How a promise to Dean Smith brought former basketball player Vasco Evtimov back to UNC

Posted Feb 18, 2019
In the summer of 1999, Vasco Evtimov had just forfeited his last two years of college eligibility to sign with a Greek professional team over returning to UNC. Before the 6-foot-10 Evtimov left Chapel Hill, though, he spoke with Dean Smith, who recruited Evtimov and coached him as a freshman. “I promised Coach Smith...I would come back and get my degree. And here I am." (Daily Tar Heel)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

October Games are Good for UNC Basketball
As poorly as much of UNC's exhibition basketball game against Indiana went on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, it didn't occur without benefiting the Tar Heels...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Tyler Zeller on UNC Basketball's Exhibition Loss to Indiana
Tyler Zeller, former ACC Player of the Year and UNC national champion, joins Isaac Schade to discuss the Tar Heels' 18-point exhibition loss to Indiana,...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

Caleb Wilson ‘prepared’ ahead of NBA debut; 14 Tar Heels on NBA rosters
The NBA season opens Tuesday with 14 former UNC Basketball players on rosters, with five projected starters and six on two-way contracts, as Caleb Wilson...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

Video: Carolina Insider - Interview With Angelo Brizzi
Angelo Brizzi from North Carolina Men's Basketball joins Jones Angell and Adam Lucas on the Carolina Insider Podcast to talk about the Tar Heels' upcoming...
Tue Oct 20, 2026