IT WAS A MOMENT THAT WAS YEARS IN THE MAKING.

Spartan fans went into a frenzy as the clock wound down. The buzzer rang, confetti fell and the bench rushed the court.

Coach Wes Miller stood proud, finally tasting the sweetness of a Southern Conference Tournament Championship and anNCAA Tournament automatic bid – the team's first since 2011.

Championship-level athletic programs aren’t built overnight. It’s a long, slow haul.

There have been heartbreaking losses. Rebuilding years. Times when the Spartans were “oh so close.”

There has also been great success – NCAA Tournament appearances in ’96 and ’01, ACC upsets, legendary names like Hartzell and Hines.

It’s these moments that have paved the way to what feels like a new era of Spartan hoops.

With 27 wins and a SoCon title – not to mention a near bracket- busting upset in the Big Dance – UNCG men’s basketball proved that it plays some of the most exciting basketball in the state.

Yet Miller admits that he hasn't taken a lot of time to reflect on the success.

"Our motto is 'No finish line,'" he says. "Even though we accomplished a goal, there was an immediate sense that there was still work to do."

During the offseason, he and his players have kept their heads down, focusing on getting better, one day at a time.

But there’s no denying that the buzz is building. The stage is set. And the Spartans are ready to step further into the spotlight.

“There’s a deep sense of urgency in our program to keep growing,” Miller says. “This returning group now has the confidence that they can play with anybody, and that they belong on the national stage.”