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

Photos: Roy Williams attends UNC Greensboro men’s basketball practice
UNCG’s men’s basketball team had a special guest at practice Monday. Legendary UNC men’s basketball coach Roy Williams attended the Spartans’ practice. Head coach Jerod...
Sat Sep 5, 2026

Inside Malone’s five-month transfer portal education: Film, film, film
"The biggest challenge was...this transfer portal. Initially the greatest challenge was I didn’t know the players," Michael Malone said Thursday. "So somebody mentioned Terrence Brown...
Sat Sep 5, 2026

'Sky's the Limit' for Sayon Keita
When Sayon Keita committed to UNC on April 28, his potential was never in question. Keita brings a 7-foot-1, 205-pound frame with experience in Spain’s...
Sat Sep 5, 2026

What UNC Basketball Fans Can Expect From a Michael Malone Team
"I hope we're hard-working," UNC Basketball coach Michael Malone said. "We're a team that leaves it out there every night. That we exhibit toughness. We...
Sat Sep 5, 2026