Legendary University of North Carolina men’s basketball head coach Dean Smith passed away Saturday night, the school announced Sunday morning. He was 83.
Smith, widely regarded as one of the best coaches in college basketball history, passed away at his home in North Carolina surrounded by his family.
“He was the greatest there ever was on the court but far, far better off the court with people,” current Carolina coach Roy Williams said in a statement released by the program Sunday. “His concern for people will be the legacy I will remember most.
“He was a mentor to so many people; he was my mentor. He gave me a chance but, more importantly, he shared with me his knowledge, which is the greatest gift you can give someone.”
The longtime UNC coach retired in 1997 as the winningest coach in college hoops history. He led the Tar Heels from 1961 to 1997 and helped the Heels secure national championships in 1982 and 1993. He reached 11 Final Fours and also won 13 ACC tournaments as Carolina’s coach.
He left Chapel Hill in 1997 with a career record of 879-254.
Smith also will be remembered for the players he coached at Carolina. Most notable was NBA legend Michael Jordan, but Smith also coached the likes of James Worthy, Robert McAdoo, Billy Cunningham and Vince Carter.
The Tar Heels’ home arena was named the Dean E. Smith Center upon being built in 1986.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@uncgraphics
