against ACC opponents, starting November 3 at NC State and November 7 at Virginia. They’ll also face North Carolina, Dayton, Kentucky, and Penn State before beginning MEAC play on January 3 at home against Norfolk State.
More Than a Sideline Leader
Beyond basketball, Moton is deeply involved in the Durham community, known for his outreach and mentorship work. His commitment to developing young people both on and off the court has made him one of the most respected figures in college basketball.
As another season tips off, Moton and the Eagles aren’t just chasing wins; they’re chasing respect, redemption, and a long-awaited return to March Madness.