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

Video: Tyler Hansbrough, Antawn Jamison on co-teaching J-School, Michael Malone, UNC Basketball
During the previous school year, Tyler Hansbrough co-taught a Sports Communication class at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism. This school year, Antawn Jamison is...
Tue Sep 22, 2026

Antawn Jamison Returns to Carolina in New Role at UNC Hussman
Antawn Jamison has already left a lasting mark at UNC. Now, nearly three decades after completing one of the most accomplished basketball careers in program...
Tue Sep 22, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - Can UNC Basketball Repeat a Perfect Home Schedule?
Can UNC Basketball replicate its perfect home record this season, or will a tougher Smith Center schedule prove too much for a retooled Tar Heel...
Tue Sep 22, 2026

Video: TarHeel247 - UNC Basketball Practice Begins
North Carolina Basketball starts practice for the 2026-27 season on Tuesday, and to get people going, David Sisk and Andrew Jones of TarHeel247 discuss all...
Tue Sep 22, 2026