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Top 10 Moments of the Decade in North Carolina Sports

By Christian Candeloro

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers runs onto the field during player introductions before their game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers runs onto the field during player introductions before their game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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No. 7: Hornets Return to Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 17: A detailed view of the original logo of the Charlotte Hornets on display on the court ahead of opening night against the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center on October 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 17: A detailed view of the original logo of the Charlotte Hornets on display on the court ahead of opening night against the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center on October 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

The team officially returned in 2004 as the Bobcats, holding an expansion draft and selecting Emeka Okafor in the first round of the draft. What followed was five straight losing seasons and eight losing seasons in its first nine campaigns.

In 2014 however, the Hornets came back. The team submitted an application to retake the Hornets namesake and Buzz City was reborn.

No. 6: Graham Gano hits 63-yard field goal to defeat New York Giants

One of the best professional sports moments to take place in the last decade, Gano provided a swift kick that knocked off the New York Giants and kept the early season good vibes rolling for the Panthers.

The Panthers entered the game at 2-1 and out of the bye week, facing a New York squad that was starting a clearly cooked Eli Manning at quarterback.

The Panthers received the ball with 1:08 left in regulation and Newton went to work, completing two passes to get the ball into New York territory. If not for Gano, head coach Ron Rivera would’ve been universally roasted with his playcalling after rushed running back Christian McCaffrey up the middle and gained only one yard, setting up Gano for an almost impossible kick to try and save the team.

The Panthers would start 6-2 through Week 9 but lost seven straight games to miss the playoffs and vault themselves into this year’s failed campaign.

No. 5: UNC defeats Gonzaga in National Championship

The Tar Heels nearly had two National Championships this decade and if so, then Marcus Paige’s wild acrobatic shot would’ve made this list. Instead the Tar Heels were forced to avenge their loss the following year, facing Gonzaga in the National Championship game.

Gonzaga entered the game a ridiculous 37-0 and led at halftime. The Bulldogs led as late as 1:52 left in the game but the Tar Heels were able to pull away late for the victory.

Joel Berry II was named the game MVP, scoring 22 points to give head coach Roy Williams his third NCAA Championship victory.

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