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

Carolina's Culture Effect
As UNC Baseball continues its run to Omaha, Carolina Football under Bill Belichick is less than three months away from the year two opener, while...
Wed Jun 3, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - What History Portends For Michael Malone; Baseball Super Regional
Looking at the modern history of UNC Men's Basketball coaches in their first season coaching the Tar Heels, there's a possibility this could be a...
Tue Jun 2, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - Sorting Out UNC Basketball's Inventory
UNC Basketball coach Michael Malone has been out of the public eye but quietly building his staff and roster. With some key dates now passed,...
Tue Jun 2, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball's Backcourt Upgrade
UNC Basketball retained Isaiah Denis and Jaydon Young in the backcourt and added Matt Able, Terrence Brown, and Neo Avdalas. Inside Carolina basketball analyst Rob...
Mon Jun 1, 2026