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

Jaydon Young Was Ready, And The Tar Heels Needed Every Bit of It
Despite making three 3-pointers and providing an invaluable boost to the Tar Heels' offense against the Demon Deacons, Hubert Davis believes Jaydon Young's biggest impact...
Sun Jan 11, 2026

North Carolina vs. Wake Forest Postgame Notes
It was North Carolina's 500th win in the Smith Center. UNC is 500-90 in 41 seasons in the Smith Center, including 259-71 against ACC opponents...
Sun Jan 11, 2026

Why did ball not go to Caleb Wilson late? 'I don’t want to speak to that'
It was what Caleb Wilson didn’t say after getting only two second-half shots that stood out. Asked what the difference was for him when UNC...
Sun Jan 11, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Does Just Enough To Beat Wake Forest
Rob Harrington and Tommy Ashley from Inside Carolina discuss UNC Basketball's 87-84 win over Wake Forest at the Smith Center, the Tar Heels' struggles defending...
Sun Jan 11, 2026