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College basketball and the world of sports lost one of its most heroic figures this weekend. Former University of North Carolina head coach and NCAA ambassador, Dean Smith, passed away Saturday night at the age of 83. Beloved by all who knew him, and worshiped by the men he coached, Dean Smith wasn’t just a basketball figure, he was an inspiration, a teacher, and a father to all who crossed his path.
Although his impact on basketball is vast and immeasurable, it was Dean’s influence on people that will be remembered most. While he certainly made his mark at Kansas first as a player then a coaching assistant, he moved on to Air Force in a similar capacity before making history at North Carolina. Mounting 11 Final Four appearances that resulted in two national championships, Smith coached and mentored some of the best basketball players the world has ever seen. But more importantly, an astounding 96% of his student athletes went on to receive their degree. A feat far more transcendent and culturally impactful than any trophy one can hoist.
With 879 career wins in 36 years coaching college basketball, Smith made men out of boys – one of whom went on to become the greatest basketball player of all-time, Michael Jordan. He credits Dean Smith as a second father, and a guiding force in life that extends far beyond the hardwood. Smith created an environment, through basketball, that was conducive to creating success in hoops and in life. Jordan, as we all know, excelled in both – it’s just one of the many reasons why Jordan Brand is what it is today, and among the many complementary factors sites like this one exist.
Aside from Jordan, Smith turned out roughly 50 NBA players. Names like Vince Carter, Antwan Jamison, James Worthy, Sam Perkins, Kenny Smith, Bob McAdoo, and many more liter record books alongside hanging in the rafters at the Dean Dome and NBA arenas around the country. Not only was he socially conscious, signing Charlie Scott in 1967, the first African-American player at a major southern school, Smith taught his players that learning their basketball self was a clear window into who they were, or could be, as men. Through his open arms, extended hand, unparalleled expertise and vision, Dean Smith grow into more than just a great coach, he became an icon. He was a first class citizen that just happened to be a genius coach. We were lucky to have him as long as we did.
