When men’s basketball Coach Henry Dickerson was hired by N.C. Central University last year, it was no secret that he wanted to win a CIAA tournament.

His first CIAA safari came last week, but the Eagles were forced out of the tournament in their second game after going down to Johnson C. Smith 69-79. Things seemed to be off to a great start when the Eagles walloped Virginia State 72-55 in the team’s first game.

“My goal was to win it,” Dickerson said.

Dickerson was disappointed, but he said that one day the Eagles will win the tournament they last won 55 years ago.

“The goal is still to win the championship,” Dickerson said.

When asked when NCCU would win the tournament Dickerson joked:

“Yesterday,” adding that there’s no way to put a time on winning it.

Dickerson, who has a 16-12 record in his first season at NCCU, said he has had to make some tactical adjustment “based on the team he inherited.”

He said he hopes to recruit players who will suit his system of play.

“Recruiting is the bloodline of any athletics program,” Dickerson said, adding that the players need to have the “right chemistry.”

It’s also important, according to Dickerson, that the players stay eligible and stay injury free. Having a bit of luck is also important.

Dickerson attributed the early exit of the Eagles from this year’s CIAA to the player’s inexperience.

But all in all he was impressed with the team’s effort.

“They never quit,” Dickerson said. “They played hard all the time”

NCCU has only one player from last year’s starting line up to play in this year’s CIAA.

Under Coach Phil Spence the team reached the CIAA final game, but lost 72-80 to Virginia Union. Spence’s contract was not renewed in 2004.

Dickerson is the former head coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He has over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience.

Dickerson said the support from NCCU students was important.

“I really truly appreciate the students,” Dickerson said. “Win or lose they were cheering.”

Among this year’s Eagles, Dickerson was particularly impressed with Jonathan Moore, a player who he sees as having a chance to play in the NBA.

“He is a special player. They don’t come so often,” Dickerson said.

But Dickerson said his best moment at NCCU will be when he sees his players “walking up and getting a diploma.”

He said all the other things may come and go but, “the diploma will always be there.”

Dickerson also remains optimistic that one day the Eagles will win the CIAA.